Doctors Debunk Link Between Tech Neck And Thyroid Disorders

Understanding the rise

As smartphones, tablets and laptops dominate daily life, “tech neck” — the constant forward-bending posture while looking at screens — has become increasingly common. Characterised by stiffness, upper-back pain and cervical strain, it is recognised as a growing musculoskeletal issue, especially among women who often juggle long work hours, multitasking and screen-heavy routines.

But many now wonder: does tech neck affect the thyroid gland? Dr. Padma Menon, Consultant Endocrinologist at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, clarifies the truth.

Does not affect thyroid

Doctors emphasise that tech neck does not cause thyroid disease, does not alter thyroid hormone production, and does not directly interfere with thyroid gland physiology.

The thyroid gland is anatomically well-protected, and posture alone cannot trigger conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goitre or autoimmune thyroid disorders.

However, while posture does not impact thyroid function, it does create significant musculoskeletal stress, which may occasionally mimic or exaggerate symptoms that women wrongly attribute to thyroid imbalance.

What does it affect?

Muscular strain: Forward head posture increases the load on the cervical spine, leading to:

Neck tightness

Shoulder stiffness

Upper back pain

Headaches

These symptoms are purely orthopaedic, not endocrine.

Nerve irritation and posture fatigue: Improper posture strains nerves and supporting muscles, causing:

Tingling in arms

Radiating pain

Postural fatigue

Again, none of these are linked to thyroid disease.

Reduced mobility & tension around the neck: Hyperfocus on devices restricts natural neck movement, leading to:

Limited flexibility

Muscle spasms

Difficulty maintaining upright posture

Patients sometimes mistake this throat/neck tightness for thyroid swelling — but it is muscular, not glandular.

Misread symptoms

Women commonly experience thyroid disorders, and therefore:

Fatigue

Weight fluctuations

Hair fall

Mood changes

are often blamed on the thyroid.
When tech-neck–related discomfort occurs at the same time, people may falsely link the two.

the overlap is coincidental — not causal.

Signs

Persistent neck stiffness

Pain between shoulder blades

Jaw and upper-back tightness

Headaches after prolonged screen use

Tingling or heaviness in arms

Difficulty maintaining chin-up posture

These are postural, not hormonal.

Doctors recommend

Correct your screen posture

Keep the phone at eye level.

Adjust laptop/monitor height.

Use ergonomic seating.

Strengthen neck & upper-back muscles

Chin tucks

Shoulder blade squeezes

Gentle neck extensions

10 minutes daily significantly reduces strain.

Take frequent micro-breaks

Every 30–40 minutes:

Stretch

Roll shoulders

Relax the jaw

Reset posture

Don’t self-diagnose thyroid issues

If symptoms like unexplained fatigue, weight changes or menstrual irregularities persist, consult a physician for TSH/T3/T4 tests — not posture assumptions.

Conclusion

Tech neck has real health implications — but they are entirely musculoskeletal, not thyroid-related.
Doctors reaffirm:

“Tech neck does nothing to the thyroid.”

It does not cause thyroid disease or hormonal imbalance, but it can cause significant neck and upper-back discomfort.
With mindful posture, strengthening exercises and responsible screen habits, women can prevent these issues and maintain long-term cervical spine health.

Published on: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 12:00 AM IST