Latest news with #techneck
New York Times
a day ago
- Health
- New York Times
7 Exercises to Soothe Your Sore Neck and Shoulders
For thousands of years, humans have hunched over to light fires, care for our children and harvest plants. But the modern version of this position — curving forward from focus or fatigue, then lifting our chins to stare at our screens — can lead to pain for many people. This neck and upper back discomfort is often called 'tech neck' or 'text neck.' And experts say that it's not necessarily the position itself that is a problem, but the amount of time we spend in it. 'The important thing about posture is it's not such a binary good and bad,' said Claire Hsing, a physical therapist in Boulder, Colorado. Our bodies can be comfortable in many different positions, but few of them are ideal to hold for long periods of time, she said. Brad Callan, an assistant professor of physical therapy at Pacific Northwest University School of Health Sciences, sometimes uses a simple exercise to illustrate that point: He asks his patients to stretch their thumb far away from their hand. Then he tells them to imagine holding it that way for eight hours. 'That's what you're doing to your neck every day,' he tells them. Tech neck hasn't been rigorously studied, but experts say there are changes you can make that will likely offer some relief from the discomfort. First, check that your work station allows you to sit with good posture, Dr. Callan said. You should be able to keep your pelvis neutral, meaning you're not arching or rounding your back, he said. Stretches that release tension in the muscles along the neck and the tops of the shoulders can help, too, Dr. Hsing said. It's also important to strengthen the muscles in your mid-back and along your spine, and improve your mobility in these areas. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
8 Best Neck Firming Creams To Use in Australia in 2025
Doomscrolling on our phones is not just taking a toll on our minds but it's quietly wreaking havoc on our appearance too. These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more Turns out constantly staring at our phones – aka doomscrolling – is not only bad for our minds but also taking a toll on our physical appearance too. Ever heard of the term 'tech neck'? Well now, you'll never forget it now. Caused by the forward tilt of your head while continuously looking down at phone and computer screens, 'tech neck' leads to fine lines and creases across the neck that can be very annoying to get rid of. And no, this isn't about ageing (which, by the way, is a privilege). But if you're looking to soften the appearance of those neck lines, we've rounded up a list of top-rated neck creams that are getting serious buzz. Keep scrolling for our roundup of the most popular, most-reviewed neck creams you can get your hands on right now – including one from Trinny London that's the beauty entrepreneur's secret to a smoother and firmer neck. OUR TOP PICKS The Elevator, $128 at Trinny London Trinny London The Elevator Neck Cream Why we love it: It's a highly advanced formula to really target the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the delicate neck area. What to consider: High price tag. What You Need To Know The best-selling neck cream from Trinny London is formulated with encapsulated alpha arbutin and a bunch of supercharged peptides to deeply hydrate the skin, brighten its appearance, and visibly soften fine lines for a smoother, plumper-looking neck. But why does the neck show signs of ageing differently than the face? We got to hear from Trinny London herself. 'It's because we have fewer things that support it to look younger. Our necks don't have as much fat underneath, which would normally make the skin look plumper. Our neck also doesn't have many sebaceous glands, which means it never gets oily and oiliness can be really good for skin to give it extra hydration,' she explained. $96 at Adore Beauty Why we love it: It's a rich, luxurious and creamy texture that feels great to put on. What to consider: High price tag. What You Need To Know Ideal for those with mature, delicate and/or sun damaged skin, the Ella Bache Firming Neck Cream is a super rich treatment that's designed to really hydrate the skin. It's formulated with a multi-active ingredient called Fabanine, which is a soy plant extract. After continued use, expect to see a more radiant neck area. Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have said this is a 'very hydrating and rich cream'. 'It has a very luxurious feel when patting in to neck and upper chest area. Wouldn't be without it,' said another happy user. Why we love it: Universally loved by shoppers for its smooth texture and its results. What to consider: High price tag. What You Need To Know One of Clarins' bestsellers has to be the Super Restorative Decollete and Neck Concentrate. It's packed with skin-loving ingredients like Harungana – something that's unique to the French beauty brand – to really replenish the delicate neck area and make it look more youthful and radiant. It's racked up a very impressive average rating of 4.9 out of five on the Myer website, with rave reviews from shoppers noting it 'makes a visible difference in a short time'. 