NHS specialists recommend exercises to correct neck posture

Spinal neurosurgeons from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) are warning about the physical impact of prolonged head tilting while using smartphones and computers. While a human head weighs approximately 5.4 kg in a neutral position, leaning forward to view screens can increase the mechanical load on the cervical spine to as much as 27.2 kg.

This increased pressure contributes to joint stiffness, intervertebral disc wear, and muscle fatigue. Experts note that while natural aging after 40 often leads to a loss of tissue elasticity, technology-induced posture—which shifts the chin forward and alters the body's neutral axis—exacerbates these musculoskeletal issues. According to the 2021 Global Burden of Disease report, between 60% and 80% of people will experience neck pain at some point.

To mitigate these effects, specialists recommend daily mobility and alignment routines. One suggested exercise is lateral head rotation: while sitting or lying on one's back, rotating the gaze to the maximum limit of mobility and holding the position for two seconds to stretch the opposing side.