Why Tech Neck Is Hurting Younger Adults in Newmarket

The Surprising Rise of Neck and Back Pain in Younger Adults & Kids

If you think neck and back pain are problems reserved for people in their 40s and 50s, think again. Over the past few years, more younger adults in their 20s and 30s have been showing up in chiropractic offices with symptoms that used to appear decades later. We have also seen kids as young as 10 experiencing pain. The culprit? Tech neck — the strain and stress caused by hours of looking down at phones, laptops, and tablets.

Studies show that up to 84% of students using smartphones report musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the neck and upper back. And here in Canada, nearly 28% of adults experience musculoskeletal issues each year, with back and neck pain among the top complaints.

What Is Tech Neck?

Tech neck (text neck) refers to posture-related strain that happens when your head is tilted forward for extended periods. Your head weighs about 10–12 lbs in a neutral position, but at a 45° forward angle, that weight can feel like 50 lbs to your neck muscles and joints.

Over time, this forward head posture can cause:

• Chronic neck and shoulder tension
• Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
• Upper back stiffness
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Early disc wear and spinal degeneration

Why We’re Seeing It More in Newmarket

Newmarket is home to a growing community of young professionals and remote workers. Many spend 8–12 hours a day on devices, with fewer breaks and less physical activity. Add the stress of long commutes, gaming, or marathon-watching shows, and you’ve got the perfect storm for early-onset spinal problems.

At Chiropractic on Eagle, we’ve seen a clear increase in younger patients with these symptoms — and the earlier we address them, the better the outcome.

The Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Tech Neck

Left untreated, tech neck can lead to:

• Early arthritis in the neck joints
• Bulging or Herniated discs or nerve compression
• Poor posture that becomes harder to correct with age
• Chronic pain syndromes that interfere with work, sleep, and quality of life

The good news? With the right steps, you can correct the problem before it becomes permanent.

5 Easy Ways to Prevent and Reverse Tech Neck (Text Neck)

1. Adjust Your Screen Height

Keep the top third of your monitor at eye level. If using a laptop, consider a stand or external keyboard.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reset your posture.

3. Stretch Daily

Gentle neck stretches and chest openers help reverse forward head posture.

4. Strengthen Postural Muscles

Focus on exercises for your upper back and deep neck flexors. Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.

5. Get Checked by a Chiropractor

A spinal assessment can identify joint restrictions, misalignments, and early degeneration before they cause lasting problems.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

At Chiropractic on Eagle in Newmarket, we use:

• Precise spinal adjustments to restore normal joint motion
• Posture retraining and ergonomic coaching
• Corrective exercises and traction you can do at home
• Posture analysis to track progress over time
• Spinal Decompression for difficult cases

By combining chiropractic care with simple daily habits, most patients notice improvement in as little as a few weeks.

Ready to Fix Your Tech (Text) Neck?

If you’re in Newmarket or the surrounding area and have neck pain, headaches, or posture concerns, we can help. The earlier you take action, the easier it is to reverse the effects of tech neck.

Book your appointment today and start feeling better, faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can tech neck really cause headaches?
Yes — the strain on the muscles and joints at the base of your skull can trigger tension headaches and even dizziness.

Q: How long does it take to fix tech neck?
It varies, but with consistent care and home exercises, many people see noticeable changes in 4–6 weeks.

Q: Is this just a problem for office workers?
No — students, gamers, and anyone spending long hours on devices can develop tech neck.