29/05/2025
A relatively new term on the block is the good old Tech Neck, sometimes called Text Neck Syndrome. As the name suggests, it has come from the ever increasing reliance on technology that we now have. Whether you’re working in an office or are an avid gamer, it is causing strain on our neck and shoulders when we look down at phones or devices for long periods of time.
I see a lot of clients who are suffering from unbearable pain in their shoulders and neck, often experiencing limited range of movement and more frequently they are suffering from headaches and migraines. That pain in your shoulder blade or numbness/tingling in your hand may well be a side effect too!
If you consider that the weight of your head is around 5kg - that’s about the same weight as a small bowling ball. When you lean your head down to look at your device, the strain on your muscles in increased by up to 10 times of that bowling ball depending on the angle! That’s a lot for our muscles to cope with!
To avoid chronic pain there’s a few things that you can do.
☑️ Firstly, be aware of how long you’re on your device for - take regular breaks!
☑️ Try to have your device at eye level to take the strain off your muscles.
☑️ There’s some great stretches and mobility exercises out there so incorporate those into your daily routine - it doesn’t have to be for long but it will help!
☑️ Finally, but not at all least, book yourself into regular massages! It will help alleviate the pain and restore your posture.
Ideally every 4-6 weeks to keep on top of those niggles, but even if it’s every 2 or 3 months it will help. It’s easier to keep on top of it than to try to find a last minute appointment when the pain becomes unbearable!!
