Yes — and it’s happening more often than ever. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we’re seeing a sharp rise in neck pain, stiffness, and long-term spine issues related to “tech neck,” a condition driven by our modern-day dependence on smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck, also called “text neck,” refers to the strain placed on your neck muscles and cervical spine when your head tilts forward for extended periods — like when scrolling on your phone or working on a laptop. It’s a modern posture problem that’s become a widespread health concern.
Here’s why: the human head weighs 10 to 12 pounds in a neutral, upright position. But tilt your head just 15 degrees forward, and it puts about 27 pounds of force on your neck. At 45 degrees, that pressure increases to nearly 50 pounds. For reference, that’s the weight of a small child hanging from your neck for hours each day.
The Growing Impact
Tech neck isn’t just about momentary discomfort — it can cause real damage over time. According to a 2021 study published in Spine, over 70% of young adults report frequent neck or upper back pain linked to prolonged screen use. And the numbers are rising in both younger and older populations.
As posture worsens, so does the impact on the cervical spine. The consistent forward flexion of the neck can lead to:
- Disc compression and herniation in the cervical spine
- Degenerative disc disease
- Chronic pain and stiffness
- Nerve impingement (leading to tingling or weakness in the arms or hands)
- Headaches and muscle tension
Left unaddressed, tech neck can cause lasting structural changes in the cervical spine, sometimes requiring interventional procedures or even surgery.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While tech neck can affect anyone, it’s especially common in:
- Office workers who spend hours at a computer without ergonomic setups
- Students using tablets and laptops for schoolwork
- Teenagers and young adults constantly using mobile devices
- Remote workers who’ve replaced desks with couches or kitchen tables
The CDC reports that the average adult now spends over 7 hours a day on screens. For teens, that number jumps to over 9 hours. Most of that time involves poor posture, which explains why tech neck is becoming one of the most common cervical spine complaints in orthopedic and spine clinics across the country.
Preventing Long-Term Damage
The good news? Tech neck is preventable — and treatable, especially when caught early. Here’s what we recommend at Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians:
- Raise your screen to eye level to reduce downward tilt.
- Take regular breaks — follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Strengthen neck and upper back muscles through posture-focused exercises.
- Use ergonomic furniture designed to support spinal alignment.
- Seek early intervention if you experience consistent neck pain, stiffness, or headaches.
Advanced Care Nationwide
If you’re already dealing with symptoms of tech neck, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, our board-certified specialists offer advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and cutting-edge procedures to help restore cervical spine health and prevent further damage.
With locations across the country, expert help is closer than you think. Whether you need physical therapy, non-surgical solutions, or minimally invasive spine procedures, we’re here to help you get back to living pain-free.
Concerned about tech neck symptoms? Contact Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians today to schedule a comprehensive cervical spine evaluation.
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