Dhanuj V.
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Tech Neck
SYMPTOM
Tech Neck
SITUATION
Dhanuj, a 30-year-old data scientist, came to KIRO after months of persistent neck stiffness, upper back tightness, and frequent tension headaches. His work required long hours on a laptop and multiple screens, often with his head angled downward while coding and analyzing data. By mid-afternoon, his neck would feel heavy and fatigued, and rotating his head or looking up from his screen became increasingly uncomfortable.
Dhanuj had tried stretching on his own, adjusting his desk setup, and taking occasional breaks, but the discomfort always returned, and it was often worse after longer workdays. Concerned that his symptoms were becoming more frequent and beginning to affect both his productivity and sleep, he sought chiropractic care to address the root cause of his tech-related neck pain and prevent it from becoming a long-term issue.
TREATMENT
Care began with a comprehensive examination performed by KIRO’s team of doctors. The assessment revealed reduced neck range of motion, especially with rotation and extension, along with significant muscle tension at the base of the neck, upper shoulders, and upper back. Postural analysis showed a pronounced forward head posture and rounded shoulders, a common presentation in people who spend extended time at their desks or online.
To further evaluate how Dhanuj’s posture and muscle tension were affecting his body, our doctors performed a nervous system scan. The scan revealed elevated tension levels in the neck and upper back regions, confirming the physical exam findings and helping to measure the impact of prolonged screen use on his spine and nervous system.
Based on these findings, our doctors created a personalized three-month care plan focused on relieving pain while correcting the underlying postural and movement patterns contributing to his tech neck. Care began with twice-weekly chiropractic adjustments to restore proper motion in the cervical and upper thoracic spine, combined with targeted soft tissue therapy to reduce muscular tension and improve tissue flexibility.
At a six-week reassessment, our doctors repeated Dhanuj’s nervous system scan and re-evaluated his posture, range of motion, and headache frequency. The scan showed a marked reduction in tension through the shoulders and upper back, with improved balance from right to left in the neck. Clinically, Dhanuj reported fewer headaches, less end-of-day stiffness, and improved comfort while working at his computer.
With these objective improvements, care transitioned from twice-weekly visits to once per week. The focus shifted toward long-term correction, incorporating posture-specific strengthening exercises for the deep neck and upper back stabilizing muscles. This was paired with mobility work and chest-opening stretches designed to counteract prolonged forward-head positioning and support sustainable postural change.
RESULT
By the end of his three-month care plan at KIRO, Dhanuj experienced significant improvements in neck mobility, posture, and daily comfort. His headaches resolved, and the constant stiffness he once felt during and after work was no longer present. A final nervous system scan showed tension levels within normal ranges throughout the spine, reinforcing the effectiveness of his care.
Dhanuj has since returned to full workdays without discomfort and reports feeling more aware of his posture and movement habits. He engages in regular stretching and mobility work to keep his spine healthy, and continues with maintenance chiropractic care and ergonomic strategies to support his health. All this allows him to stay focused, active, and pain-free in both his professional and personal life.
DURATION
3 months