'It is a fantastic neck cream that is quickly absorbed and non-greasy,' said another five-star rating customer. Natio Replenishing Neck and Decolettage Cream $22.95 at Myer Why we love it: Super budget-friendly option. What to consider: May not feel as premium as other neck creams on our list. What You Need To Know You don't have to break the bank to get real results from a hardworking neck cream. This one from Natio will cost you under $25 and rave reviews from five-star rating Myer shoppers call it a 'miracle cream', praising it as an 'affordable product that gives results'. Formulated with collagen-boosting plant peptides and antioxidant-rich bearberry extract, it works to even out skin tone, boost hydration, and leave the neck feeling noticeably softer and smoother. Why we love it: Over time, this night cream will improve overall radiance of your face and neck. What to consider: May be too powerful for super sensitive skin types. What You Need To Know If you're looking for an overall hardworking night cream that you can use on your face and your neck, this one from RoC Skincare is our top pick. The formula is led by the ingredient that's had over seven years of research – the Hexyl-R complex – to really help you wake up with a totally renewed and radiant complexion. Five-star rating iHerb shoppers say this cream 'works really well' and noting it makes a 'big difference' to the overall look of their skin. Why we love it: This is double-duty day cream for your face and neck. What to consider: Not suitable to be used at night time. What You Need To Know For those of us who want to really simplify our skincare routine, this day cream from No7 is a fabulous option as it combines the function of a cream for your face and neck in one. Rave reviews from Priceline shoppers say their 'skin feels so much softer and looks brighter both on my face and neck.' Another five-star reviewer said this is the 'best ever day cream'. The formula is packed with ginseng extract to revitalise the skin, while antioxidants, peptides and vitamins help to protect the skin. Finally a hydrating blend of Hibiscus peptides, hyaluronic acid and the brand's signature anti-wrinkle peptide technology is added to really hydrate the skin and help give it a visible glow. $64 at Adore Beauty Why we love it: Double-duty product to work for the delicate eye and neck area. What to consider: High price tag for a small amount of product. What You Need To Know Adore Beauty shoppers say this double-duty cream from Skinstitut really works well to give you 'smooth and radiant' skin. It's formulated with peptides and marine collagen to increase hydration and improve the overall tone and texture of the delicate skin around your eyes and neck. The beauty brand have also added green coffee extract, avocado oil, aloe vera and ginseng to nourish the skin and give you a more glowy complexion. The Jojoba Company Neck & Decolletage Lifting Concentrate $64.95 at Adore Beauty Why we love it: Offers more of a serum-feel that's super lightweight on the skin. What to consider: Not a creamy texture like the other options on our list. Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Key ingredient: Powerful botanicals What You Need To Know If you're looking for a lightweight treatment that feels more like a serum, rather than a cream, this pick from The Jojoba Company is a standout. The Neck & Décolletage Lifting Concentrate offers an advanced formula to help boost collagen, replenish and hydrate the skin, and really help encourage a more youthful appearance. The formula features ingredients specific to Australian beauty brand – Col-Frag 4, Gravityl and Liftylox – which all help to smooth the skin and improve overall radiance. When choosing neck creams to include in our list, we evaluated several factors: Price: Neck firming creams can sit at different price points, so you can pay as little as $22.95, with more pricier options sitting at about $155. Formula: If you want a neck cream to work, it needs to be packed with powerful ingredients – think peptides, retinol, antioxidants and more hydrating, skin-loving actives, Your skin type: Your skin type can determine what sort of skincare you should use – if you have dry skin, looking for extra hydrating ingredients. For those with sensitive skin, you're going to want to be careful with how many active products you load onto your skin. The skin on our neck can also be more delicate compared to the rest of our face. HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO FIX TECH NECK? Besides investing in a neck cream, if you want to keep a smooth and more youthful looking appearance, you're going to want to be applying an SPF every single morning. The sun's UV rays contribute to all signs of ageing, so keeping your skin protected is key. Another obvious point is not be on your phone as much – which we know, is not an easy task. Try and take regular breaks, and ensure you maintain good posture while scrolling and having fun with your friends. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO APPLY A NECK CREAM? For the best results, you should apply your neck cream everyday – think of it as an extension to the rest of your face. Make sure you always follow up with an SPF to keep your skin protected – you can see our roundup of the best ones for your face here. Sign up to our weekly shopping newsletter to get the best deals, tips and guides delivered straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Is ‘adult tummy time' the secret to fighting tech neck? How it can ease neck and back pain
