New Data Reveals Tech Neck a Growing Public Health Concern
In releasing ‘ survey findings conducted by award winning global research company Pureprofile, ACA President, Dr Billy Chow said the data reveals that misuse of technology does more than give us a pain in the neck; it is impacting every aspect of our daily lives.
“The survey revealed women are the primary sufferers of neck pain in every age bracket, except 51-60, with women aged 31-40 (73%) the most affected, reflecting a life-long, daily exposure to tech,” said Dr Chow.
“The survey also revealed that women were more affected by device-related neck pain across all types of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers and game consoles, and are experiencing a higher prevalence of neck pain than men for each length of timeframe used,” he said.
“Women consistently reported higher neck pain rates across all devices and settings (home and workplace), and were significantly more affected by chronic pain, mental health impacts, and productivity loss,” he said.
The survey found that women using laptops were 23% more likely than men to sit at non-ergonomic desks at work which was associated with a 16% higher incidence of neck pain than in women who used an ergonomic workspace. Additionally, women were 31% more likely to slouch while using laptops than men, with 86% of female ‘slouchers’ experiencing neck pain compared 75% of slouching men.
Women were 30% more likely than men to experience neck pain when using a tablet at work while seated at a desk without ergonomics; and at home, female tablet users seated on the floor reported a 79% higher prevalence of neck pain than men.
Overall, 64% of Australians reported experiencing neck pain (68% of women versus 60% of men) – much higher than the official statistic of 1-in-5 with 70% of neck pain sufferers reporting neck pain impeded their movement or day-to-day activities.
“What the data tells us is that neck pain is a widespread, increasingly gendered issue in Australia, with 68% of women and 60% of men reporting symptoms, most linked to poor posture, extended screen time, and non-ergonomic device use,” he said.
“With only 36% of neck pain sufferers being aware that their neck pain was linked to device use, to help prevent users developing tech neck it’s imperative we adjust our thinking on how we use technology, how often we use it and the way we use it,” said Dr Chow.
“Of concern, 38% of neck pain sufferers did not consult a healthcare practitioner, and only 29% sought a formal diagnosis. Instead, 78% of neck pain sufferers used over-the-counter pain relief and 47% relied on prescription medication. While more men preferred taking tablets, women used them more frequently with men 26% more likely to use prescription medication for their neck pain.”
While medications may offer temporary relief from neck pain, academic studies, including research from the University of Sydney, show opioids do not benefit people with acute neck or back pain (lasting up to 12 weeks) and have no positive role in treatment; comparatively, studies have shown that commencing treatment for tech neck promptly is crucial in preventing further functional decline and progression to a chronic condition.
Tech neck isn’t only affecting Australians’ physical health, sufferers are reporting that their mental health and productivity is impacted with 24% experiencing higher irritability, 20% noticing poorer concentration and 23% had sleep disruption; with women 43% more effected by productivity loss than men.
The survey revealed that proper posture, regular breaks, and correct ergonomics significantly reduced neck pain prevalence. Smartphone users who took regular breaks reported 33% less neck pain, while 85% of women device users who never took breaks experienced neck pain - compared to 61% of women who did.
In a separate survey of ACA Chiropractors, over 80% of those surveyed said 50% or more of neck pain patients reported that their mental health had suffered; 87% reported higher irritability, stress and poorer concentration; and an alarming 47% reported experiencing depression or anxiety because of neck pain.
A worrying trend observed since COVID-19 is cases of children and teens experiencing neck pain has surged, making them vulnerable to spinal health issues and additional health implications now and in the future.
“ACA Chiropractors reported a sharp rise in tech neck among young people with 34% reporting a ‘significant increase (+25%)’ and 27% a ‘moderate increase (11-24%)’ in teens. 29% reported a ‘significant increase,’ and 25% found a ‘moderate increase’ in children experiencing tech neck so it’s vital we educate kids early on healthy device habits to help prevent long-term neck-related health issues,” said Dr Chow.
Studies have shown smartphone and computer use can have a significant impact on pain severity among tech neck sufferers with the most prevalent symptoms of neck and back pain linked to the length of time spent using a device and the degree of discomfort experienced.
A recent study ‘The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students’ published in Nature (29.8.2024), examined the correlation between phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain in university students.
“Although the study focused on mobile phone use by university students, with almost 87% of Australians now regular smartphone users, it’s fair to consider the findings may be broadly applied to the population generally, particularly young people who’ve grown up using smartphones and tablets,” said Dr Chow.
“With technology a vital part of our modern lives, not only must we monitor the length of time we use our devices, but we must be cognisant that overuse and the way we use them can negatively impact our spinal health as well as our mental health.
“The ACA recommends limiting recreational screentime to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to prevent bending the neck forward, changing posture and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck from side-to-side,” Dr Chow said.
