Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

Winter 2025 • 37

learning how massage therapy can directly or indirectly assist in addressing and alleviating these issues by promoting relaxation and reducing chronic stress responses. Exploring more targeted manual therapy techniques for treating chronic tech neck syndrome, as well as emphasize the importance of additional ergonomic interventions, is also integral to working with clients with tech neck. Building strong collaborative relationships with integrative health care professionals helps facilitate the best long-term outcomes for your clients. The Lower Body’s Role: The Connection Between Sitting and Tech Neck Syndrome The lower body’s contribution to tech neck is frequently overlooked by physicians and therapists alike. Prolonged sitting has been shown to weaken key muscle groups—particularly the hip flexors and gluteal muscles—which are essential for maintaining pelvic stability and proper spinal alignment. Weakness in these areas can lead to postural changes that place even more strain on the cervical spine, increasing the likelihood of both acute and chronic tech neck symptoms.

Recent research suggests that being seated while using a mobile device may be especially detrimental compared to standing or walking during device use. A 2023 study found that individuals using smartphones in a seated position exhibited significantly greater cervical spine flexion, particularly at the atlanto-occipital joint. 7 This flexed posture both aggravates neck strain and contributes to excessive thoracic kyphosis (curvature), exacerbating more systemic symptoms over time. Sitting is often referred to as “the new smoking” due to its widespread negative health effects. When combined with poor device posture, these risks are compounded—affecting not only the cervical region but the entire musculoskeletal system. Review of the Lumbar, Hip, Knee and Ankle Joints • Lumbar spine : The lumbar spine, located in the lower back, comprises five vertebrae (L1—L5) and bears much of the body’s weight while playing a key role in maintaining stability and enabling movement. The lumbar spine is subject to significant stress during prolonged sitting, especially when combined with poor posture,

Sitting is often referred to as “the new smoking” due to its widespread negative health effects. When combined with poor device posture, these risks are compounded— affecting not only the cervical region but the entire musculoskeletal system.

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