Tech Neck: A Modern Problem and How Chiropractic Care Can Help
In today’s world, most of us spend hours every day looking down at phones, laptops, or tablets. While technology has made life easier, it has also created new health challenges—one of the most common being “tech neck.” This modern condition refers to neck pain, stiffness, and even headaches caused by prolonged forward head posture.
Studies show the average person spends over 3–4 hours per day on a smartphone, adding up to thousands of hours each year of looking down. According to research published in Surgical Technology International, tilting the head forward by just 60 degrees places up to 60 pounds of extra force on the cervical spine. Over time, that pressure can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and long-term spinal issues.
At Dr. Noah Banks’ chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we see tech neck frequently—affecting students, professionals, and even kids. The good news is that chiropractic care offers effective, natural solutions to correct posture, reduce pain, and prevent long-term damage.
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck develops when the head is consistently tilted forward and downward, placing strain on the neck and upper back. The human head typically weighs about 10–12 pounds, but as it shifts forward, the effective weight on the spine multiplies. This unnatural position leads to muscle fatigue, ligament stress, and spinal misalignments.
Common symptoms of tech neck include:
Stiffness and soreness in the neck and shoulders
Frequent tension headaches or migraines
Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
Poor posture with rounded shoulders
Decreased range of motion in the neck
Left unaddressed, tech neck can contribute to disc degeneration, chronic pain, and postural changes that affect overall health and appearance.
Why Tech Neck Matters Beyond Pain:
Tech neck isn’t just about short-term discomfort—it can have broader health implications. Poor posture has been linked to decreased lung capacity, fatigue, and even mood changes. A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that forward head posture negatively impacted balance and respiratory function. For children and teens, whose spines are still developing, prolonged posture issues can set the stage for long-term spinal misalignment.
How Chiropractic Care Helps With Tech Neck:
Chiropractic care addresses both the symptoms and root causes of tech neck, focusing on restoring spinal alignment, improving posture, and reducing strain on surrounding muscles and nerves.
Spinal Adjustments
Misalignments in the cervical spine can contribute to pain and restricted movement. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, reduce tension, and improve mobility.Posture Correction
Chiropractors assess posture and provide guidance on how to maintain a healthier head and shoulder position, both at work and at home. Small changes in ergonomics can make a big difference in reducing stress on the neck.Muscle and Soft Tissue Work
Tight muscles in the upper back, shoulders, and chest often contribute to poor posture. Chiropractic care may include soft tissue therapy, stretches, and strengthening exercises to restore muscular balance.Nervous System Support
Because the nervous system runs through the spine, misalignments can interfere with communication between the brain and body. Correcting these issues can help reduce symptoms like headaches, tingling, or fatigue.Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
Patients benefit from learning simple changes—such as adjusting screen height, taking regular breaks, and practicing posture exercises—that can help prevent tech neck from returning.
Research Supporting Chiropractic Care for Postural Issues:
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that spinal adjustments improved both posture and pain in patients with forward head posture. Another study in Manual Therapy found that manual spinal care combined with exercise was effective for reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic neck issues.
These findings align with what many patients in Bentonville experience: chiropractic care not only relieves neck pain but also helps them feel more energetic, focused, and resilient in daily life.
Tech Neck in Bentonville: A Community Concern:
Bentonville’s fast-growing community is home to students, office professionals, and active families—all of whom are affected by increased screen time. Kids doing online schoolwork, adults working remotely, and teens gaming or scrolling social media all face the same risk of developing tech neck.
The key is catching and correcting the problem early. Chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free way to address posture problems before they become long-term spinal issues. Parents often bring their children in for early checkups, while professionals find relief that allows them to stay productive without constant discomfort.
Final Thoughts:
Technology isn’t going away, but the effects of tech neck don’t have to be permanent. By restoring spinal alignment, improving posture, and providing practical strategies for daily life, chiropractic care offers lasting solutions to one of today’s most common health challenges.
At Dr. Noah Banks’ chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we take a personalized approach to care—whether you’re a student, professional, or parent noticing posture changes in your kids. If you’re experiencing neck pain, headaches, or stiffness from too much screen time, chiropractic care may be the key to restoring balance and comfort.
Take the first step toward better posture and long-term spinal health. Schedule your consultation today and learn how chiropractic care can help you overcome tech neck.
