Have you ever noticed that stiff, achy feeling in your neck after a long day of work or scrolling on your phone? You are not imagining it, and science is starting to show just how serious the issue is.
A systematic review published in BMC Public Health analyzed data from over 43,000 people across 13 countries and found a startling connection. People who sat for more than six hours a day had an 88 percent greater chance of developing neck pain than those who did not engage in sedentary behavior. But not all sitting is equal. The biggest culprit was mobile phone use.
Using your phone dramatically increased the risk by 82 percent. In comparison, computer use raised the risk by 23 percent, and watching TV did not show a significant link. This may be because people tend to sit or lie down in a more relaxed posture while watching TV. In contrast, mobile phone and computer use often encourage forward head posture and rounded shoulders.
At Marko Physical Therapy, we regularly treat patients dealing with what is commonly called "tech neck." This posture—chin pushed forward, shoulders hunched, and spine compressed—places continuous tension on the muscles and ligaments in your upper spine. Over time, this leads to stiffness, discomfort, and even long-term pain.
What Can You Do About It?
✔️ Take breaks: Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes
✔️ Check your posture: Keep screens at eye level and shoulders relaxed
✔️ Strengthen your neck and upper back: Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help
✔️ Limit unnecessary screen time: Especially on mobile devices
If neck pain is affecting your daily life, it is time to take a closer look at your screen habits and how they may be contributing to physical stress.
Make an appointment today with a physical therapist. We have in-person and telehealth appointments available.
A physical therapist can help you Restore Your Body!
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