Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 hrs ago
Screen use and poor posture can put added strain on the neck
Looking down at phones and laptops changes how weight is distributed across the neck and can put extra strain on its muscles and joints.
Anthony Ghosh, a spinal neurosurgeon at Queen's Hospital in London, says the load rises from about 5.4 kilograms when the body is upright to about 27 kilograms when the head is tilted down.
Neck problems can also develop as the body ages, as supporting tissues become less elastic and stiffen.
An analysis of global health data suggests that 60% to 80% of people will have neck pain during their lives, and nearly half will have it frequently or repeatedly.
Ghosh recommends moving more and taking breaks during screen use rather than relying on special chairs or other equipment.
He says the spine needs to move, but the text does not give further details about specific exercises or other next steps.
Neck strain can increase when people lean forward over laptops and smartphones.
Neurosurgeon Anthony Ghosh says the load on the neck rises from about 5.4 kilograms when the body is upright to about 27 kilograms when looking down.
Ghosh recommends moving more and taking breaks from screen use to help reduce the risk of neck problems.
A report analysis cited in the article says 60% to 80% of people will experience neck pain during their lives.
- Who
- People who spend time leaning over screens may put added strain on their necks.
- What
- The article describes how posture and screen use can increase neck strain and offers prevention advice.
- When
- The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Leaning forward over devices changes how the head’s weight is distributed across the neck.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It is a considerable overload that the neck has to bear.
The spine simply needs to move.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Upright head load
- About 5.4 kg on the neck
- Looking-down head load
- About 27 kg on the neck
- Lifetime neck pain
- 60% to 80% of people, according to an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2021 report
- Article publication
- 11 October 2026
Sources
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