No sweat, no sneakers, no standing. The latest wellness craze skips the squats and goes straight to the floor. 'Adult tummy time' is taking the internet by storm, with fans claiming the face-down position helps fix posture and fends off the modern-day menace known as tech neck. The Post spoke with three physical therapists to find out if this trend is a back-saving breakthrough — or just another pain in the neck. Here's everything you need to know before hitting the ground. Turns out all that scrolling, typing and slouching comes at a cost. 'Tech neck is a term used to describe the neck pain, stiffness and discomfort that results from prolonged periods of looking down at electronic devices like smartphones, tablets or laptops,' said Caitlin Reid, clinical director at Spear Physical Therapy. It's often the result of poor posture, when the head leans forward and the neck has to support its weight for an extended period of time, Reid explained. And that's no small task. 'Ten pounds of weight is added to the cervical spine for every inch that the neck is tilted forward,' said Dr. James Higgins, a physical therapist and partner at Integrative Physical Therapy of NYC. He said more patients are coming into his practice with symptoms of tech neck, especially office workers. While it's tough to pin down exactly how many Americans are affected, studies indicate that 73% of university students and 65% of people who work from home have neck or back pain. 'If left unaddressed, tech neck can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, muscle imbalances, nerve compression and disc degeneration,' Reid warned. If you've ever spent time with a baby, you've probably seen this move in action. ''Tummy time' for infants is a critical activity that supports several key physical and cognitive milestones,' Reid said. It helps strengthen neck, core and upper body muscles, prevents flat head syndrome and supports hand-eye coordination and motor skills, she explained. For adults, the move is all about counteracting poor posture. ''Adult tummy time' requires the participant to extend the neck and lower back, reversing the poor postural position of a flexed neck and lower back,' Higgins explained. 'The reversal decreases pain and provides relief to the neck and lower back joints.' 'As a physical therapist, I see value in this position because it helps counteract forward head and rounded posture by stretching the front of the body, improving spinal extension and strengthening the muscles that support the shoulders and neck,' said Dr. Morgan Severe, an orthopedic clinical specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Naples Comprehensive Health. Reid said even 10 minutes a day can help prevent tech neck — and ease the aches that come with it. ''Tummy time' can relieve neck and lower back pain for patients who are suffering from postural syndromes, strain and cervical or lumbar disc displacement injuries such as herniations and protrusions,' Higgins added. While 'adult tummy time' is a widely accessible move, it's not for everyone. ''Tummy time' would not be appropriate for individuals diagnosed with cervical or lumbar stenosis, spondylosis and osteoarthritis,' Higgins warned. 'In these cases, extension-based movements such as 'tummy time' would most likely exacerbate their symptoms,' he continued. Reid said others should be cautious too, such as those with serious back or neck pain, recent abdominal or cardiac surgeries, severe breathing problems and women near the end of their pregnancy. 'It's important that the position feels comfortable and doesn't cause pain, such as in the lower back,' Severe said. 'If it does, I recommend speaking with a licensed healthcare provider for modifications.' To do the move, find a firm spot such as the floor or a yoga mat. Avoid soft surfaces like beds or couches. 'For proper positioning, lay face down on your elbows,' Higgins said. 'Make sure your elbows are positioned directly underneath your shoulders. Look straight ahead and relax your lower back.' Begin with five to 10 minutes in the position. Stop immediately if you experience sharp or shooting pain in your neck, shoulders or back, feel lightheaded, have difficulty breathing, notice numbness or tingling in your hands or arms or cannot maintain proper posture, Higgins said. If you're not ready to hit the carpet, there are plenty of other moves you can try to tackle tech neck. 'Commonly used strategies for addressing tech neck and poor posture include strengthening of the postural muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back as well as stretching of the tight muscles in the shoulders, chest and back of neck caused by poor posture,' Reid shared. Think neck and shoulder rolls, arm circles, wall push-ups and yoga poses like downward dog or cat-cow. Higgins agreed. 'When we slouch our shoulders forward, our neck will tilt forward as well,' he said. 'Through strengthening our upper back/scapular muscles, we keep our shoulders retracted and, in return, our neck stays in a neutral, pain-free position.' The most important part of all is simple — move. 'Ultimately, our bodies aren't designed to stay in one position for too long,' Severe said. 'Frequent movement breaks and posture changes throughout the day, alongside an active lifestyle, are key to long-term musculoskeletal health.'
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Can adult tummy time undo the dreaded ‘tech neck' from hunching over a screen?
