Why Everyone Has Neck Pain Now (and What You Can Do About It)

Neck pain used to be something you’d hear about from someone older, maybe dealing with an old injury or poor posture over time, but now? Almost everyone we see at Marshall Chiropractic has some kind of neck issue, whether it’s a dull ache, stiffness, or sharp pain. The truth is that neck pain has become one of the most common complaints in today’s modern world, and it’s no accident.

We live in a world that’s changed fast. Technology, work, sleep, and even how we relax have all evolved, but our bodies haven’t quite caught up, and our necks are paying the price.

What Is Neck Pain and Why Is It So Common Now?

Neck pain is any discomfort in the cervical spine—the seven vertebrae between your skull and your upper back. This area supports the weight of your head, which weighs around 10–12 pounds. Now think about this: every time you tilt your head forward, like when you’re texting or typing on a laptop, that weight multiplies. At a 45-degree angle, your neck is supporting about 49 pounds of pressure. No wonder it hurts!

According to the Cleveland Clinic, neck pain affects about 30 to 50 percent of adults in the U.S. each year. It’s one of the leading causes of pain worldwide! 

The Real-Life Triggers of Modern Neck Pain

Let’s break down the top causes of neck pain directly tied to how we live now. These are the lifestyle habits quietly stressing your neck day after day.

1. Driving for Hours

We rely on our cars for everything—commuting, errands, road trips. Unfortunately, sitting in a car seat for long periods, especially with poor posture, strains the neck. Hunching over the wheel, pushing your head forward to focus on the road, and barely moving your upper body creates a perfect storm for neck tension.

2. Working in Front of Screens

The modern workplace has moved from physical labor to digital work. Even jobs that weren’t traditionally desk-based now rely on screens. Most people don’t sit correctly—slouched in a chair that doesn’t support the back or craning the neck toward the screen. Over time, this adds up. The constant forward head posture (also known as “tech neck”) leads to chronic tightness and inflammation.

3. Poor Sleep Habits

You’d think sleep would be when your body recovers. But if your pillow doesn’t support your neck properly or you sleep in awkward positions, your neck may not get any relief. A pillow that’s too soft or too high throws your spine out of alignment. If you sleep on your stomach? You’re twisting your neck for hours at a time.

How to Relieve and Prevent Neck Pain Naturally

The good news? There’s a lot to help manage and even prevent neck pain. Here’s what the team at Marshall Chiropractic suggests: 

• Be aware of your posture. Set a reminder on your phone every hour to check your posture—whether you're driving, working, or scrolling. Your ears should align with your shoulders, and your chin should be parallel to the floor.
  
  
• Set up an ergonomic workspace. Make sure your monitor is at eye level, your chair supports your lower back, and your feet are flat on the floor. A standing desk also helps reduce tension.
  
  
• Stretch and move regularly. Gentle neck stretches, shoulder rolls, and mobility exercises go a long way. Even just standing up and walking for a few minutes each hour reduces strain.
  
  
• Use the right pillow. A cervical pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck is key. Back and side sleeping are the most supportive positions.
  
  
• See a chiropractor or physical therapist. If your pain is ongoing, don’t wait it out. A specialist identifies the root cause and creates a plan to get you real relief.
  
  

The Role of Chiropractic Care

When someone tells me they’ve been dealing with neck pain for months or even years, my first question is: Have you had your spine evaluated? Chiropractors are trained to look at the alignment of your neck and spine and identify the imbalances that are contributing to your pain.

Adjustments, combined with posture coaching and mobility work, make a big difference. We’re not just masking symptoms with pain relievers, but we’re also working on correcting the actual issue. You’d be surprised how many people feel a huge difference, even after just a couple of visits.

FAQ: Neck Pain in the Modern World

Q: What is the most common cause of neck pain today?
A: The most common cause is poor posture related to screen time, especially looking down at phones and laptops for long periods.

Q: When should I see a chiropractor for neck pain?
A: If your pain lasts more than a few days, comes with headaches or numbness, or keeps coming back, it’s time to get checked out.

Q: Does neck pain go away on its own?
A: Sometimes it does, but if you don’t address the root cause—like posture or ergonomics—it usually comes back.

Q: Are there any daily habits that help prevent neck pain?
A: Yes! Pay attention to your posture, use supportive pillows, stretch your neck and shoulders, and take breaks from screens often.

The modern world is not kind to our necks. But we’re not powerless. By becoming more aware of how we move, sleep, and sit and getting expert support when needed, we break the cycle of chronic neck pain. If you would like to set up an appointment with our team to discuss your neck pain, contact us today, and we’ll get the process started.