Tech Neck in Calgary: What It Is and How to Fix It
- Chinook Chiropractic
- May 5
- 2 min read
In Calgary, we know the life of long days hunched over at the desk, staring at our phones, or binge-watching our favourite shows. But this constant screen time can create a condition in modern times referred to as tech neck — a disorder from holding your head forward for extended periods in front of devices. At Chinook Chiropractic, Physiotherapy & Massage, we recognize the wear and tear it puts on your body and provide holistic solutions to help you be relieved.
Learning About Tech Neck
Tech neck, or "text neck," is a repetitive stress injury that comes from tilting forward to look at your phone, tablet, or computer for extended times. The alignment compresses the muscles in your neck and upper back, creating pain and potentially long-term wear.
The Consequences of Tech Neck
A recent study identified the prevalence and consequences of tech neck:
Increased Pressure on the Neck: Tilting your head 60 degrees forward amounts to an incredible 60 pounds of pressure on your cervical spine.
Frequency Among Students: A Canadian study found that 68% of students experienced musculoskeletal pain in the cervical spine due to smartphone use.
Work-from-Home Issues: With remote work on the rise, 64.7% of people working from home report neck or back pain — most often due to poor ergonomics and prolonged device use.
Warning Signs to Check
Tech neck doesn’t just affect your neck. Watch out for:
Headaches: Usually starting at the base of the skull and radiating toward the forehead
Shoulder and upper back ache from overstrained muscles
Stiffness or reduced mobility in the neck
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands — signs of nerve compression
Integrated Care at Chinook Chiropractic
At Chinook Chiropractic, we use an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to treat tech neck effectively:
Chiropractic Adjustments: Realignment of the spine to reduce pressure and improve posture
Massage Therapy: Releases muscle tension in the shoulders and neck
Physiotherapy: Strengthens supporting muscles and teaches proper ergonomics
Posture Education: Helps you maintain a neutral spine during daily tasks
Our team works together to build a care plan that’s personalized to your body and goals.
Preventing Tech Neck
Treatment is important — but prevention is even better:
Ergonomic Workstations: Adjust your workspace to keep screens at eye level
Regular Breaks: Use the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Posture Checks: Do quick posture resets throughout your day
Strengthening Exercises: Build up your neck and upper back to improve endurance and function
Find Relief Today
Don’t let tech neck interfere with your daily life. Our integrated team at Chinook Chiropractic, Physiotherapy & Massage is here to help you feel better and move with ease.
