Phones and Laptops: Are They Causing You Pain?

Australians send more than 20 billion texts every year and spend more time in front of screens than they do asleep. On average, screen time has crept up to 9 hours per day, and it’s taking a toll on posture, comfort, and overall quality of life.

How Screen Time Impacts Your Body

A recent study in Hong Kong found that 70% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents reported musculoskeletal pain linked to their use of electronic devices. These results mirror trends in Australia, where more than 11.2 million people use smartphones daily.

The issue is global: extended phone and laptop use contributes to poor posture, muscle strain, and back or neck pain — a condition now often called “tech neck”.

Common Signs of Phone and Laptop Posture Pain

• Stiff neck and shoulders
• Aching lower back
• Headaches triggered by poor posture
• Tingling or numbness in arms and hands
• Difficulty concentrating due to discomfort

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopaths work with muscles, joints, and posture to reduce the stress caused by hours spent hunched over screens. Treatment may help to:

• Improve spinal mobility and posture alignment
• Relieve tension in overworked muscles
• Reduce headaches and nerve irritation
• Support long-term ergonomic strategies at work or home

At Infinity Osteo, we’ve also seen posture-related issues linked to office work, such as elbow pain from desk jobs and spinal discomfort like a facet joint lock. Addressing these early may help prevent ongoing pain.

Take the First Step Toward Better Posture

If you or your family are experiencing phone and laptop posture pain, it may be time to check in with an osteopath. Simple adjustments, treatment, and education may help make a big difference in daily comfort and long-term health.

👉 Book an appointment with Infinity Osteo today and take the pressure off your body.

Thanks to Osteopathy Australia and Bigstock for supporting evidence and images.