Tech Neck: Spinal Health Week Highlights Hidden Costs for Aussies

by Ferry Bayu | Apr 30, 2025 | Health and Wellness

“Get the heads up on tech neck!” – National Spinal Health Week is from 26 May to 1 June 2025.

With over 5.3 million Australians suffering from neck pain, including Tension Neck Syndrome—commonly referred to as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck’—National Spinal Health Week aims to promote spinal health and prevent the prevalence of tech neck among Australians of all ages. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect joints, bones, muscles, and various body areas, including the neck. These disorders cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually due to direct health expenses, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life.

Dr. Billy Chow, President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), emphasized the growing significance of tech neck as a global public health issue. He stated that the anticipated rise in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) over the next two decades will significantly affect both the health of Australians and the economy. With over 34 million mobile phone connections and 95% of Australians accessing the internet via smartphones, the ACA’s annual National Spinal Health Week, scheduled from May 26 to June 1, 2025, aims to encourage Australians to change their mindsets and take proactive steps to improve their spinal health, thereby preventing the debilitating effects of tech neck.

Dr. Chow noted that while tech neck previously primarily affected seniors, the increasing use of smart devices has led to a rise in cervical spine disorders among younger patients in their 30s and 40s. This trend is now impacting all age groups, including children.

Research has demonstrated that using smartphones and computers can significantly influence the severity of pain in individuals suffering from tech neck. The most common symptoms, including neck and back pain, are closely linked to how long a device is used and the level of discomfort experienced. Tech neck, caused by poor posture and prolonged or improper use of digital devices, can lead to headaches, as well as pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, these issues may alter the natural curve of the cervical spine.

A recent study titled “The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students,” published in Nature on August 29, 2024, investigated the relationship between mobile phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain among university students.

“Although the study focused on mobile phone use among university students, it is important to note that almost 87% of Australians are regular smartphone users, and 75.5% use computers daily. Therefore, the findings may be applicable to the general population, especially young people who have grown up with smartphones and tablets,” said Dr. Chow. “While more research is needed to fully understand the implications of improper and excessive technology use on spinal health, it is essential for us to rethink how we use these devices, particularly for young people who often spend extended periods with their heads bent forward, looking at a smartphone.”

“When it comes to smartphones, we not only need to monitor how long we use our devices but also recognize that overuse and poor usage can negatively impact both our spinal health and mental well-being,” Dr. Chow emphasized. “The Australian Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends limiting recreational screen time to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to avoid bending the neck forward, changing posture frequently, and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck side to side.”

“Computer use is another significant cause of tech neck. While it is most common among office workers—75.5% of Australians aged 16 to 64 use computers daily—improper use and setup can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, school, university, or work, it is crucial to take postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching, as well as to ensure workstations are ergonomically set up. This practice helps prevent tech neck, enhances productivity, and maintains overall spinal health and well-being.”

“During Spinal Health Week, we encourage all Australians to rethink how they use smartphones, tablets, and computers to help prevent ongoing head, neck, and upper back injuries that can hinder productivity at home, school, and work,” he added.

For those suffering from tech neck, it is important to note that while medications may provide temporary relief from neck and back pain, academic studies—including one from Sydney University—show that opioids are not effective for individuals with acute neck or back pain lasting up to 12 weeks and do not play a beneficial role in treatment. Research has demonstrated that starting treatment for tech neck promptly is vital to prevent further functional decline and reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition.

Effective treatment outcomes can be achieved by combining strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapy, and postural correction.

“Every week, over 400,000 chiropractic healthcare consultations help create well-adjusted Australians, as ACA chiropractors play a crucial role in improving the spinal health of everyday Australians,” said Dr. Chow. “This Spinal Health Week, we invite Australians to join the movement to learn and share practical strategies that can help prevent tech neck, promote overall spinal health and well-being, and reduce the economic and personal burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),” Dr. Chow stated.

As a leader in musculoskeletal health, the ACA has invested over $2.3 million to advance research that supports evidence-based practices for chiropractic healthcare. They emphasize the importance of maintaining spinal health through their annual flagship campaign, National Spinal Health Week, which is Australia’s longest-running and award-winning health awareness initiative aimed at improving the spinal health of Australians of all ages.

Stay informed about tech neck by downloading ACA’s FREE resources, including the Avoiding Tech Neck Factsheets and Electronic Device Checklists for adults, parents, and students, the Ergonomic Checklist, and the Stand Corrected Stretching Poster, all of which are available for download at www.spinalhealthweek.org.au.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES