Prolonged Sitting Each Day May Cause Neck Pain, New Research Indicates

Recent research highlights the potential health risks associated with extended periods of sitting, especially concerning neck discomfort. Published in BMC Public Health, a comprehensive review of 25 studies involving over 43,000 participants across 13 countries reveals a strong link between sedentary behavior and increased incidence of neck pain. The study emphasizes that spending a significant amount of time in seated positions—whether working at a desk, using electronic devices, or watching TV—substantially raises the risk of neck issues.

Among various activities, mobile phone use emerged as the highest risk factor, with individuals spending a lot of time on their phones experiencing an 82% higher likelihood of neck pain compared to those who do not. Computer use was also linked to increased risk, elevating the odds by 23%. Notably, watching television did not show a significant impact on neck pain risk. The amount of sitting played a crucial role: sitting for four hours daily increased the risk by 45%, while exceeding six hours almost doubled the risk, rising by 88%. These findings suggest that sedentary lifestyles, intensified by lifestyle changes during the pandemic, contribute significantly to musculoskeletal issues.

The study also notes that poor posture while using phones, tablets, or computers—such as bending the neck or slouching shoulders—adds additional strain to the neck and upper back, potentially leading to long-term problems. Experts like Yunchen Meng from China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing emphasize the importance of addressing these risks to prevent chronic discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders.

For further insights, the original study can be accessed in BMC Public Health. Additional information on sitting-related health risks is available from Mayo Clinic.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-day-neck-pain.html