Sitting Too Long Each Day May Lead to Neck Pain, New Study Finds

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April 30, 2025 – If you spend hours every day glued to your phone or seated at your desk, you may be putting yourself at serious risk for neck pain, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health.

Large-Scale Study Links Sedentary Habits to Neck Pain

Researchers from China, led by Yunchen Meng of the China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, analyzed data from 25 studies involving more than 43,000 participants across 13 countries. Their findings reveal a clear link between sedentary behavior-especially time spent on electronic devices-and the likelihood of developing neck pain.

Key Findings

Mobile Phone Use: The riskiest habit, with frequent users facing an 82% higher risk of neck pain compared to those who used their phones less.
Computer Use: Increased the risk by 23%.
Television Watching: Surprisingly, did not significantly increase neck pain risk.
Sitting Duration: Sitting for four hours a day raised the risk by 45%, while more than six hours a day nearly doubled the risk (an 88% increase).

The study suggests that the combination of increased device use and lifestyle changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic may be contributing to a surge in neck pain cases.

Why Does Sitting Cause Neck Pain?

According to the researchers, many people tend to bend their necks and slouch their shoulders when using phones, tablets, and computers. This posture puts additional strain on the neck and upper back, potentially leading to various musculoskeletal issues.

What Can You Do?

Health experts recommend taking regular breaks from screens, practicing good posture, and incorporating movement into your daily routine to help reduce the risk of neck pain.

For more information on the risks of prolonged sitting, visit the Mayo Clinic’s resources on sedentary behavior.

Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study published in BMC Public Health. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you are experiencing neck pain or other health issues, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.