Everywhere you look, on the train, in offices, and at home, Australians are hunched over glowing screens. Phones, laptops, and tablets have become an inseparable part of daily life. But the price we are paying is starting to show up in our bodies.
Physiotherapists and chiropractors are warning of a sharp rise in text neck (also known as tech neck or phone neck), a modern condition caused by hours spent looking down at devices. Once brushed off as a stiff neck, it is now being recognised as a widespread public health issue.
Text neck syndrome: A modern posture problem
Text neck happens when the head tilts forward for long periods. For every few centimetres the head shifts off its natural alignment, the load on the spine multiplies. Over time, this posture can cause neck and shoulder pain, headaches, reduced mobility, and even permanent changes to spinal curvature.
The issue is serious enough that the Australian Chiropractors Association dedicated its 2025 Spinal Health Week campaign to raising awareness of text neck, highlighting the growing health and economic burden of poor posture linked to digital device use.
Dr Billy Chow, President of the ACA, said:
“With tech neck emerging as a growing global public health concern, together with the projected increase in musculoskeletal disorders over the next two decades, the health burden on Australians and our economy is and will continue to be significant.”
And it’s not just office workers. A recent ACA survey found that more than 60% of Australians report text-neck-related symptoms, with younger people and school-aged children showing early signs of text neck syndrome. The economic cost is staggering too. Musculoskeletal problems like this are estimated to cost Australia more than $55 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity.
The everyday impact of text neck
“People describe it as a dull ache that becomes a burning pain by the end of the day,” says Melbourne physiotherapist Matt Chisari. “We’re seeing more patients in their 20s and even teens presenting with symptoms that used to appear much later in life.”
For many, it doesn’t stop at pain. Chronic text neck can lead to tension headaches, fatigue, poor sleep, and reduced concentration, all of which affect study, work, and mental health.
The habits making it worse
The culprits are easy to spot. Long commutes spent scrolling, hours of computer work without breaks, and leisure time dominated by gaming or binge-watching – they all add up. Even two hours of daily phone use at a steep angle can significantly strain the neck muscles, leading to phone neck.
Because the pain builds gradually, people often ignore it until it starts affecting daily life.
It’s not just posture that raises concerns. According to the Better Health Channel, researchers have been studying the wider health effects of mobile phone use for years, including potential links to headaches, fatigue, and even driving accidents. While the consensus is that mobile phones don’t cause cancer, experts recommend a “precautionary approach,” including limiting use, taking breaks, and keeping devices away from the body when not in use.
Text neck treatment and prevention tips
Small, consistent changes to daily habits can make a big difference in preventing or managing tech neck.
- Lift your devices: Keep phones and tablets at eye level to reduce strain on your neck.
- Take breaks: Move around every 30 minutes if you’re at a desk, or every 10 minutes when using a phone or tablet.
- Strengthen and stretch: Gentle exercises like chin tucks, shoulder blade squeezes, and neck stretches can help restore muscle balance and posture.
- Set up your space: Ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and properly positioned monitors all support healthy posture.
“Preventing text neck doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Dr Michael Black, a chiropractor based in Melbourne. “Simple changes like raising your devices to eye level, taking frequent breaks, and doing a few targeted stretches each day can make a huge difference. People are often surprised at how quickly their neck and shoulder discomfort improves once they start paying attention to posture and daily habits.”
Effective tech neck treatment includes posture correction exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and regular breaks from devices.
A hidden health issue
Text neck may sound trivial compared to chronic illnesses, but its ripple effects are serious. It drains productivity, disrupts sleep, and can worsen other conditions like migraines or back pain. For kids and teens, the risks are even greater: poor posture habits developed now can last a lifetime.
Health experts across Melbourne are calling for more public education campaigns, workplace ergonomics support, and better guidance for families on managing screen time.
It starts with posture
Text neck is preventable. Raising awareness and changing everyday habits could save Australians from years of avoidable pain and billions in healthcare costs.
The next time you pick up your phone, try lifting it to eye level. Your neck will thank you.
Hear more from Dr Michael Black
Listen to our latest podcast where Dr Michael Black discusses text neck prevention, posture tips, and how to keep your spine healthy in a digital world.
