Australian clinics warn of sharp rise in 'tech neck' cases

Australian clinics are reporting a substantial increase in patients presenting with 'tech neck', a condition associated with prolonged mobile device use.

Recent data collected by Simply Nootropics reveals a 304% surge in Australians searching for information on 'tech neck' in 2025, reflecting shifting health concerns tied to extended periods of doomscrolling and device use. The condition, colloquially known as 'tech neck', refers to neck stiffness and discomfort attributed to sustained smartphone or tablet use, especially when lying in bed.

Dr Brain Ramos, a Simply Nootropics researcher and neuroscientist, cautioned about the implications of these trends on both physical and neurological health. He stated, "Years of habitual doomscrolling hasn't been tested, we don't know how it will impact the body - we expect to see this disrupt healthy neuroplasticity in the brain down the line, and the first signs of pathological doomscrolling - or 'tech neck' - will first show up in the body whilst you're young as an early warning sign."

Physiotherapist Adam Monteith, from Evoke, has observed a marked rise in cases at his clinic attributed to tech neck and posture-related complaints. "We're seeing a noticeable rise in patients coming in with neck, shoulder, and upper back pain linked directly to prolonged scrolling in bed," he explained. "People prop themselves up with the wrong pillows, round their shoulders forward, and hold their phones at awkward angles. Over time, this causes significant strain to the neck, thoracic spine, and wrists."

Monteith highlighted that prolonged poor posture can escalate from temporary discomfort to more serious medical complications. "Your head weighs 5–6kg. When you spend an hour in bed, chin jutting forward, with your spine unsupported, you're placing enormous pressure on your neck and upper back. Multiply that by weeks and months and you get tendon damage, neural compression, and even conditions like carpal tunnel."

He added, "The tipping point is when these issues don't fade with rest. If you're changing your daily activities to avoid pain, or reaching for the medicine cabinet more often, it's time to reassess your tech habits."

Identifying the signs

Monteith explained that the earliest indicators of chronic doomscrolling and tech neck involve persistent pain, particularly when symptoms do not resolve with rest. Additional signs include increased reliance on pain relief or modifications to daily routines as a result of discomfort. He noted that these should prompt individuals to reconsider their device use and posture habits.

Managing and preventing tech neck

To address rising concerns, Monteith, with approval from Dr Ramos, provided a set of recommendations aimed at minimising the risk of tech neck and promoting overall brain health.

Monteith's first suggestion is to create a separation between work and leisure device use. "Work, then scroll! Read a chapter or stretch before picking up your phone."

Dr Ramos explains how this advice also supports brain health. He said, "Taking a break to stretch or read activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the brain reset from hyperstimulation. This small pause reduces mental fatigue, strengthens attention span, and improves emotional regulation, making you more resilient to stress and distraction when you return to your device."

The second tip involves moderation of screen time in bed. "Use a 'scroll timer' – set a 20–30 minute window to control screen time in bed," Monteith recommended. Dr Ramos added, "Timed tech use before bed supports your circadian rhythm by limiting blue light exposure, which is critical for melatonin release and deep sleep. Quality sleep enhances memory consolidation, emotional processing, and neural repair, keeping your brain sharp and balanced."

The third recommendation focuses on posture adjustment prior to device use. "Chin before scroll – protect your neck by adjusting your chin and shoulder position before starting your scroll session." Dr Ramos elaborated, "Good posture reduces stress signals sent to the brain from strained muscles, particularly in the neck and shoulders. Proper alignment supports better blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which boosts cognitive clarity and emotional calm."

The increase in tech neck complaints and related health concerns reflects a broader trend of technology's impact on physical and neurological wellbeing among Australians. Both clinicians highlighted the importance of early intervention, practical prevention strategies, and mindful tech use to mitigate the medical risks associated with evolving device habits.