Text Neck: Why Your Phone Could Be Giving You a Pain in the Neck
Text neck
We’ve all been there, scrolling through our phones, checking emails, or catching up on social media, only to realise an hour has passed. Then comes the ache: that stiff, sore feeling at the back of your neck or across your shoulders. Sound familiar? You might be experiencing what’s commonly known as “text neck.”
What is Text Neck?
“Text neck” is the term for the discomfort caused by looking down at your phone, tablet, or laptop for long periods. When you tilt your head forward, the weight your neck supports increases dramatically. Over time, that constant strain can lead to pain, stiffness, and even headaches.
Common Symptoms
Text neck doesn’t look the same for everyone, but here are some signs to watch out for:
Aching or sharp pain in the neck or shoulders
Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Stiffness or reduced movement in the neck
Tingling or numbness in arms or hands (in more severe cases)
Why It Matters
It’s easy to dismiss text neck as a modern-day annoyance, but left unchecked, it can cause lasting issues. Poor posture can put stress on your spine, contribute to early wear-and-tear, and affect how your body moves and functions. Our posture is also massively important in how we think and feel. I’ll go into that more in another blog sometime…
What You Can Do at Home
The good news is that there are plenty of small, daily changes that make a big difference:
Hold your phone higher – bring the screen up to eye level. I know it looks and feels weird, but it really does help!
Take regular breaks – every 20 minutes, stretch or move around.
Strengthen your posture – gentle exercises for your neck and shoulders help build support, and helps maintain spinal mobility.
Check your workspace – if you’re on a laptop, make sure it’s set up at the right height.
These habits go a long way to preventing discomfort and protecting your spine.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Sometimes, even with the best habits, your body needs extra support. That’s where chiropractic care comes in. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can:
Relieve tension and stiffness in the neck and shoulders
Improve spinal alignment and posture
Restore movement and flexibility
Help prevent future flare-ups
Many of our patients are surprised at how quickly they feel relief once their spine is moving properly again. Chiropractic care isn’t just about easing pain it’s about keeping your body working at its best.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve noticed that text neck is creeping into your daily life, don’t ignore it. At Clifton Chiro in Bristol, we’re here to help you move more freely, feel more comfortable, and keep your spine healthy for the long term.
👉 Book an appointment today and let’s get you back to living without that nagging pain in the neck.
