A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has revealed a significant association between sedentary behavior and neck pain, with the risk escalating proportionally to sedentary time duration.

In the study, investigators from several Chinese universities analyzed 25 studies involving 43,184 participants and found that sedentary behavior increased the overall risk of neck pain by 46%.

"[Sedentary behavior] is a notable risk factor for [neck pain], with the risk escalating with longer durations of sedentary time," the study authors noted. "Targeted preventative measures, particularly for high-risk groups like [women] and employees, are necessary," they added.

Key Findings

The research revealed notable differences in neck pain risk across populations. Women showed significantly higher risk compared with men. Similarly, employees demonstrated substantially greater risk compared with students.

Different types of screen-based sedentary behaviors carried varying risks:

• Mobile phone use presented the highest risk

• Computer use showed moderate risk

• Television watching wasn't significantly associated with increased risk.

A clear dose-response relationship emerged from the data. Sedentary behavior exceeding 4 hours daily increased neck pain risk by 60%, while 6 or more hours raised the risk by 88%.

For screen-based sedentary behavior specifically, the risk increased in a stepped fashion with longer durations of use.

Public Health Implications

The findings could have particular significance given that approximately 70% of individuals globally experience neck pain at least once during their lifetime, with a 21.9% increase in years lived with disability as a result of neck pain observed from 2006 to 2016.

"Research indicates that [sedentary behavior] can cause various physiological changes such as increased intervertebral disc pressure, reduced neck blood flow, imbalance in neck muscle strength, and diminished neck joint mobility, leading to the development of the [neck pain]," noted researchers.

The study could have additional relevance considering the significant increase in sedentary behavior following lifestyle changes and the shift to online working methods since the COVID-19 pandemic began in December 2019.

Recommendations

The investigators advocated for public health initiatives encouraging the reduction of sedentary behaviors and promotion of physical activity to enhance neck health and reduce the global prevalence of neck pain. They specifically highlighted the need for targeted preventative measures for high-risk populations identified in the study.

The authors declared having no competing interests.

Source: BMC Public Health