In China, young people are hanging from trees to relieve neck pain. This viral trend is very dangerous. Doctors have warned that this can cause serious risk of spinal cord injury, paralysis or death.
A new and strange trend has taken over social media in China and is scaring people. In the parks here, youth are hanging from trees by their necks. They believe that doing this provides relief from neck pain caused by problems like cervical spondylosis. The video of this ‘neck-hanging exercise’ has gone viral. According to the report of South China Morning Post, many online users have said that they are scared just after seeing this.
What is this exercise?
This method is actually a copy of the cervical traction therapy used in hospitals. In this trend, a person hangs from a tree branch by tying a rope around his head, and sometimes even with his feet above the ground. Some people even swing like a pendulum. This idea is not at all new. Elderly people have been doing this in Chinese parks for years. Many elders believe that this provides relief from neck pain and improves blood flow.
Why are people trying it?
Neck problems are very common in China. According to the ‘China Cervical Spine Health White Paper’ report of 2024, more than 20 crore people are suffering from diseases related to the neck spine. More than 40 percent of these patients are below 30 years of age. For this reason, many youth are now trying easy or home remedies to get relief. Social media has also helped this trend spread rapidly.
Experts warned of serious dangers
Doctors have strongly warned against doing this exercise without medical supervision. He says that this is completely different from real cervical traction therapy. Traction is very carefully controlled in hospitals. In this, only 10 to 15 percent of the body weight is applied. Patients remain stable and doctors adjust treatment according to each case. In contrast, viral exercises often use full body weight. The body may also swing or twist, which further increases the risk.
Shen Ya, a senior therapist, said that hanging like this without control can affect the blood vessels and nerves. Dizziness and nausea may occur in mild cases. In severe cases, spinal cord injury or paralysis may occur.
Old incidents and people’s reaction
Dangerous cases related to this trend have come to light earlier also. South China Morning Post reports that a 57-year-old man died while doing a similar exercise in 2024. Online reactions show that concern is increasing among people. One user wrote, “This is really scary. My blood freezes just looking at this.” Another user said that it is not wise to risk your health in the long run for a little rest.
Growing concern over dangerous trends
Experts say this trend shows how easily dangerous ideas can spread online. People want relief from pain, but they are unknowingly putting themselves at greater risk. Doctors advise that any treatment for neck problems should be done only under medical guidance.