Incorrect and non-ergonomic use of computers is also a primary cause of tech neck. Although most common among office workers, with 75.5% of Australians aged 16 to 64 using computers daily, incorrect use and non-ergonomic workspaces can lead to a range of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
“With MSDs, including tech neck, costing the Australian economy over $55 billion annually through direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life, the burden on Australians and our economy is significant.
“Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, for study or work; it’s essential to take regular postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching and ensure workstations are set up ergonomically correct to help prevent tech neck, increase productivity and maintain overall spinal health and wellbeing,” he said.
With millions of Australians suffering from neck pain, national Spinal Health Week is dedicated to promoting spinal health and preventing the incidences of tech neck and related health issues in Australians of all ages.
Get the heads up on tech neck and download ACA’s FREE Avoiding Tech Neck Factsheets and Electronic Device Checklistsfor Adults, Parents and Students, the Ergonomic Checklist, and the Stand Corrected Stretching Poster available to download from .
A variety of spokespersons including case studies are available for interview via Insight Communications
Clare Collins M: 0414 821 957 E: [email protected]
Alice Collins M: 0414 686 091 E: [email protected]
1019 Respondents | 522 Female | 497 Male
651 Reported Neck Pain (64%) | 353 Female (68%) | 298 Male (60%)
Neck Pain is Common & Gendered
Ergonomics & Gender Disparities
Posture & Device Use Patterns
Perception: Neck Pain & Device Use
Neck Pain: Causes
Device Duration & Pain
Impact on Daily Life
Pain Management & Prevention
Health Impact
Pain Management & Behaviour Change
Tech Use & Posture Insights
Workplace & Lifestyle Trends
COVID-19 & Tech Neck
ACA chiropractors have reported a noticeable rise in Tech Neck cases across all age groups,
ACA President, Dr Billy Chow graduated as a chiropractor from RMIT University in 1998. Since graduating he has had a varied and enriching career in private practice, on boards and in business. Dr Chow is passionate about educating and inspiring people to make better choices and to live happier and healthier lives. Dr Chow is a lecturer at the Australian Chiropractic College, Adelaide and has a healthcare business consultancy where he provides healthcare practitioners with personalised business support and mentorship.
ACA Vice President, Dr David Cahill has been a registered, practicing chiropractor since 1991, in the Malvern East area of Melbourne since 1998. He loves helping people of all ages, from newborn babies and toddlers to those in their more senior years. David is very active in post-graduate education, continually upskilling in many aspects of chiropractic. David’s passion is to help people have transformative experiences, enabling them to do more of what they love in their lives.
Dr Anthony Coxon is a caring and respected chiropractor with 30 years’ experience. In 2009, he completed Post Doctorate studies in Chiropractic Neurorehabilitation. This additional qualification gives Anthony skills in dealing with more complex cases, particularly patients that experience balance disorders and dizziness. He is the current Vice President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA). In addition to running a busy practice, Anthony has also appeared on countless print, radio and television media spots including ‘A Current Affair’, ‘Today Tonight’, the ‘Today Show’ and the Evening news on all commercial television stations. Anthony sees daily how chiropractic care and a healthy lifestyle can bring vitality and wellbeing to his patients.
Dr Dent graduated from Macquarie University in Sydney in 2010 where he was awarded the Ed Devereaux Award for Services to the Student Body. He is active within the Australian Chiropractors Association at a state and national level chairing the public engagement committee and being a member of two other committees. He volunteers his time with St Vincent de Paul to bring chiropractic care to the homeless and vulnerable in Hobart. Dr Dent has a keen passion for helping people improve their long standing (chronic) back and neck pain and then progressing their spinal health through exercise and rehabilitation so that they are stronger and healthier than they’ve ever been.
Dr Kim Lie Jom has been a registered and practicing chiropractor in NSW for the past 30 years. His commitment to the well-being of his patients extends beyond the chiropractic adjustments, as he understands the importance of holistic health for every individual. With a family of three kids of his own, he truly comprehends the value of family wellness. As a respected community leader, Dr Jom has become an integral part of the local community. His reputation extends not only for his exceptional chiropractic skills but also for his dedication to community service. He is a proud member of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), showcasing his commitment to the highest standards of professional practice. His involvement in the ACA goes beyond membership – he currently holds several key positions within the organisation, including Public Education, Audit and Risk, the Eastern Regional Committee. He is a dedicated member of the Australian Spinal Research Foundation (ASRF), demonstrating his commitment to advancing chiropractic knowledge and contributing to research in the field. Dr Jom’s prominence in the chiropractic community is exemplified by his passion, dedication, and leadership in promoting health and wellbeing for individuals and families alike.
