Tech neck: How does the use of technology impact your neck? – University of Alabama at Birmingham

Tech neck refers to chronic pain or stiffness that occurs when an individual tilts their head down while looking at technology such as a phone or a computer for an extended period. While tech neck is not an official medical term, it is becoming more common as many Americans spend an average of four and a half hours a day looking at their phones. Fortunately, Luke Hiatt, M.D., an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, says there are steps individuals can take to relieve some of the discomfort that comes with tech neck.
“We have certainly seen an increase in neck and shoulder tension over the past few years with the increased prevalence of smartphone use and screentime,” said Hiatt, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon at UAB Medicine. “When the neck is in a forward-flexed position, it results in very poor ergonomic posture and increases the stress on the discs and tissues of the neck.”
This forward-flexed position can lead to pain in the neck and shoulders, or more serious issues like back and shoulder pain, body aches, and migraine and tension headaches.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of tech neck include pain or stiffness in the neck, upper back or shoulders; limited mobility in the neck, upper back or shoulders; headaches; and forward head posture accompanied by rounded shoulders.
Hiatt says some red flag symptoms patients should look out for include those that may indicate a compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
While tech neck is not an official medical term, it is becoming more common as many Americans spend an average of four and a half hours a day looking at their phones.“Neurological symptoms will generally manifest as shooting pain in the shoulder or arm; numbness in the arms, hand, legs and feet; and in extreme cases, motor dysfunction including decreased strength in the arms, hands and legs, or difficulty with balance and coordination,” Hiatt said. “Any of these neurological symptoms should prompt consultation with a physician.”
Treatment
“The majority of these problems can be treated conservatively,” Hiatt said. “Deep tissue massage can be helpful to break up muscle pain and tension. Deep tissue percussion devices can be very helpful as well, but I would advise that you consult with your doctor and review proper technique prior to using these types of devices. For example, you would not want the device delivering therapy directly over a bone. Rather, you want to use it to percuss the muscles.”
Hiatt says physical therapy is also helpful for concentration on upright neck posture, as well as strengthening and stabilization of shoulder and paraspinal muscles. Physical therapy referrals can generally be obtained through either a primary care physician or spine/orthopaedic specialist.
Prevention
“Most poignantly, arguably the best treatment is just to avoid the overuse injury that is associated with forward neck posture,” Hiatt said. “The more time that is spent with the neck bent forward looking at a smartphone, the more it will increase the stress applied to the neck and shoulders. Trying to take frequent breaks when using your device and just limiting screentime in general can be very helpful for both neck health and overall well-being.”
Some other prevention tips include:
UAB Medicine Orthopaedic Services cares for patients with injuries and diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, joints and ligaments. The team of physicians offers specialized care in areas such as sports medicine, spine, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, joint, oncology, pediatrics, and trauma. Patients who are experiencing chronic pain in the neck and shoulders can call 205-930-8339 to make an appointment today.
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