‘Tech Neck’ refers to the neck pain and discomfort caused by prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and computers.

As we spend more time hunched over screens, this issue has become increasingly common. Symptoms can range from mild stiffness and discomfort to severe pain, headaches, and even nerve-related issues.

What causes tech neck?

Tech neck occurs when the head is held forward for extended periods, placing undue stress on the cervical spine (neck area) as well as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, and potentially long-term damage if left untreated.

Can it be treated?

Yes, tech neck can be effectively treated with the help of a physiotherapist. Here’s how we can assist:

1. Assessment and diagnosis

We begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of your pain, examining posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and daily habits that may contribute to your symptoms. This forms the basis for a personalised treatment plan.

2.Manual therapy

Hands-on treatments such as massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching help relieve muscle tension, improve joint movement, and reduce pain, targeting areas affected by tech neck.

3. Pain relief techniques

Depending on your symptoms, we may use therapies such as heat, ultrasound, or dry needling to manage pain and inflammation, offering relief as we work towards long-term posture correction and exercises.

4.Prevention strategies

We’ll also focus on preventing tech neck from recurring. This includes a tailored exercise plan to enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance, along with ergonomic advice to improve your posture and workspace setup.

By addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term prevention, physiotherapy offers an effective approach to managing and overcoming tech neck, helping you stay pain-free in an increasingly digital world.