Three in 10 women have endured neck pain during lockdown after increased gadget use, poll suggests

More than half of those surveyed admitted they spend 'too much’ time on digital devices

The study found 19 per cent of women pay more attention to how their neck and shoulders look after increased use of video conferencing tools (iStock)

Three in 10 women have endured neck pain and ache dubbed “tech neck” as a result of looking down at their phone and gadgets too much, according to a poll.

Researchers who polled 2,000 women aged 35 plus found many of them have developed the condition caused by putting ongoing strain on their neck and shoulders.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter believe their neck has aged “noticeably” thanks to staring downwards at their mobiles so obsessively.

More than half of the women polled admitted they spend “too much” time glancing at their devices – checking them on average 13 times an hour.

And 42 per cent revealed they have spent more time looking at their phones since the start of the pandemic.

Commissioned by PRAI Beauty, the study also found almost two-thirds have not considered the impact so-called tech neck could have on the appearance of their neck in the long term.

Following the findings, yoga expert Hannah Barrett is offering advice on how to alleviate the signs of tech neck and help prevent future strain on this delicate area.

Ms Barrett said: "The number of women experiencing ‘tech neck’ is unsurprising when we consider how many times a day we’re all currently looking down at our devices.

"Its important to care for our necks and posture where we can, which is why I’ve produced some tips on how to alleviate tech neck."

The study also found 19 per cent of women pay more attention to how their neck and shoulders look now than they did before the pandemic – as a result of increased use of Zoom and other video conferencing tools during lockdown.

As a result, a third admitted they were worried about visible neck ageing, with 45 per cent now taking care of their necks as part of their beauty regime.

Meanwhile, one in 20 even said they are more concerned about signs of ageing on their neck as a result of looking down so much than they are about straining it.

But in a bid to fend off neck pain, the study found 18 per cent have started doing exercises.

While the research carried out through OnePoll also found a quarter would use a targeted neck cream.