Spinal health issues rise among Brazilian youth

Recent data from Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) indicates a significant rise in spinal problems among younger populations. Medical consultations for individuals up to 19 years old increased by 72.8% over the last five years, compared to a 37.5% increase in the general population.

Factors contributing to this trend include sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time. According to the 2024 National School Health Survey (PeNSE) by IBGE, 44.5% of students aged 13 to 17 spend more than three hours per day sitting. Experts suggest that prolonged periods in fixed positions, such as looking down at mobile devices, increase musculoskeletal strain. Health professionals emphasize the importance of regular movement and varying physical positions throughout the day to mitigate these risks.