A 23-year-old man developed a rare and serious medical condition after years of drug abuse, showing how addiction can damage the body in unexpected ways.
The man was unable to hold his head upright. His neck muscles had become so weak that his chin rested permanently on his chest. Doctors diagnosed him with dropped head syndrome, a condition usually seen in people with serious nerve or muscle diseases.
Doctors found that his condition was linked to long-term drug use. The drugs did not directly damage his bones. Instead, they caused him to remain in the same unnatural position for long periods. Over many months, this led to severe changes in his neck and spine. Before his addiction, there were no signs he would develop this problem.
For more than a year, he suffered ongoing neck pain, stiffness, and tingling in his arms. Scans later confirmed that his spine was badly deformed. Surgery was needed to correct the damage, and he was able to stand and walk shortly after, using a supportive neck brace.
After surgery, the man entered rehabilitation to address his addiction. Doctors later confirmed his spine had improved. The case highlights that drug abuse can cause serious, long-lasting physical harm, even in young people, and not just the risks most people expect.