Among the overwhelming quantity of information new parents must digest is the instruction to ensure their child gets adequate 'tummy time' each day. As the name suggests, it refers to periods of lying on one's belly, which in babies serves to improve neck strength and prevent them developing misshapen heads. Not content with letting infants have all the fun, adults have now co-opted the practice as a means of postural correction. Online, 'adult tummy time' has gained traction in recent months, with videos filmed by prone TikTokers gaining millions of views. There are variations in practice, but adult tummy time usually involves lying, baby-like, on one's belly, passively propped up on elbows (the sphinx pose in yoga) or on one's hands (cobra pose). Other videos show static holds without arm support, in an arched Superman position. Various claims have been made about adult tummy time on social media, including that it can help 'fix' one's posture, alleviate neck and back pain, and undo 'tech neck', the hunched, head-forward position many of us inadvertently adopt while desk bound. Think of 'good posture', and the image of a soldier-like ramrod back might come to mind. 'There are very strong cultural beliefs about what good posture is,' says Prof Leon Straker, of Curtin University. But despite strongly held assumptions that a slumped posture increases your risk of neck and back pain, researchers say there is little convincing evidence this is actually the case. One study in teenagers, co-authored by Straker, found no association between sitting posture and neck pain, while a second – which tracked young adults over five years – found that, surprisingly, 'people with the really direct upright posture – which we normally think of as good – actually had slightly increased risk of pain'. 'The conclusion there is that posture is really important for function, but it doesn't link strongly to your risk of pain,' Straker says. 'We do have some evidence [in adults] that people that have neck pain do tend to lean forward as they're sitting at, say, a computer,' the head of physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle, Prof Suzanne Snodgrass, says. But association is not causation – it's unclear whether that forward head position causes the neck pain, or whether people maintain that posture because they have neck pain. Snodgrass says that when people are seated, 'there's certainly an ideal posture that we tend to talk about: upright, head sitting above your shoulders and not forward, shoulders above your hips, and not leaning forward'. But people shouldn't get too hung up on 'trying to stay stiffly in a perfect posture all the time, because that can be just as bad,' she says. 'It's quite important to move and to feel comfortable moving in and out of different postures.' 'Many people can have what would be called poor posture and have no pain at all,' the head of physiotherapy at the University of Technology Sydney, Associate Prof Bruno Saragiotto, says. He points out that back pain is more strongly associated with low physical activity, stress, emotions and sleep than mechanical factors. Extended hours in front of screens, gimmicky dolls made by office equipment companies would have us believe, will eventually turn us all into slouched Quasimodos. 'If you sit hunched for a long time, does your posture end up being stuck that way? I think there's some merit to that,' Snodgrass says. 'For a lot of the years of your life, you can reverse things by doing exercise and movement.' The rationale for adult tummy time 'is that if your spine is in the opposite position, rounded for a lot of the day, if you put it in that [extension] position, you're kind of balancing it out,' she says. 'Tummy time probably helps your lumbar spine [the lower back] more than it helps your neck.' But as for 'fixing' posture, 'it's not going to change how you sit – it's only going to move your spine in another way, to give it a bit more mobility when you're doing other things.' Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion Saragiotto finds the idea of 'fixing' posture problematic, because it 'suggests that posture is a mechanical flaw, which often leads to over-medicalisation, anxiety and fear around normal posture variations'. 'A better idea is to build postural tolerance through exercise,' he says. 'Posture is dynamic and adaptable, and not something to 'correct''. For those inclined to spend more time belly down, Snodgrass advises trying to keep the neck neutral. 'There'll be some people that can't get up on their elbows because their back is too stiff, and just lying on the tummy with their head on the ground is a stretch for them … As you get a bit more flexible, then you can come up on to elbows.' Straker says that from a biomechanics perspective, 'it makes good sense for people to be doing a trunk, head [and] neck extension activity to counter the flexed activity that we spend a lot of our time in'. Though the evidence doesn't suggest adult tummy time will change posture or risk of neck pain in the long term, back extension positions may help to maintain range of movement, he says. He emphasises the 'need to start gently and progress it sensibly, so that you're not actually … creating pain by doing something that you're body's not used to'. 'There is no single ideal posture linked to pain prevention,' Saragiotto says. Although tummy time positions are low risk and easy to do, 'there are better interventions supported by evidence, such as … pilates, having a healthy lifestyle, and even walking.' In an office environment, 'having breaks and moving during the day is usually what will help more than having a perfect ergonomic posture,' he says. This article includes content provided by TikTok. