More and more people have neck pain, here's how to avoid it
Prevention is better than cure. The many people who experience neck pain know how bothersome and disabling it can be. Especially since there are few treatments for neck pain, other than painkillers, physical therapy in some cases, and, above all, rest and patience...
Fortunately, it's possible to avoid finding yourself in this painful situation. Aside from osteoarthritis and physical trauma, neck pain is often caused by poor posture. That's why one of the first steps in preventing neck pain is to pay attention to your neck position in everyday life, especially at work. Your back should be straight and supported by a backrest, and your head should be straight and not tilted up or down.
It's essential not to stay in the same position for too long, hence the importance of moving as often as possible. A large Chinese study recently confirmed that a sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of neck pain. Researchers concluded that people who spend 6 hours or more sitting per day have an 88% increased risk. Beyond a sedentary lifestyle, a lack of physical activity also increases the risk of neck pain.
The study also confirmed that using a phone or laptop was directly linked to neck pain. People who spent the most time on their phones were 82% more likely to experience this type of pain. To avoid "tech neck syndrome," or "text neck," you should spend as little time as possible on your phone or laptop, avoid tilting your head too far down, and avoid staying in the same position for too long.
Finally, sleeping in a good position and with a suitable pillow, and combating stress and anxiety can also help limit the risk of suffering from neck pain. These appear to be increasingly common, particularly due to the aging population. A study published in 2024 had also warned of a 76% increase in cases of neck pain over the past 20 years worldwide.
L'Internaute
