If you work at a desk, look down at your phone often, or spend long hours on a computer, chances are you’ve felt the effects of Tech Neck—a modern-day condition caused by sustained forward head posture.

Tech Neck (also known as text neck) refers to the chronic strain on the neck and upper back that comes from tilting the head forward repeatedly throughout the day. This poor posture places excess stress on the cervical spine, leading to pain, muscle tension, and long-term spinal damage.

The Science Behind Forward Head Posture

Here’s how it happens:

When your head sits directly over your shoulders, it weighs around 10–12 pounds. But for every inch your head moves forward, the weight and strain on your neck muscles and spine increases dramatically. In fact, research shows that a 15-degree forward tilt increases the effective weight to 27 pounds, and a 60-degree tilt increases it to 60 pounds of pressure on your cervical spine!

(Source: Hansraj, K.K. Surgical Technology International, 2014)

Over time, this sustained strain can cause:

• Tight and overworked neck and shoulder muscles
• Chronic tension headaches
• Early degenerative changes in the cervical spine
• Osteoarthritis and bone spur formation as the body tries to stabilize misaligned areas

Forward head posture also compresses the discs in your neck, which can eventually lead to disc herniation or pinched nerves.

Why Bone Spurs and Arthritis Form

Your body always adapts to stress. When the cervical spine is under constant pressure due to poor posture, the vertebrae begin to lay down extra bone in the form of bone spurs (osteophytes) to stabilize the area. This is part of a process called Wolff’s Law, where bone remodels in response to stress.

Unfortunately, these bone spurs can:

• Reduce your range of motion
• Cause inflammation
• Contribute to cervical osteoarthritis

And it all starts with posture.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Tech Neck

At Johns Creek Chiropractic, we specialize in correcting the root cause of Tech Neck—not just masking the symptoms.

Here’s how chiropractic helps:

• Postural assessments to identify forward head carriage and spinal misalignment
• Specific chiropractic adjustments to restore motion and balance to the neck and upper back

• Digital X-rays to identify early degenerative changes

• Core Score Spinal Exam to track nerve stress and muscular imbalance

• Stretching and strengthening protocols designed for desk workers

By improving your posture and spinal alignment, chiropractic care can reduce pain, prevent further degeneration, and help you feel more energized at the end of your workday.

At-Home Tools for Desk Workers

In addition to your in-office care, we’ll give you:

• Posture correction stretches (like doorway pec stretch and chin tucks)

• Strengthening exercises for deep neck flexors and upper back

• Ergonomic tips for your desk setup and monitor height

• Foam rolling and massage tools to loosen tension

Consistency is key. A few minutes a day can reverse years of bad habits.

Ready to Fix Tech Neck?

If you’re tired of neck pain, tension, or feeling “off” after a long workday, don’t wait. The earlier you correct Tech Neck, the more you can prevent long-term damage.

📅 Call us today at (770) 623-6880 or schedule online to receive your full spinal evaluation, digital X-rays (if clinically indicated), and Core Score Nervous System Scan.

Let’s restore your posture and protect your spine—before it’s too late.

Sources:

• Hansraj, K.K. (2014). Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head. Surgical Technology International.

• American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

• Mayo Clinic and NIH resources on osteoarthritis and posture