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Electronic device use, sleep habits, and commuting patterns are associated with neck pain in Chinese adults

This multicentre cross-sectional study of 6,969 Chinese adults found that computer use for work ≥2 hours/day (OR=1.39), smartphone use for work ≥3 hours/day (OR=1.21), smartphone screen below eye level (OR=1.16), and firm mattress (OR=1.19) were associated with increased odds of neck pain. Sleeping ≥7 hours/day (OR=0.79), supine sleeping (OR=0.87), and walking as primary transportation (OR=0.80) were associated with decreased odds.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Posture management for neck pain: identification and quantification of associated factors based on a multicentre cross-sectional study in China.

observational

Lu G, Mao H, Chen X, Sun X, Liu Y, Ma M, Li J, Zhou S, Hu J, Ma G, Wang Z, Xiu X, Zhuang M, Tang B, Zhu L, Yu J · Journal of global health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified (cross-sectional)
Intervention: Not an intervention; observational assessment of posture-related factors including device use, sleep, and transportation
Outcome: Presence of neck pain (NP)
Effect Size: ORs ranging from 0.79 to 1.39
Population: Chinese adults aged ≥18 years from six cities

Result:

PubMed: 42626879DOI: 10.7189/jogh.16.04240

Mechanism Graph

Prolonged computer/smartphone use leads to sustained forward head posture and static neck muscle loading
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Low smartphone screen height increases neck flexion angle and cervical spine stress
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Firm mattress may reduce spinal support and increase muscle tension during sleep
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Inadequate sleep (<7h) and non-supine positions may impair tissue recovery, increasing NP risk

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design cannot establish causality
  • ⚠Self-reported data may introduce recall and measurement bias
  • ⚠Potential residual confounding from unmeasured variables (e.g., physical activity, stress)
  • ⚠Sample limited to Chinese adults, limiting generalizability to other populations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the threshold for computer use associated with increased neck pain?▼

Computer use for work ≥2 hours per day was associated with a 39% increased odds of neck pain (OR=1.39).

Does sleeping position affect neck pain risk?▼

Yes, supine sleeping was associated with a 13% reduced odds of neck pain compared to other positions (OR=0.87).

Is a firm mattress better or worse for neck pain?▼

A firm mattress was associated with a 19% increased odds of neck pain (OR=1.19), suggesting softer or medium-firm mattresses may be preferable.

How much sleep is protective against neck pain?▼

Sleeping at least 7 hours per day was associated with a 21% reduced odds of neck pain (OR=0.79).

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References

  1. 1.Lu G, Mao H, Chen X, Sun X, Liu Y, Ma M, Li J, Zhou S, Hu J, Ma G, Wang Z, Xiu X, Zhuang M, Tang B, Zhu L, Yu J. "Posture management for neck pain: identification and quantification of associated factors based on a multicentre cross-sectional study in China.." Journal of global health, 2026. PMID: 42626879 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.16.04240
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.