Neck pain. Stiff shoulders. That all-too-familiar ache after a few hours at your laptop. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Millions of people experience discomfort every day simply because their work setup isn’t built for long-term use — and laptops are one of the main culprits.

At Cardinus, we see this problem all the time. Our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessments routinely flag issues stemming from long-term laptop use. And while it’s not a complete DSE solution, a good-quality laptop stand is a simple way to combat the problem.

In this post, we want to break down why neck pain is such a common complaint among laptop users — and how this humble piece of kit can make a real difference to your health and productivity.

Why Laptops Are a Posture Problem Waiting to Happen

Laptops were designed for portability, not posture. They’re brilliant for working on the go — trains, cafés, hotel rooms — but when you settle in at a desk for an eight-hour workday, that convenience becomes a liability.

Think about your typical setup.

Your laptop sits flat on a desk. The screen is several inches below your natural eye level. To see it properly, you lean forward or crane your neck downward. Multiply that movement over hours, days, weeks — and what you’ve got is a recipe for chronic musculoskeletal issues.

Common Symptoms of Poor Laptop Ergonomics

• Persistent neck pain and stiffness
• Upper back tightness
• Tension headaches
• “Tech neck” — forward head posture caused by constant downward gaze
• Long-term spinal alignment issues if left unaddressed

In short, using a laptop without any ergonomic adaptation puts you in a posture that your body simply wasn’t designed to hold for long periods.

The Laptop Stand: Small Change, Big Impact

What a laptop stand does is of course simple… it raises the screen closer to eye level. But the result is significant.

A laptop stand:

1. Promotes proper ergonomic alignment

When your screen is too low, you naturally lean or hunch forward. A laptop stand lifts the screen to where it should be — around eye level. This encourages you to sit more upright, with your spine in a neutral alignment.

That shift alone can ease a significant amount of pressure on the neck and upper back.

2. Reduces muscle strain

Your head weighs around 5kg. Tilt it forward at a 45-degree angle and that load effectively increases to 20kg or more on the cervical spine. A laptop stand helps keep your head balanced over your shoulders, which allows the muscles in your neck and upper back to relax instead of constantly supporting a forward-leaning posture.

3. Improves focus and reduces fatigue

Discomfort is distracting. When you’re constantly shifting in your seat or rubbing a sore neck, it takes a toll on your concentration. By minimising physical strain, a proper ergonomic setup — including a laptop stand — creates a more comfortable, focused, and productive working environment.

4. Supports long-term musculoskeletal health

It’s not just about short-term comfort. Repetitive strain, forward head posture, and slouched sitting can contribute to longer-term degenerative issues in the spine, including disc compression and muscular imbalances.

Starting early with simple preventative tools like a stand can help reduce the risk of these issues developing over time.

5. Encourages better work habits overall

Interestingly, once someone starts using a laptop stand, we often see a knock-on effect. They’re more likely to adopt other healthy behaviours — like using an external mouse and keyboard (which is essential), adjusting their chair height, or taking regular breaks to stretch.

It’s a small step that can lead to big behavioural change.

What to Look for in a Laptop Stand

Not all stands are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on your work style, setup, and mobility needs. Here’s what we typically advise:

• Adjustability: Look for a stand that lets you fine-tune both the height and angle. Everyone’s body and desk setup are different — one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it.
• Stability: A wobbly or flimsy stand defeats the purpose. It needs to securely hold the weight of your laptop without shifting.
• Portability: If you work in multiple locations (hybrid workers especially), consider a foldable, lightweight model that travels easily.
• Compatibility: Make sure the stand can accommodate the size and weight of your device. Some are better for smaller laptops; others can support hefty workstations.

And remember — a laptop stand should always be paired with an external keyboard and mouse. Elevating your laptop without adjusting your input devices just creates new ergonomic problems.

Why a Laptop Stand Isn’t the Whole Solution – Don’t Forget to Move

While a laptop stand is a powerful tool, ultimately, the best thing you can do for your musculoskeletal health is move more.

Even with perfect posture and high-end equipment, static positions for extended periods are harmful. The body craves movement. So, take short breaks every 30–45 minutes. Stretch your neck, roll your shoulders, stand up, walk around. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just consistent.

At Cardinus, our DSE assessments often include movement coaching as part of a broader risk management strategy. Ergonomics isn’t just about furniture — it’s about behaviour.

Simply issuing equipment without understanding individual working habits, body types, or workspace setups can lead to a false sense of security.

Every person is different — what works for one employee may not work for another. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to DSE compliance and musculoskeletal health.

We often see companies providing hardware — like chairs or stands — without giving their teams the training, assessments, or support needed to use them effectively. A laptop stand won’t help much if the worker’s chair is at the wrong height, or if they don’t understand the importance of break routines and screen positioning.

This is where a holistic, data-driven approach to DSE risk management makes the difference. Tools like Healthy Working help organisations identify and address risk at scale, providing tailored guidance to ensure that every employee — whether remote, hybrid, or in-office — has the support they need to work safely and comfortably.

Get a free trial of Healthy Working.

The Bottom Line: Comfort is Productivity

Neck pain isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s disruptive. It affects how well we work, how we feel after a long day, and how likely we are to develop chronic health issues in the future.

But it’s important to remember that, while highly effective, laptop stands are not a silver bullet for solving DSE risk.

Need Help? Let’s Talk DSE

If you or your team are struggling with neck pain, posture issues, or general DSE challenges, we can help. Cardinus provides customised workstation assessments, training, and guidance to help companies create healthier and more productive work environments.

Contact us today to learn more.