- What is Tech Neck and Why Does it Happen?
- Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
- How Sheddon Physiotherapy Can Help
- Tips to Prevent Tech Neck During the Summer Months
- Don’t Let Poor Posture Ruin Your Summer
Summer in Burlington brings a sense of ease—patio lunches, hours spent on the deck with a good book, and working remotely from a lawn chair under the sun. With this slower pace of life often comes more screen time, whether you’re catching up on emails, scrolling social media, or enjoying a streaming marathon on a rainy weekend. And while there’s nothing wrong with relaxing, one thing we consistently see at Sheddon Physiotherapy Clinic in Aldershot is an increase in posture-related pain this time of year—particularly in the neck and upper back.
This trend isn’t a coincidence. Most people aren’t aware that poor posture—especially over extended periods—can quietly build tension in the body and lead to discomfort that sticks around long after the screen has been turned off. One of the biggest culprits is a condition commonly referred to as “tech neck.”
What is Tech Neck and Why Does it Happen?
Tech neck is a modern issue that arises from prolonged forward head posture. It occurs when the head is extended in front of the shoulders, typically due to looking down at a phone, laptop, or tablet. While the head only weighs 10–12 pounds, the further it shifts forward from its natural alignment, the more pressure it places on the cervical spine.
The muscles in your neck and upper back are forced to work overtime to keep your head from falling forward. Over time, this leads to muscle fatigue, joint stiffness, and in some cases, inflammation in the surrounding soft tissues. The longer the posture is maintained, the more the body adapts to that imbalanced position, creating tightness in some areas and weakness in others.
During the summer, this issue is made worse by the casual nature of how and where people sit. Slouching on outdoor furniture that lacks back support, lounging in hammocks with your neck craned, or working from laptops in bed or on a patio without proper desk ergonomics—all of these scenarios can gradually take their toll.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
One of the tricky parts about tech neck is that it often develops subtly. You may not notice it until it begins interfering with your day-to-day life. Some of the early warning signs include:
- A nagging ache at the base of your neck or across the tops of your shoulders
- Headaches that originate from the back of the head or radiate to the temples
- Stiffness when turning your head or looking up and down
- Tingling or numbness in your arms or hands, which can indicate nerve irritation
Left unaddressed, these symptoms may progress. We’ve seen patients who’ve tried to self-manage with stretches or massage tools, only to find the issue worsens or comes back stronger the next time they sit down at their laptop.
How Sheddon Physiotherapy Can Help
At Sheddon, we believe in a thorough, personalized approach to treating tech neck and postural strain. The first step is a comprehensive physicla assessment where we look at your overall posture, spine alignment, neck mobility, and muscular imbalances. We also ask about your screen habits, workspace setup, and lifestyle so we can understand what patterns might be contributing to your symptoms.
Once we identify the root of the problem, we tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. This may include:
- Manual therapy to release tight muscles and mobilize stiff joints
- Targeted exercises to strengthen weakened postural muscles, such as the deep neck flexors and lower traps
- Education and ergonomic coaching to help you modify your daily habits in realistic and sustainable ways
One of the biggest misconceptions we address is the idea that you need perfect posture 24/7. The truth is, no one can (or should) stay locked in one position all day—even the “correct” one. What’s more important is frequent movement, postural variety, and giving your muscles a chance to reset throughout the day.
We often teach patients a few key techniques they can use at home, at work, or even while traveling. These simple strategies—like chin tucks, scapular retractions, or taking “tech breaks” every 30 minutes—help undo the stress of long screen sessions without requiring drastic changes.
Tips to Prevent Tech Neck During the Summer Months
Since summer is a time when routines change, we encourage patients to think proactively. If you plan to work remotely from the patio, consider how your workstation is set up. Raise your screen to eye level using books or a portable stand. Sit in a chair that provides back support, or use a small cushion to maintain your spine’s natural curve. And if you’re using your phone for extended periods, bring it closer to eye level instead of looking down for hours on end.
If you’re spending time outdoors, make movement part of your relaxation. Instead of sitting on a lounger for three hours straight, take breaks to walk, stretch, or do a quick posture reset. Even small shifts in behavior can lead to noticeable improvements in how your neck and upper back feel.
Don’t Let Poor Posture Ruin Your Summer
The good news is that tech neck is both treatable and preventable, especially when caught early. If you’ve started noticing tension, stiffness, or recurring discomfort in your upper body, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our team at Sheddon Physiotherapy is here to help you feel better now—and give you the tools to stay pain-free long after summer ends.
With a little expert guidance and a few simple changes, you can enjoy your summer activities, screen time included, without paying for it with neck pain and poor posture. Book your posture assessment with Sheddon Physiotherapy Clinic in Burlington today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier, more comfortable you.