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. Snodgrass recommends several simple movements during the day. 'I would start with standing back against a wall, and really just working on pulling your shoulder blades back first. Also lifting through the lower abdominal muscles, so pulling them up and in shoulders back … And then just lifting your head nice and long, and standing tall.' 'At home, you can lie on your back, knees bent, and have your arms out to the side, like drawing angels in the snow … so that you're stretching your arms. That will stretch out that upper back as well, and while you're doing that, tucking the chin down to lengthen the back of the neck.' For strength, Straker also suggests exercises that involve lifting the head and neck against gravity, such as swimming. Any ongoing pain, the experts say, should be assessed by a health professional. Donna Lu is an assistant news editor at Guardian Australia Antiviral is a fortnightly column that interrogates the evidence behind the health headlines and factchecks popular wellness claims What health trend do you want examined? Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
Telegraph
16-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The best exercises to banish ‘tech neck'
How much time do you spend on your phone or computer each day? If you're like most people, the answer is probably several hours. Research shows that the average person spends about five hours daily looking at their phone. This prolonged screen time often leads to 'tech neck', a condition caused by the forward tilt of the head, which places excessive strain on the neck and upper back muscles. Over time, this posture can lead to muscle imbalances, structural changes, and a rounded, unattractive and painful upper back. Tech neck affects your appearance, causes headaches, neck pain, upper back tightness, and even long-term spinal issues. The human head weighs about 10lb, but for every inch your head tilts forward, the strain on your neck doubles. This means that looking down at your phone can place up to 60lb of pressure on your neck. But although tech neck is an increasingly common issue in our screen-dominated world, it doesn't have to be a permanent problem. By incorporating these targeted exercises into your routine, you can strengthen your upper back, shoulders and neck muscles. By doing this you will improve your posture and alleviate any pain. Remember, consistency and proper form are key to banishing tech neck for good. So, take a break from your phone, grab some dumbbells, and start working toward a healthier, stronger upper body. The best exercises to banish tech neck Here are five of the most effective exercises to strengthen your upper back and rear deltoids, helping to combat tech neck and improve posture: 1. Dumbbell reverse fly This isolation exercise strengthens the rear delts and upper back, helping to counteract the forward rounding of the shoulders typical in tech neck. How to do it Hold a dumbbell in each hand and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back flat. Let your arms hang down with palms facing each other. With a slight bend in your elbows, lift the dumbbells out to the sides until they're parallel to the floor. Slowly lower the weights back down. Perform three sets of 12-20 reps. 2. Cat-cow This dynamic stretch increases spinal mobility and relieves tension in the neck and upper back. How to do it Start on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale as you arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone (cow pose). Exhale as you round your back, tucking your chin and pelvis (cat pose). Repeat for 1-3 sets of 8-10 reps. 3. Bird dog Bird dog strengthens the core, lower back and stabilising muscles, which help support proper posture and reduce strain on the neck caused by forward head posture. How to do it Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Extend your right arm forward and your left leg back, keeping your back flat and core engaged. Hold for 2-3 seconds, and then return to the starting position. Repeat on the opposite side (left arm and right leg). Perform three sets of 10-12 reps per side. 4. Dumbbell single arm row Strengthening your upper back and rear delts will counteract rounded shoulders and the tech neck slouch. How to do it Place your left hand on a bench, keeping your back flat and spine neutral. Hold a dumbbell in your right hand, letting your arm hang straight down. Pull the dumbbell toward your lower chest, squeezing your shoulder blade at the top. Lower the dumbbell back down with control. Perform three sets of 10-15 reps per side. 5. Banded pull-apart This exercise strengthens the rear delts, rhomboids, and traps, helping to pull the shoulders back and improve posture. How to do it Hold a resistance band with both hands at shoulder height, arms extended straight in front of you. Pull the band apart by moving your hands outward, keeping your arms straight. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement. Slowly return to the starting position. Perform three sets of 12-15 reps. How to engage your upper back and rear delts To maximise the effectiveness of these exercises, it's important properly to engage your upper back and rear delts. Focus on scapular movement: think about squeezing your shoulder blades together during each rep. Maintain good posture, keep your chest up, shoulders back and neck neutral. Control the movement, avoid using momentum, performing each exercise slowly and with control. Exercises FAQs How often should I do tech neck exercises? Perform these exercises 2-3 times per week for best results. Consistency is key to correcting posture and strengthening weak muscles. What is the best equipment for tech neck exercises? Most exercises can be done with minimal equipment, such as resistance bands, dumbbells, or just bodyweight.
