Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

36 • Massage Therapy Journal

R ecent research underscores that lower body imbalances —such as weakened hip flexors, inhibited gluteal muscles and altered pelvic alignment— can significantly affect spinal mechanics and contribute to symptoms commonly associated with Tech Neck Syndrome.

known to cause severe health issues, prolonged sitting—often coupled with poor posture while using mobile devices—has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes. Staying seated for long periods while using devices can lead to an increased forward head posture and excessive loading on the cervical spine. Therefore, a key focus of this course is understanding and addressing these lower body imbalances so you can provide more effective and lasting relief for tech neck. Studies have shown that excessive sitting can lead to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity and musculoskeletal problems, including tech neck. 5 The danger is particularly pronounced when combined with the constant use of mobile devices. Many people acknowledge that they struggle to limit their screen time, which means they remain in poor postural positions for extended periods. 6 Here, we’ll expand on how prolonged sitting not only affects neck health but also contributes to lower body imbalances that further exacerbate postural issues. Understanding this connection is crucial for providing effective, lasting relief to clients. Making the Connection: Tech neck syndrome is believed to have social, behavioral and psychological dimensions. With recent research highlighting the effects of technology overuse on mental health—including issues like anxiety, reduced emotional intelligence and poor social skills—it’s crucial that we adopt a holistic approach that considers both the body and the mind. This approach includes understanding the broader impacts of technology dependency and Social, Behavioral and Psychological Insights

Addressing only the cervical spine is often insufficient for lasting relief. A comprehensive approach that considers the entire kinetic chain—particularly the role of lumbopelvic stability and lower body function—is essential for effective outcomes. 1 In this course, we will integrate these findings, giving therapists a deeper understanding of how lower body mechanics are linked to neck health and how to talk about and manually address them effectively. Device Usage Trends and the Growing Need for Awareness Like it or not, mobile devices have become a fundamental part of modern life for most people. As of 2024, 90% of U.S. adults own a smartphone, with nearly universal prevalence among younger adults (ages 18–29) at 97%. 2 Moreover, about 62% of adults aged 18–29 report being online almost constantly—a sharp increase compared to previous years. 3 This constant connectivity has significant implications for posture and musculoskeletal health, as individuals are spending more time hunched over their screens. Despite the growing reliance on devices, there is also increasing awareness of the negative impacts of prolonged device use, with 67% of adults expressing a desire to reduce their screen time, 4 which highlights the urgency of addressing tech neck through both preventive education and effective therapeutic interventions. The Impact of Sedentary Behavior: The New Smoking The concept of sitting being “the new smoking” draws attention to the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Just as smoking is widely

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