01/19/2026
Text Neck, also referred to as tech neck, is overuse syndrome resulting from excessive strain on the neck from looking down at mobile handheld devices. This leads to headaches, neck and shoulder and arm pain, and breathing compromise.
Symptoms of Text Neck:
-Stiff neck: soreness and difficulty in moving the neck is usually present when trying to move the neck after long usages\
-Pain: can be localized to one spot or may be diffused over an area, usually lower part of the neck. Can be described as dull aching or can also be sharp or stabbing in extreme cases
-Radiating pain: there can often be radiation of pain into the shoulders and arms.
-Muscular weakness: shoulders muscles namely, trapezius, rhomboids and shoulder external rotators are often weak
-Headache: sub-occipital muscle tightness can lead to tension type headaches.
In addition to these common symptoms there can also be:
-Flattening of thoracic kyphosis
-Early onset arthritis
-Spinal degeneration
-Disc compression
-Muscle weakness
-Loss of lung capacity
Forward head dramatically increases the weight of the head on the spine, and the effect and amount of weight are powerfully and incrementally enhanced by varying degrees.
An average of cervical spine angle in flexion when texting is 37 to 47 degrees.
A study has shown that head weight increases to 18.14 kg at 30 degrees and 22.23 kg at 45 degrees, and this can lead to inflammation of the ligaments, muscles, and nerves in the neck, resulting in permanent arthritic damage with increased curvature of the spine.
A concern with children was raised due to their larger heads in relation to their body size than adults, thus they have an increased risk of potential damage on neck caused by text neck.
Management of Text Neck:
-Avoid excessive usage and take frequent breaks
-Avoid prolonged static postures.
-Position the device such that it reduces stresses both on the head/neck and the upper extremities
-Avoid high repetitions of movements such as prolonged typing or swiping
-Avoid holding large or heavy devices in one hand for long duration
Text Neck and Chiropractic Care:
Untreated text neck may result in spinal misalignment. Your chiropractor can offer treatment through spinal manipulations, stretches, and exercises to relieve pain and misalignments as well as strengthen weakened muscles
Also referred to as TECH NECK, this is a terrible thing plaguing the country these days. Anyone with a phone, TV, Computer, or gaming device knows about this problem to some degree. I have hundreds of examples and stories I could share and anyone suffering from headaches, shoulder tension, upper back pain, neck pain, tingling or numbness into arms and hands take notice. Put the phones down, shut off the screens, get outside and start living life to its fullest. We are here to help with adjustments, exercises and stretches to help you overcome this debilitating addiction with devices once and for all!
kt tape therapy video
youtu.be/IiJx4a1cxRk