Nearly 80% of adults experience cervical spine degeneration. The cervical spine is made up of 7 bones in the neck region that support the head (which weighs about 10 lbs), allow for a wide range of motion, and protect the spinal cord. In its early stages, degeneration is often asymptomatic, so many people only notice discomfort once the condition has already progressed.
Some common contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, injuries or trauma, and poor posture habits. With the rise of handheld technology, forward head posture has become increasingly common due to excessive phone use. This posture places excessive pressure on the cervical spine, increasing the burden on the neck.
Prevention is key to maintaining long-term spine health. The body is highly adaptive, and prolonged immobility can accelerate deterioration. Incorporating intentional daily movements is essential, as these help hydrate spinal discs and promote proper joint function. Checking spinal alignment is also important to ensure balanced weight distribution. A misaligned spine can negatively affect overall posture, often causing the body to lean to one side.
Source: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/04/19/sleep-posture-cervical-spine-health.aspx
