Can sedentary behavior lead to neck pain?
A study has examined the risk of neck pain among individuals who demonstrate sedentary behaviors.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Public Health, investigators examined the data of 25 studies involving more than 40,000 individuals.
The investigators found that sedentary behaviors elevated the risk of neck pain by up to 46% — particularly among those who used screens such as mobile phones and computers during their sedentary time. The risks were higher among women and individuals in the workplace. Longer durations of sedentary time were found to raise the risk of neck pain to 60% after four hours and 88% after six or more hours. The investigators suggested that sedentary behavior-related physiologic changes such as increased intervertebral disc pressure, reduced neck blood flow, neck muscle strength imbalance and lower neck joint mobility could be contributing to the heightened risk of neck pain.
The investigators called for targeted interventions to prevent neck pain and enhance neck health.
Read more: BMC Public Health
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