A trend has emerged among young Chinese people involving hanging from trees to imitate hospital traction therapy for cervical spondylosis. Doctors are warning about the significant risks of spinal cord damage associated with this practice.

In an attempt to mimic cervical traction therapy used in hospitals, a new trend known as the “neck-hanging exercise” has emerged among young Chinese people. The exercise involves people hanging by their head from trees to relieve cervical spondylosis. According to the 2024 China Cervical Spine Health White Paper, more than 200 million people in China suffer from cervical spine disorders, with over 40 per cent of patients under the age of 30. The new hanging trend has been gaining traction...