What is Tech Neck?

Tech neck, sometimes called text neck, is a condition affecting the appearance and function of the skin and muscles in the neck. 

A relatively modern phenomenon, tech neck is caused by the head and neck being held in a forward position, tilted downwards for prolonged periods, often associated with looking at computers, phones, tablets and other screens.

Tech neck impacts the head and neck in several ways:

• Neck tone and appearance – Changes in skin texture and horizontal lines, known as tech neck lines, or necklace lines
• Muscular pain – Strain on the upper back, shoulders and neck
• Headaches – Pressure on the back of the head increases tension

The effects of tech neck can be wide-ranging, impacting confidence and quality of life. Ongoing pain and discomfort can affect participation in exercise and other activities, as well as daily activities, while the development of tech neck lines can result in a loss of confidence and increased self-consciousness.

If you want to address concerns caused by the increased use of technology in daily life, Cadogan Clinic’s team of specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeons are on hand to discuss a bespoke treatment plan at our surgical centre of excellence, based in Chelsea, London.

What Are the Symptoms of Tech Neck?

Tech neck symptoms can be extensive, affecting both aesthetic and functional aspects of the neck.

It is important to remember that the severity of symptoms can vary between individuals, and factors such as ageing and weight loss may affect how signs and symptoms present.

Aesthetic Tech Neck Symptoms

• Defined lines (known as necklace lines) which run horizontally across the central section of the neck
• Loss of jawline definition and sagging in the lower face, sometimes called jowls
• Exaggerated double chin
• A prominent hump at the top of the back, known as a dowager’s hump, or buffalo hump
• Imbalanced body proportions caused by chronically altered posture

Functional Tech Neck Symptoms

• Pain and tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back
• Headaches
• Poor posture impacting mobility
• Sensory changes in the hands and arms
• Eye strain
• General fatigue

The comprehensive nature of tech neck symptoms means that the condition can have a dramatic impact on comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Discussing your aesthetic and functional problems with a specialist Consultant is the best way to establish a custom treatment plan, specifically created to address your personal concerns.

What Causes Tech Neck?

Although the central cause of tech neck is the head and neck being held in a forward, downward tilt for long periods, usually associated with screens and technology, several factors influence the symptoms and severity of the condition.

Posture and Biomechanics

When an individual is sat in a neutral position, with their spine straight and their ears over their shoulders, the head weighs around 5kg (11lbs).

As the head tilts forward, the force grows, causing the neck muscles to work harder:

• 15° of tilt is equivalent to 12kgs (27lbs) of force
• 30° of tilt is equivalent to 18 kgs (40lbs) of force
• 45° of tilt is equivalent to 22kgs (49lbs) of force
• 60° of tilt is equivalent to 27kgs (60lbs) of force

The position of the screen determines the forward tilt of the head. Typically, computers and laptops cause less neck strain, whereas the angle of the head when using a smartphone can be 60°.

Additionally, these positions are held for long periods of time, often several hours each day, without regular breaks, which exacerbates the force placed through the neck.

As well as straining the neck muscles, the force placed through the overlying skin for many hours at a time causes creases and lines to appear.

Muscular Imbalances

Tech neck is often linked to weakness and dysfunction in a wide range of muscles in the upper body and neck:

• Deep neck flexors – The muscles which stabilise the head weaken, failing to provide support, allowing the head to fall forward more easily
• Upper trapezius and levator scapulae – The muscles that run from the neck to the shoulder blades become shortened and tense due to holding the head up against gravity
• Pectorals – The muscles in the chest pull the shoulders forward and inward, worsening the downward head position
• Mid and lower trapezius and serratus anterior – The muscles which stabilise the upper back weaken, restricting shoulder support and proper posture
• Suboccipital muscles – The muscles at the base of the skull tighten and strain from keeping the neck and head upright

Unfortunately, muscular imbalances are part of a wider cycle. Poor posture causes muscle weakness and imbalances, which continually reinforce the poor posture, allowing the muscular concerns to worsen.

Muscle weakness also affects the overlying skin, causing loss of tone and worsening of necklace lines.

Desk Setup and Screen Time

One key factor contributing to tech neck is the time someone spends on screens and their screen setup.

The average time an individual spends on a smartphone is 4-6 hours per day. This is in addition to the time spent using computers, tablets or other devices. Office workers can easily spend 8-10 hours per day, multiple days a week, with their heads in a forward position.

Having a suitable, ergonomic desk setup and being conscious of posture when using a phone or tablet can significantly affect the severity of tech neck symptoms both aesthetically and functionally.

Underlying Medical Conditions

There are several conditions which may increase the chance of developing tech neck and may worsen the symptoms:

• Prior neck injuries – Injuries such as whiplash result in the muscles and tissues in the neck being weakened, making tech neck more likely to develop
• Weakened ligaments – Concerns affecting the ligaments may increase the risk of tech neck as the joints lack stability to maintain proper alignment
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – A rare genetic disorder causing weakness in the connective tissues, skin and joints, resulting in hypermobility and changes in skin texture
• Thoracic Kyphosis – Upper back rounding caused by factors other than screen and technology use causes the head to be pushed forward, increasing the likelihood of tech neck developing

Pre-existing medical conditions that affect the muscles and skin in the neck may increase the risk of tech neck occurring.

Occupational Hazards

People who work in certain environments where excess strain is placed on the neck and shoulders may be at higher risk of developing tech neck.

Occupations which involve sitting at a desk, using a computer or holding certain positions for extended periods. This can include:

• Office workers
• Healthcare workers, including nurses, surgeons and dentists
• Students
• Drivers and pilots
• Any role that includes frequent phone or tablet use

Risk factors which can increase the chance of tech neck occurring at work include:

• Unsuitable desk setup
• Lack of regular movement throughout the day
• Long term protections not being put in place to prevent future injury or concerns

If you are concerned about the risk of developing tech neck due to your working environment, it is important to speak with your employer to establish suitable protocols.

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