Modern lifestyle takes a toll on youth spinal health

Cervical spondylitis, a condition that primarily affects the neck and upper spine, was once mostly seen in older adults. However, it is now increasingly being diagnosed in young individuals, including school and college students. Dr Sanjay Narad, a prominent orthopaedic specialist from Hoshiarpur, has been seeing a growing number of young patients suffering from this condition, which he considers a deeply concerning trend that reflects the damaging impact of modern lifestyle habits on youth health.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Narad said that the rising cases of cervical spondylitis among young people were alarming. While it is a degenerative condition and cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed and even prevented with timely awareness and healthy lifestyle practices. He emphasised that with the right habits, young individuals can maintain good neck and spine health and live active, pain-free lives. Dr Narad pointed out that one of the leading causes of the increase in cervical spondylitis cases among the youth is the excessive and improper use of mobile phones and laptops.

Many people spend prolonged hours looking down at their screens, which places continuous strain on the neck, he said. This condition, now widely referred to as “text neck,” results from poor posture during extended screen time and can, over time, damage the cervical spine, leading to pain and stiffness.

Another major cause was the growing popularity of workout routines among young people, often without proper supervision or understanding of correct posture. Incorrect exercise techniques, lifting heavy weights without guidance and neglecting warm-ups often harm the neck and back muscles, either triggering or worsening cervical problems.

Also, today’s inactive lifestyle adds to the problem, long hours of sitting while studying, watching television or using mobile devices without adequate physical movement significantly affect spinal health.

“There are several symptoms to watch for. The common signs include neck pain and stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, numbness or tingling in the hands, pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms, as well as symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, or loss of balance. If any of these symptoms occur regularly, it is important to consult a medical professional promptly, as ignoring them can lead to worsening of the condition over time,” Dr Narad said.

Discussing treatment and management, Dr Narad made it clear that although cervical spondylitis cannot be completely cured due to its degenerative nature, it can be well-managed with appropriate lifestyle changes, medical care and physiotherapy, especially when identified early.

He said exercise plays a key role in prevention and management. Regular stretching of the neck and shoulders, strengthening of the back muscles and correcting posture can make a substantial difference. He also mentioned the benefits of yoga, which improves flexibility and relieves neck tension.

Dr Narad advised against engaging in high-intensity workouts without warming up and urged young people to seek professional guidance when exercising.