China's Neck-Hanging Fitness Craze Risks Paralysis, Doctors Warn

China's Neck-Hanging Fitness Craze Risks Paralysis, Doctors Warn A dangerous viral fitness trend where young people hang by their necks from trees is causing alarm among medical professionals in China, who warn it can lead to severe spinal injuries, paralysis, and even stroke [122710]. The practice, known as "neck-hanging exercise," involves individuals suspending their full body weight from tree branches using their head and neck. Participants attempt to self-administer cervical traction, a professional medical therapy for neck pain, without any supervision or controlled equipment [122710]. Doctors state the trend is a reckless response to a significant rise in cervical spine disorders. An official 2024 health report cited in state media indicates over 200 million people in China suffer from such conditions, with more than 40% of patients under the age of 30 [122710]. Medical experts uniformly condemn the activity, explaining that professional cervical traction applies precise, measured force. The uncontrolled weight-bearing of the DIY version can overstretch and permanently damage spinal ligaments, displace vertebrae, and pinch critical nerves and blood vessels, with catastrophic outcomes [122710]. Despite the urgent warnings from health authorities, videos and posts promoting the "neck-hanging" trend continue to circulate and gain popularity on social media platforms [122710]. Dangerous "Neck-Hanging" Trend Alarms Doctors in China