Sitting for hours could be hurting your neck

Sedentary behaviour is already linked to a variety of health issues, and a new study published in BMC Public Health adds neck pain to the list. The research suggests that prolonged sitting can significantly increase the risk of developing serious neck pain. Globally, around 70 per cent of people experience neck pain at least once in their lives.

 

Chinese researchers analysed data from 25 studies involving 43,184 participants across 13 countries. Their findings showed a clear connection between extended periods of sitting and a heightened risk of neck pain. Among screen-related activities, mobile phone use posed the greatest risk. People who spent a lot of time on their phones had an 82 per cent higher risk of neck pain compared to those who used them less. Computer use increased the risk by 23 per cent, while watching TV did not show a significant impact.

 

The duration of sitting also mattered. Sitting for at least four hours a day increased the risk of neck pain by 45 per cent, and sitting for more than six hours raised the risk by nearly 88 per cent compared to people who were less sedentary. The study also found that the risk was higher in women than in men.

 

Posture plays a key role. Many people tend to hunch their shoulders and bend their necks while using phones, tablets and computers, placing extra strain on the neck and upper back.

 

Sedentary behaviour can lead to several physiological changes, including increased pressure on intervertebral discs and reduced blood flow to the neck. These changes, along with muscle imbalances and decreased joint mobility, contribute to the development of neck pain.

Health