iPad Neck: How Tablet Posture Drives Neck and Shoulder Pain

Author: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Published: 21 Jun 2018 - Updated: 20 Oct 2026
Publication Type: Research, Study, Analysis

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This research from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas looks at "iPad neck," the stiffness, soreness and aching in the neck and upper shoulders that comes from slouching over a tablet. It was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Physical Therapy Science. Physical therapy professor Szu-Ping Lee and colleagues from Southern Nevada hospitals and therapy clinics surveyed 412 tablet users drawn from university students, staff, faculty and alumni. The main finding goes against what most people would expect: the number of hours spent on a tablet mattered less than gender and posture. Women were about twice as likely as men to report musculoskeletal symptoms, and young adults were affected more than older adults. Sitting with no back support, resting the tablet in the lap, and lying on the side or back were all linked to pain. The findings are useful for students, office workers, seniors and people with disabilities who use tablets for long periods, especially anyone who already has neck or shoulder problems, because the main risk factors are habits that can be changed.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Only 46 percent of respondents said they would stop using their tablet when discomfort began.
• 2 - Sitting without back support more than doubled the odds of neck and shoulder pain among tablet users.
• 3 - Of those surveyed, 10 percent described their symptoms as severe and 15 percent said the pain affected their sleep.
• 4 - Researchers suggest lower muscle strength and smaller stature, such as shorter arms and narrower shoulders, may push women into more extreme neck and shoulder postures.

Topic Definition

iPad Neck (Tablet Neck)

iPad neck, also called tablet neck, is a repetitive posture-related strain that causes pain, stiffness and aching in the neck, upper back and shoulders, and sometimes headaches, after long periods of looking down at a tablet computer. It happens when the head is held bent forward and the shoulders are rounded, which loads the cervical spine and keeps the surrounding muscles under constant tension. Common causes include sitting without back support, resting the device in the lap, and lying down while using it. Better posture, raising the screen closer to eye level, taking regular breaks and doing strengthening exercises can usually reduce or prevent symptoms.

Overview

Is your iPad being a literal pain in the neck? The answer is likely yes - especially if you're a young adult or a woman. "iPad neck" - persistent pain in the neck and upper shoulders caused by slouching or bending into extreme positions while using tablet computers - is a growing problem among Americans, according to a UNLV study.

Findings, published in June 2018 in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, show:

• "iPad neck," sometimes called "tablet neck," is usually associated with sitting without back support, such as on a bench or on the ground, or slumping over the tablet while it rests in the user's lap. Other postures significantly associated with pain included using tablets while lying on the side or back.
• The condition is more prevalent among young adults than older adults.
• Women were 2.059 times more likely to experience musculoskeletal symptoms during iPad use than men.
• Those with a history of neck and shoulder pain reported experiencing more neck and shoulder symptoms during tablet computer use.

UNLV physical therapy professor Szu-Ping Lee, lead author of the study, said the results concern him, especially given the growing popularity of tablet computers, e-book readers, and other connected devices for personal, school, and business purposes.

"Such high prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms, especially among the younger populations, presents a substantial burden to society," he said. "We were able to quantify exactly how frequent those problems are and what common factors contribute to them," Lee said. The top risk factor was surprising. "Theoretically, the more hours you spend bent over an iPad, the more neck and shoulder pain you experience - but what we found is that time is not the most important risk factor. Rather, it's gender and specific postures."

UNLV - in conjunction with researchers from hospitals and physical therapy centers across Southern Nevada - conducted a survey of 412 public university students, staff, faculty, and alumni (135 men and 275 women) who are touchscreen tablet computer users about their device usage habits and neck/shoulder complaints. (No word on how many of those surveyed completed the questionnaire on an iPad.)

The most frequently reported symptoms were stiffness, soreness, or aching pain in the neck, upper back/shoulder, arms/hands, or head. Most (55 percent) reported moderate discomfort, but 10 percent said their symptoms were severe and 15 percent said it affected their sleep.

Postures that led to pain included those that cause the tablet user to "slump" over and gaze downward:

• Sitting without back support (This increased odds of pain by over two times).
• Sitting with the device in the lap.
• Sitting in a chair with the tablet placed on a flat desk surface.

