Text Neck Is Real: How Screen Time Could Be Hurting Your Spine

We live in a world where our phones, tablets, and laptops are never far from reach. Whether you're scrolling through social media, replying to emails, or streaming a show, there's one thing most of us have in common — poor posture. More specifically, we’re talking about “text neck” — a modern-day condition with very real consequences for your spine.

At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Greer, SC, we see a growing number of patients dealing with neck pain, tension headaches, and upper back stiffness — all tied to this increasing screen time. Let’s break down what text neck is, why it happens, and how physical therapy can help.

📱 What Is Text Neck?

“Text neck” is the term used to describe neck pain and damage resulting from looking down at your phone or screen for long periods. It’s not a medical diagnosis, but it’s a very real and recognized postural syndrome affecting people of all ages.

The problem? The average human head weighs about 10-12 pounds, but tilting it forward just 15 degrees puts roughly 27 pounds of pressure on your neck. At 60 degrees, that pressure jumps to 60 pounds! Over time, this unnatural strain can lead to:

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Upper back stiffness

• Tension headaches

• Decreased mobility

• Early spinal degeneration

💡 Symptoms of Text Neck

You might be dealing with text neck if you experience:

• A dull, nagging ache in the back of your neck

• Tight shoulders and upper back

• Headaches that start at the base of your skull

• Tingling or numbness in your arms or hands

• Pain that gets worse after using your phone or computer

💻 Who’s at Risk?

The short answer? Almost everyone. But especially:

• Office workers

• Students

• Gamers

• Anyone who spends long hours on devices

Even children and teens are showing signs of text neck — and earlier spinal stress could lead to more serious issues later in life.

🏥 How Physical Therapy Can Help

At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping patients improve their posture, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Our personalized treatment for text neck may include:

• Postural assessments to identify imbalances

• Manual therapy to relieve tight muscles and improve mobility

• Targeted exercises to strengthen deep neck flexors and upper back muscles

• Ergonomic education for better screen habits at home and work

• Stretches and mobility drills to counteract daily strain

You don’t have to live with pain caused by modern habits — there are simple, proven ways to undo the damage.

🧠 5 Quick Tips to Prevent Text Neck

1. Raise your screen to eye level whenever possible.

2. Take breaks every 20–30 minutes to stretch and reset your posture.

3. Strengthen your core and upper back to support your spine.

4. Avoid using your phone while lying in bed.

5. Be mindful of your posture — shoulders back, head stacked over spine.

✅ Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re experiencing neck pain or think you might be dealing with text neck, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Greer, our expert team is here to help you feel better, move better, and live pain-free.

📞 Call us today or book an appointment online to schedule your personalized assessment.