We all know screen time isn’t great—but it might be doing more than just tiring your eyes. That stiff neck and pounding headache could be symptoms of “tech neck.”
What Is Tech Neck?
Tech neck refers to strain and postural stress caused by looking down at screens for long periods. Tilting your head forward increases the weight on your cervical spine—up to 60 lbs of pressure when your chin is at a 60-degree angle.
Symptoms Go Beyond the Neck
- Tension headaches
- Migraines
- Dizziness or brain fog
- Tingling in arms and hands
- Shoulder and upper back pain
Tech neck doesn’t just feel bad—it can trigger or worsen chronic conditions like cervicogenic headaches, TMJ dysfunction, and even poor sleep.
Why It’s Worse for People With Chronic Illness
If you already live with chronic pain or fatigue, your body has a lower threshold for added stress. Bad posture puts even more strain on your muscles, joints, and nervous system, potentially worsening fibromyalgia, arthritis, or migraine disorders.
How to Fix It
- Raise your screen to eye level
- Take microbreaks every 20–30 minutes
- Do chin tucks to strengthen your neck muscles
- Use voice-to-text to reduce typing strain
- Stretch your neck and shoulders daily
Physical therapy, massage, and posture training can help if things are really tight or painful.
Good Posture Is Preventive Medicine
It sounds minor, but adjusting your posture and screen habits could reduce pain, improve focus, and even lift your mood. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-aligned spine.