Flexing the neck forward for long periods of time can put pressure on the spine, causing neck and shoulder muscle strain and pain.

Researchers found that the group of university students, staff, and alumni they studied reported a higher prevalence of neck and shoulder pain than the general population - likely attributed to posture and sedentary behavior commonly observed among people in a university setting. Researchers noted that students especially are less likely to have a dedicated work space while on the go so might sit in uncomfortable postures such as slouched cross-legged on the floor when studying on their tablet computers.

Still, only 46 percent of respondents said they'd stop using the device when experiencing discomfort.

Regarding gender differences, about 70 percent of female respondents reported experiencing symptoms during tablet use, compared to just under 30 percent of male respondents. Women were also more likely than men to report using their tablets while sitting on the floor.

The pain disparity among genders might be explained by size and movement differences. According to the researchers, women's tendency to have lower muscle strength and smaller stature (for example: shorter arms and narrow shoulders) might lead them to assume extreme neck and shoulder postures while typing.

Preventing iPad Neck

Lee offered these tips:

• Sit in a chair with back support: "And perhaps that's something for building planners to think about: Installing benches or other chairs without back support invites people to crunch down with iPads in their laps, contributing to posture-related pain problems," Lee said.
• Use a posture reminder device: Also known as "posture trainers" or "posture coaches," these small, wearable devices adhere directly to the skin or clip on to clothing and beep to let you know when you're slouching.
• Take a stand: Place your iPad on a stand (rather than a flat surface) and attach a keyboard in order to achieve a more upright posture when using your tablet.
• Exercise to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles: This is particularly important for women who experience neck and shoulder pain.

"Using these electronic devices is becoming a part of our modern lives," Lee said. "In order to reduce the risk of developing long-term neck and shoulder problems, we need to think about how technology like tablet computers affects human ergonomics."

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

How long should I use a tablet before taking a break?

Many physical therapists suggest a short break every 20 to 30 minutes to stand, stretch and change position, which helps relieve muscle tension that builds up when the neck stays bent forward.

What is the ideal viewing angle for a tablet screen?

The screen should be raised close to eye level so the head stays balanced over the shoulders, and a stand or adjustable mount makes this much easier than holding the device or laying it flat.

Can iPad neck cause headaches?

Yes, tight neck and upper shoulder muscles can refer pain to the head and contribute to tension-type headaches, which often ease once posture improves and the muscles relax.

Are smartphones as bad for the neck as tablets?

Smartphones can cause similar strain, often called text neck, because their smaller screens encourage people to bend the head even further forward to read them.

Which exercises help strengthen the neck and shoulders?

Chin tucks, shoulder blade squeezes, gentle neck stretches and rowing-style exercises can strengthen postural muscles, but anyone with existing pain should check with a physical therapist first.

Is iPad neck permanent?

In most cases it is not permanent and improves with posture changes, breaks and exercise, although long-term poor posture may contribute to ongoing neck problems if it is never addressed.

Can tablet accessories help people with disabilities avoid neck pain?

Adjustable arms, wheelchair or bed mounts, external keyboards and voice control can position a tablet at a comfortable height and reduce the need to hold or lean over the device.

When should I see a doctor about neck pain from device use?

See a health professional if pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps getting worse, disturbs sleep, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or hands.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Tablets are now part of how people study, work, read and keep in touch, so the posture habits that come with them matter more than ever. This study shows that the problem is less about cutting back screen time and more about how and where people sit. That is good news, because a chair with back support, a tablet stand, a separate keyboard and some regular neck and shoulder strengthening are all simple and affordable. The point applies well beyond campus. Many people who rely on tablets as assistive or communication tools spend long stretches on them, and so do older adults whose neck and shoulders may already be sore. The comment that benches without backrests encourage people to hunch over their devices is also a quiet nudge to architects and facility planners that accessible seating supports musculoskeletal health as well as mobility.*

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by University of Nevada, Las Vegas and published on 21 Jun 2018. Last updated on 20 Oct 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.