tech neck

English

Etymology

From tech +‎ neck, referring to physical strain in the neck due to poor posture while using electronic devices.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɛknɛk/
• Rhymes: -ɛk

Noun

tech neck (countable and uncountable, plural tech necks)

1. (informal) Neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort resulting from poor posture while using electronic devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, and computers).
   • 2023, Beth Spindler, Trauma-Aware Yoga and Movement Therapeutics for Older Adults: Managing Common Conditions by Healing the Nervous System First, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, →ISBN, page 88:

     When I finished writing my first book a couple of years ago, I noticed that the long hours spent at the computer had taken their toll in the form of radiating pain and tingling down my arms. My rheumatologist prescribed a set of strengthening exercises for my “tech neck.” Because I am a yoga therapist, they were already part of my movement vocabulary, but I wasn't practicing them frequently enough to address my issues.

2. (informal) A person experiencing such neck pain from digital device use.

   Office workers and teenagers are common tech necks in today's screen-heavy world.

Synonyms

• text neck
• screen neck

Related terms

• digital fatigue
• forward head posture
• posture correction
• repetitive strain injury
• device addiction