Nutritionist, Naturopath and Chiropractor, Dr Damian Kristof is a highly sought-after presenter and speaker in the Wellness industry. With over 20 years of experience, Damian’s in-depth knowledge of the body, nervous system, food functions and responses coupled with his friendly and dynamic presenting style, has him in high demand. Focusing on food as key to unlocking optimal health and wellness, Damian presents in-depth facts and concepts that have never been readily available to the public - offering all audiences from industry experts to the public highly valuable content as he engages, educates and inspires audiences across the globe.
Michelle has been a registered chiropractor since graduating from RMIT in 2005 and has practiced in the Albert Park area since 2010. Michelle’s passion lies in helping people’s bodies perform better to allow them to get more out of life, whether that be to enhance sports performance, rehabilitation of chronic conditions, during pregnancy or to support general health and wellbeing. Michelle loves helping people of all ages and stages of life on their health journey. Michelle previously sat on the Victorian branch of the CAA (now the Australian Chiropractors Association), and is currently completing a Masters through RMIT.
Dr Adam Smith (Chiropractor) has more than 20 years’ experience in family-based chiropractic care. He has experience working in many communities around Australia and internationally, including regularly serving on committees that guide health policy on a state and Australian federal level, as well as in the UK. With a special interest in family health and wellness, Dr Adam works with local community groups, charities, workplaces and schools to improve access to chiropractic care for those who want it. He believes that all Australians should have access to quality chiropractic services, so he is currently working with a group that is expanding chiropractic access in regional and rural areas of Australia across six states and territories.
Dr Joshua Tymms is a registered chiropractor with nearly two decades of clinical experience, graduating from Murdoch University with a double degree in 2006. He has worked with many elite-level athletes throughout his career and remains passionate about advancing spinal health. Josh is currently completing a double Masters degree in Public Health and Business Administration to strengthen his skills in health leadership, research, and advocacy. He serves as Vice President of the Advanced Bio-Structural Correction Australasia (ABCA) Board, leading efforts to grow the research base supporting spinal health interventions. Josh has held various leadership roles within the Australian Chiropractors Association over the past decade, advocating strongly for the profession and its future. He remains committed to helping communities live healthier, more active lives through chiropractic care.
Dr Ali Young is a Chiropractor with over 20 years’ experience working specifically with families, children and women. She has owned practices and worked in both Western Australia and Queensland, and loves taking care of those children that love that extra jolt of frivolity, playfulness and joy in their healthcare. She is an advocate for Working Mothers, with her book, Work. Mama. Life widely received upon its publication in 2022. She is a mother of two and now works with women in her Holistic Health Business space, combining these two great loves with her chiropractic work. She is a sought-after speaker, MC, and strategist for working mothers in the allied health space who both own businesses and want to live large whilst avoiding burnout. She has written for most major newspapers around Australia, has a podcast “Work Mama Life” with nearly 20,000 downloads, and provides support in the online space for women and mothers. She has been a chiropractic patient since she was 15 years old and thinks there is no greater gift that providing the support families need to allow their health to shine.
Key Facts:
- Stretch/move every 30 minutes during computer use
- Use ergonomic workstations
- Early intervention (exercise, manual therapy, posture correction) is critical
- Opioids are not effective for acute neck/back pain
Chiropractic Care
- 400,000+ chiropractic consults weekly across Australia
- ACA has invested $2.3M in research to support evidence-based care
- Spinal Health Week is Australia's longest-running spinal health campaign
- Free resources: www.spinalhealthweek.org.au (factsheets, checklists, posters for all ages)
About us:
Established in 1938, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is the peak body representing chiropractors. The ACA promotes the importance of maintaining spinal health to improve musculoskeletal health through non-invasive, drug-free spinal health and lifestyle advice to help Australians of all ages lead and maintain healthy lives.
The ACA is the premier association for chiropractic in Australia. With around 3,000 members, the ACA is Australia’s largest chiropractic health body and has taken a leadership role in promoting the importance of maintaining a healthy spine to improve the overall health and wellbeing of every Australian. ACA develops and promotes professional standards for chiropractors, has invested $2.2 million to advance research in musculoskeletal health, builds evidence-based practice for chiropractic healthcare and actively promotes the importance of spinal health through its annual flagship campaign, national Spinal Health Week.
Every week 400,000 chiropractic healthcare consultations are creating well-adjusted Australians. With so many Australians visiting a chiropractor every week, chiropractors play an important role in improving the spinal health of everyday Australians.
National Spinal Health Week (26 May to 1 June 2025) is the initiative of the ACA, dedicated to improving the spinal health of all Australians through increasing awareness of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which currently costs the Australian economy over $55.1 billion annually.
Contact details:
Insight Communications: 02 9518 4744
Clare Collins:M: 0414 821 957
Alice Collins M: 0414 686 091
