Physical Activity, Screen Time, and the Incidence of Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ejvcdy71Keywords:
Physical activity, Screen time, Neck pain, Posture, Adolescents; Body Image; Self Esteem; Young Adults; Occupational Therapy.Abstract
Objective- This narrative review explores the relationship between physical activity, screen time, and incidence of neck and shoulder pain (NSP). This study aimed to assess the impact of lifestyle factors, such as exercise and prolonged screen exposure, on the prevalence of NSP among adolescents and young adults.
Methods - A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases for studies published between 2005 and 2024. The studies included peer-reviewed articles on neck and shoulder pain, physical activity, and screen time, specifically focusing on human subjects aged 10-30 years.
Results -These findings suggest a protective effect of regular physical activity on musculoskeletal health, which reduces the likelihood of NSP. Exercise, particularly strength training, yoga, and aerobic activities, enhances muscle flexibility, posture, and overall health. Conversely, excessive screen time, especially in poor postural settings, significantly increases the risk of developing neck and shoulder pain, with “tech neck” being a prevalent issue.
Conclusion- Maintaining a balance between physical activity and screen time is essential to preventing and managing neck and shoulder pain. Proper ergonomic practices and regular exercise can mitigate the adverse effects of sedentary behaviors associated with extended screen use.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Vaibhav Chauhan, Chandan Kumar, Abhishek Kumar Sandilya, Divya Kashyap
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