Electronic Tablet Use and Neck Pain: How to Prevent “Text Neck”

With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, many people adopt an awkward posture—often referred to as “text neck”—in which the head juts forward beyond the shoulders. This unnatural position strains the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to pain and discomfort.

Recent research indicates that tablet use may pose an even greater risk for musculoskeletal issues, particularly in individuals who use their devices frequently and in poor postural positions.

How Tablet Use Contributes to Neck and Shoulder Pain

A 2018 study conducted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas analyzed survey data from 412 university students, staff, and alumni regarding tablet usage and musculoskeletal pain.

🔹 Key Findings:
✔️ 55% of frequent tablet users reported moderate neck and shoulder pain—a rate higher than the general population.
✔️ 10% of daily users experienced severe neck and/or shoulder pain due to tablet use.
✔️ Despite experiencing pain, only 46% of individuals reduced or stopped device usage when discomfort occurred.

The study also found that many users adopt poor postural positions while using their tablets, such as:
✔️ Sitting on the floor with legs folded
✔️ Lying on their stomach or side while looking down
✔️ Hunching over while holding the device in their lap

These awkward postures place excessive stress on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, increasing the likelihood of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Why Women Are More Affected by Tablet-Related Pain

📌 Gender Differences in Neck Pain Risk
The study revealed that women are over two times more likely to experience tablet-related neck and shoulder pain than men (70% vs. 30%).

Potential Reasons for This Disparity:

✔️ Postural habits: Women were more likely to sit on the floor with their legs crossed while using tablets (77% vs. 23%).
✔️ Anatomical differences: Women generally have slender necks, narrower shoulders, and less muscle mass, making them more susceptible to postural strain.
✔️ Shorter arms: This may require more extreme wrist and shoulder positioning, contributing to higher muscular stress.

As tablets become more common for personal, school, and business use, researchers are concerned that tablet-related pain may become a widespread health issue in the future.

How to Prevent Neck and Shoulder Pain from Tablet Use

At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we specialize in non-invasive treatments to help patients relieve pain and correct poor posture caused by prolonged tablet and smartphone use.

1. Chiropractic Care for Text Neck & Postural Strain

Chiropractic adjustments can realign the cervical spine, reducing stress on the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

📌 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Tablet-Related Pain:
✔️ Restores proper spinal alignment
✔️ Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
✔️ Improves posture and mobility

A 2021 study found that chiropractic care significantly reduces neck pain and improves range of motion in individuals suffering from forward head posture.

2. MLS Laser Therapy for Neck & Shoulder Pain

MLS Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that helps reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing in patients with chronic neck and shoulder pain.

📌 How MLS Laser Therapy Helps:
✔️ Reduces inflammation in strained muscles
✔️ Promotes blood flow for faster healing
✔️ Relieves chronic neck and shoulder pain

A clinical study confirmed that MLS Laser Therapy is highly effective for treating musculoskeletal pain caused by poor posture.

3. Storz Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder & Neck Relief

Storz Shockwave Therapy uses acoustic waves to break down scar tissue and improve circulation, reducing chronic pain and muscle stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

📌 How Shockwave Therapy Helps:
✔️ Increases blood circulation to tight muscles
✔️ Breaks up adhesions and scar tissue
✔️ Non-invasive and drug-free pain relief

A 2020 study found that shockwave therapy improves mobility and reduces postural pain in patients with chronic neck tension.

4. Ergonomic Tips to Prevent Text Neck

To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal pain from tablet use, experts recommend:

✔️ Using a chair with back support instead of sitting on the floor
✔️ Placing the screen at eye level to avoid bending the neck
✔️ Using an external keyboard for prolonged typing
✔️ Keeping elbows bent at 90 degrees while holding the device
✔️ Taking frequent breaks and stretching every 20-30 minutes
✔️ Practicing forward posture correction exercises to realign the neck and shoulders

Get Relief from Text Neck & Tablet-Related Pain Today!

If you’re struggling with neck, shoulder, or upper back pain from prolonged tablet use, don’t ignore the symptoms. At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we provide advanced, non-surgical solutions to eliminate pain and restore proper posture—without invasive treatments.

📞 Call us today at 203-456-9299 or schedule your appointment online at schedule.ctdisccenters.com!

Related Articles:

📖 How MLS Laser Therapy Relieves Chronic Neck Pain
📖 Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder & Upper Back Pain
📖 Chiropractic Care for Neck & Postural Strain