The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) has recently released new data revealing Tension Neck Syndrome, also known as ‘Tech Neck’, as a significant public health concern due to our increasingly digital world. From long hours sitting at the computer to constantly looking at mobile devices, our daily digital use has taken a toll on our spines. In hopes of raising awareness about the Syndrome, ACA‘s Spinal Health Week (May 26 to June 1, 2025) is dedicated to improving spinal health and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
What is Tech Neck?
With 95% of Australians using smartphones and over 75% accessing a computer daily, it is no surprise that it has increased pressure on the cervical spine, leading to Tech Neck. Tech Neck isn’t only affecting Australians’ physical health; sufferers are reporting that their mental health and productivity is impacted, with 24% experiencing higher irritability, 20% noticing poorer concentration, and 23% having sleep disruption. Symptoms of Tech Neck include:
- Neck pain and stiffness: Typically, the most common symptom is that the pain can range from a slight discomfort to sharp, intense pains, often occurring from the base of the neck to the shoulders.
- Headaches: Tension headaches start at the base of the neck and can radiate into the head as well as behind the eyes.
- Reduced mobility: You may find it tougher to move your head and neck comfortably, making everyday movements difficult.
- Muscle fatigue: Muscles in the upper body may become fatigued from constantly trying to support the head in a forward posture.
Solutions for a Healthy Spine
An important topic of this discussion is the prevention of Tech Neck through behaviour and lifestyle adjustments. A major help in preventing Tech Neck is to avoid incorrect non-ergonomic posture habits and take regular movement breaks. Sitting in a comfortable upright posture with shoulders relaxed and feet flat on the floor helps support your head in proper alignment, decreasing the strain on your neck muscles. Taking breaks and looking away from devices breaks a prolonged static posture and helps restore blood flow in muscles, preventing tightness and fatigue. Other daily habits to prevent Tech Neck include exercising regularly, avoiding constant neck bending, and consulting an ACA chiropractor to limit and treat spinal health problems.
While medications may offer temporary relief from neck pain, academic studies, including research from the University of Sydney, show opioids do not benefit people with acute neck or back pain (lasting up to 12 weeks) and have no positive role in treatment. Studies have shown that commencing treatment for Tech Neck promptly is crucial in preventing further functional decline and progression to a chronic condition. Chiropractors can assess your posture, provide adjustments, and conduct therapy and exercise programs to restore alignment and reduce pain.
Unresolved Tech Neck can be debilitating and can even alter the natural curve of the cervical spine over time. Effective treatment outcomes can be achieved through a combination of strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapy, and postural correction with an ACA Spine Health Specialist.
