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 called “text neck”—where the head juts forward beyond the shoulders. This forward-head position strains the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Recent research indicates that tablet use may pose an even greater risk for musculoskeletal issues, especially in people who use their devices frequently and in poor postural positions. The good news—there are effective, non-surgical ways to relieve pain and protect your spine!
1. 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. The results highlight how strongly device habits are linked to neck and shoulder discomfort.
Key findings from the study:
55% of frequent tablet users reported moderate neck and shoulder pain—higher than rates seen in the general population.
10% of daily users experienced severe neck and/or shoulder pain directly related to tablet use.
Despite discomfort, only 46% of individuals reduced or stopped device usage when pain 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 or crossed
Lying on the stomach or side while looking down at the screen
Hunching over with the device resting in the lap
💡 Pro Tip: Any position that forces you to bend your neck forward for more than a few minutes at a time can contribute to “text neck” and long-term postural strain.
These awkward postures place excessive stress on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, increasing the likelihood of chronic musculoskeletal pain over time.
2. Why Women Are More Affected by Tablet-Related Pain
Gender differences in neck pain risk
The same study revealed that women are more than twice as likely to experience tablet-related neck and shoulder pain than men (70% vs. 30%). Several factors may explain this disparity.
Potential Reasons for This Disparity
Postural habits: Women in the study were more likely to sit on the floor with their legs crossed while using tablets (77% vs. 23%), a position that encourages rounding of the shoulders and forward head posture.
Anatomical differences: On average, women have slender necks, narrower shoulders, and less muscle mass, which may make them more susceptible to postural strain and muscle fatigue.
Shorter arms: Shorter reach can require more extreme wrist and shoulder positioning to hold and view a tablet, increasing muscular stress in the neck and upper back.
As tablets become more common for personal, school, and business use, researchers are concerned that tablet-related pain may become a widespread health issue—especially for women—if posture and usage habits are not addressed early.
3. How Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers Can Help
At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we specialize in non-invasive treatments that help patients relieve pain and correct poor posture caused by prolonged tablet and smartphone use. Our team focuses on personalized care plans that combine advanced technology with proven, hands-on therapies.
3.1 Chiropractic Care for Text Neck and Postural Strain
Chiropractic adjustments help realign the cervical spine, reducing stress on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care can address the root cause of “text neck” rather than just masking symptoms.
Benefits of chiropractic care for tablet-related pain:
Restores proper spinal alignment and reduces forward head posture
Relieves muscle tension, stiffness, and trigger points in the neck and shoulders
Improves posture, mobility, and overall spinal function
A 2021 study found that chiropractic care significantly reduces neck pain and improves range of motion in individuals suffering from forward head posture—a common pattern seen in frequent tablet and smartphone users.
3.2 MLS Laser Therapy for Neck and 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. It uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and improve circulation in damaged tissues.
How MLS Laser Therapy helps:
Reduces inflammation in strained neck and shoulder muscles
Promotes blood flow for faster tissue healing and recovery
Relieves chronic neck and shoulder pain associated with poor posture
A clinical study confirmed that MLS Laser Therapy is highly effective for treating musculoskeletal pain caused by poor posture, making it an excellent option for patients with “text neck” and tablet-related strain.
3.3 High Energy Inductive Therapy (Emfield Pro) for Neck and Shoulder Relief
High Energy Inductive Therapy with the Emfield Pro uses powerful electromagnetic fields to stimulate deep tissues, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation. This advanced technology can help relieve chronic pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back associated with prolonged device use.
How High Energy Inductive Therapy helps:
Increases blood circulation to tight, overworked muscles in the neck and shoulders
Reduces muscle tension and soft-tissue restrictions that limit mobility
Provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief for chronic postural strain
Research on high-energy electromagnetic therapies shows improvements in mobility and reductions in postural pain in patients with chronic neck tension, making the Emfield Pro a valuable tool in comprehensive text-neck care plans.
3.4 Ergonomic Tips to Prevent Text Neck
To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal pain from tablet use, experts recommend combining treatment with better ergonomics and daily movement habits.
Use a chair with back support instead of sitting on the floor.
Place the screen at eye level to avoid bending your neck forward.
Use an external keyboard for prolonged typing sessions.
Keep elbows bent at about 90 degrees while holding or using the device.
Take frequent breaks and stretch every 20–30 minutes to reset posture.
Practice forward posture correction exercises to realign the neck and shoulders.
📌 Key Takeaway: Small ergonomic changes—combined with targeted, non-surgical treatments—can significantly reduce text-neck symptoms and protect your spine long term.
4. Get Relief from Text Neck and Tablet-Related Pain Today
If you’re struggling with neck, shoulder, or upper back pain from prolonged tablet use, don’t ignore the symptoms—early care can prevent long-term damage. At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we provide advanced, non-surgical solutions to eliminate pain and restore proper posture, without invasive treatments or long recovery times.
📞 Call us today at 203-922-9277 or schedule your appointment online at schedule.ctdisccenters.com!
