Smartphones are part of everyday life, but constantly looking down at screens can take a serious toll on your spine. At Complete Chiropractic, we see many patients with neck pain, headaches, and upper-back tension caused by what is commonly known as “tech neck.”
Tech neck isn’t a diagnosis — it’s a posture-related condition caused by prolonged forward head position while using phones, tablets, or laptops.
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck occurs when the head is held forward and down for extended periods of time. The human head weighs roughly 10–12 pounds in a neutral position, but as it tilts forward, the strain on the neck increases dramatically.
Over time, this added stress can lead to:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder and upper-back tension
- Headaches
- Reduced range of motion
- Poor posture
Why Looking Down Causes So Much Strain
The spine is designed to support the head when it is balanced over the shoulders. When the head shifts forward:
- Neck muscles must work harder
- Spinal joints become stressed
- Muscles tighten to compensate
- Nerves can become irritated
This strain builds gradually and often goes unnoticed until pain becomes persistent.
Common Symptoms We See
At Complete Chiropractic in Sioux Falls, SD, patients with tech neck often report:
- Aching or sharp neck pain
- Tight shoulders
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Pain that worsens after phone or computer use
- Fatigue or tension by the end of the day
These symptoms can affect both adults and children.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Tech Neck
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement and posture to the spine. Care for tech neck may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments to improve neck and upper-back mobility
- Reducing muscle tension and joint stiffness
- Improving posture awareness
- Addressing movement habits that contribute to strain
When spinal joints move properly, muscles can relax and the nervous system functions more efficiently.
Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference
Small changes can significantly reduce tech-related strain:
- Hold your phone at eye level instead of lowering your head
- Take regular breaks from screens
- Keep screens at eye height when working
- Strengthen postural muscles
- Be mindful of head position throughout the day
Chiropractic care often includes education to help reinforce these habits.
Can Tech Neck Cause Long-Term Problems?
If left unaddressed, prolonged poor posture may contribute to:
- Chronic neck and upper-back pain
- Increased headache frequency
- Reduced spinal mobility
- Degenerative changes over time
Early care and posture correction can help prevent long-term issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tech neck permanent?
No. Many posture-related issues improve with proper care and habit changes.
Can chiropractic help headaches caused by tech neck?
Yes. Many headaches are related to neck tension and posture.
Is tech neck common in kids and teens?
Yes. Increased screen time has made tech neck more common in younger populations.
The Bottom Line
Looking down at phones and screens may seem harmless, but over time it can place significant stress on the spine. Chiropractic care focuses on improving posture, restoring joint movement, and reducing strain caused by modern habits.
If you’re experiencing neck pain or headaches related to screen use and are looking for chiropractic care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team at Complete Chiropractic is happy to help.