Is Your Phone Causing Neck Pain? What You Need to Know About Forward Head Posture

A man examines his phone while holding a credit card, illustrating the potential for forward head posture associated with prolonged smartphone use.

How Forward Head Posture Causes Neck Pain

In today’s tech-driven world, most of us spend hours looking down at our phones, laptops, or tablets. This habit may seem harmless—but research shows it can lead to Forward Head Posture (FHP), also known as “Text Neck.”

Forward head posture neck pain is becoming one of the most common postural complaints we see at Posture Blueprint, especially in patients who spend long hours on mobile devices or laptops.

A woman using a laptop sits with her head slightly forward, exemplifying Forward Head Posture commonly associated with "Text Neck."

📉 What the Latest Research Says

A new study published in Scientific Reports in 2025 evaluated 86 people with chronic neck pain [1]. The researchers used a validated tool (PostureScreen Mobile) to measure each patient’s head posture before and after an 8-week conservative care program.

Here’s what they found:

• For every 1cm increase in forward head posture, the odds of recovery dropped by 13%

• FHP was the strongest predictor of poor treatment outcomes

• Younger patients and females responded better to treatment

This means that even when care is high-quality, people with forward head posture are less likely to recover fully—unless the posture is addressed directly.

Group Collaboration with a Modern Twist: Team members gathered in a bright office space, engaged in discussion and using various devices, highlighting the prevalent tech-induced posture challenges in today's work environment.

📱 The Problem with Modern Devices

Think about how you hold your phone when texting or scrolling. Your neck likely bends forward at 30 to 45 degrees. Research shows that this angle can double or triple the load on your cervical spine [2].

Over time, this poor posture:

• Wears down your neck joints

• Fatigues postural muscles

• Changes muscle shape and function [3]

• Leads to pain, stiffness, and fatigue

🧠 What Happens to Your Muscles?

Studies show that people with forward head posture have:

• Weakened neck extensor endurance

• Shortened deep cervical flexors

• Altered muscle thickness on ultrasound [4]

These changes make it harder to maintain good posture, even when you're trying to sit up straight.

Posture Blueprint utilizes PostureScreen Mobile technology to provide precise assessments of posture, including forward head position, shoulder alignment, and spinal tilt, through quick photographic analysis.

📸 How We Measure It at Posture Blueprint

At Posture Blueprint, we use PostureScreen Mobile, the same validated software used in the 2025 study [1]. It lets us objectively assess your posture, including forward head position, shoulder angle, and spinal tilt—using just a few quick photos.

Get a Free Posture Analysis at Posture Blueprint, Glen Waverley—helping you alleviate neck pain and improve posture effortlessly. Book online today! www.postureblueprint.com

🧰 Can Forward Head Posture Be Corrected?

Yes, when treated early with the right approach. However, everyone responds differently, and a major factor in recovery depends on age. One of the most studied tools for correcting FHP is the Denneroll Cervical Orthotic. In a randomized trial, adding this device to a traditional physiotherapy plan improved neck curve, reduced disability, and reduced head translation [5].

At Posture Blueprint, we combine:

• Manual osteopathic care

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• PostureScreen assessments

• Denneroll and home rehab programs

All tailored to your specific posture, age, spinal condition and pain pattern.

A woman outdoors looks up with a bright smile, symbolizing optimism and the potential for positive recovery with the right approach, highlighting the influence of age on healing.

🎯 Book a Free Posture Analysis

If you're concerned about neck pain or posture, we offer a 15-minute Free Posture Analysis at our Glen Waverley clinic (inside The Glen Shopping Centre). There’s no obligation and it helps us guide you on next steps—whether that’s treatment or simple advice.

🖱️ Book online at: www.postureblueprint.com📍 Posture Blueprint | Osteopathy inside The Glen Shopping Centre

Visit our Glen Waverley clinic for a complimentary 15-minute Posture Analysis, conveniently located inside The Glen Shopping Centre. Get professional advice on managing neck pain and improving posture with no obligation.

References

1. Anwar G, Moustafa IM, Ahbouch A, Alrahoomi A, Harrison DE. The magnitude of sagittal head posture displacement and patient demographics predict rehabilitation outcomes in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Scientific Reports. 2025;15(1):3829. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-04187-x

2. Kapandji IA. The Physiology of the Joints, Volume III. 6th ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2008.

3. Gustafsson E, Johnson PW, Hagberg M. Thumb postures and physical loads during mobile phone use – a comparison of young adults with and without musculoskeletal symptoms. Applied Ergonomics. 2010;41(4):557-564.

4. Falla D, Farina D. Neuromuscular adaptation in experimental and clinical neck pain. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2007;17(2):120-128.

5. Moustafa IM, Diab AA, Harrison DE. The efficacy of cervical lordosis rehabilitation for chronic neck pain: a randomized trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018;19(1):1-11.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting treatment.