Neck and Shoulder Pain from Tech Use: Jersey City’s Guide to Relief

We live in a digital world—one where smartphones, laptops, tablets, and screens are a constant presence in both our personal and professional lives. While technology keeps us connected and productive, it also comes with a cost: neck and shoulder pain. In Jersey City, we’re seeing more patients in their 30s and 40s experiencing chronic discomfort from tech-related posture problems.

If you find yourself rubbing your shoulders or cracking your neck at your desk, this blog is for you. Let’s break down the causes of tech-related pain, how to treat it, and how our specialists at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics in Jersey City can help.

Tech Neck: A Modern Epidemic The term "tech neck" refers to the strain on the cervical spine (neck) and upper back caused by looking down at phones, tablets, or laptops for extended periods. Holding your head at a 45-degree angle puts up to 50 pounds of pressure on your cervical spine. Over time, this causes inflammation, muscle tension, and structural changes in the neck.

Common Symptoms of Tech Neck & Shoulder Strain

• Stiff or sore neck

• Aching or burning pain in shoulders

• Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)

• Numbness or tingling in arms or hands

• Reduced neck mobility

• Upper back pain after screen use

Why It’s Hitting Jersey City Professionals Hard With so many residents working hybrid or remote schedules, many are setting up temporary workstations at home—dining tables, couches, even beds. These setups lack ergonomic support and contribute to long-term posture problems.

Additionally, many Jersey City professionals rely heavily on mobile devices for communication, transportation, and entertainment, increasing daily screen time. Combined with stress and lack of movement, the result is chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Diagnosis: How We Evaluate Neck & Shoulder Pain in Our Jersey City Office At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, we start with a full evaluation:

• Review of symptoms and daily habits

• Physical examination (range of motion, posture, nerve function)

• Imaging if needed (X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound)

We aim to find the root cause, not just treat the symptoms. In some cases, pain may stem from herniated cervical discs, nerve compression, or muscle overuse.

Treatment Options for Tech Neck and Shoulder Pain

✅ Conservative Therapies

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen postural muscles and improve flexibility

• Ergonomic Coaching: Posture training and workspace optimization

• Heat and Ice Therapy: Reduces inflammation and eases tension

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Realign the spine and reduce nerve compression

• Massage Therapy: Relieves muscular tightness in the neck and traps

⚖️ Medical Interventions

• Trigger Point Injections: Target painful muscle knots

• Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce nerve inflammation

• Facet Joint Injections: For pain stemming from spinal joints

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Disables pain-transmitting nerves for longer relief