A unique and controversial exercise known as the “hanging neck” workout is making headlines in China, capturing the attention of health professionals and the general public across Asia. The trend, in which elderly participants suspend themselves by their necks from tree branches or fitness bars, was spotlighted after multiple accounts surfaced online touting its supposed benefits for neck and back pain—but also, alarmingly, after news broke of a tragic death resulting from the practice (Times of India).
The exercise originated in Shenyang, northeast China, where a 57-year-old man designed a homemade neck-hanging device to self-treat chronic neck pain. His personal testimonial, accompanied by videos of him and others gently swinging from trees, quickly went viral on Chinese social media. Inspired by his claims that the activity alleviates nerve pressure and improves sleep, growing numbers of elderly Chinese joined the so-called “neck hanging” movement, with some reporting full recovery from spinal issues.
For many Thai readers, the story is both fascinating and concerning, especially given Thailand’s own rapidly aging population and a nationwide search for affordable, effective ways for seniors to manage chronic pain and promote independence. The craze has generated debate within Thailand’s health and wellness community, where the influence of online health trends and traditional medicine remains strong.
Despite its popularity, the exercise has drawn serious warnings from medical experts in China and abroad. “The human neck was never designed to bear the full weight of a person’s body, especially not in a swinging or dynamic motion,” cautioned a Chinese spinal care physician interviewed in The Times of India report. Such force, specialists say, can cause catastrophic injuries: pinched nerves, disc herniation, or even cervical fractures, as noted in medical references on cervical spine trauma (Wikipedia - Neck Traction). Tragically, these concerns were realized in May 2024 when a participant in Chongqing fatally misused a chin strap, placing it on his neck at a public exercise area before swinging. The resulting injury proved fatal (The Star).
The neck-hanging phenomenon is not an isolated example of unconventional exercise routines among China’s elderly. Related activities include “crocodile crawling” (crawling on all fours in parks), “tree bumping” (repeatedly striking the back against tree trunks), “head-butting trees,” and even “groin striking” with metal implements, each grounded in folk beliefs about spinal health, stamina, and longevity. Videos of groups of seniors chanting and crawling in public parks have become common on Chinese platforms and are gaining attention in neighboring countries (MSN).
Underlying these trends is the enduring influence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which emphasizes holistic healing and eschews pharmaceutical intervention in favor of physical movement and natural therapies. Many elderly people in China report skepticism toward modern medicine, preferring to test unconventional remedies, particularly in a context where access to qualified medical care can be limited or expensive for retirees.
In Thailand, similar drivers are evident. Elderly Thais, especially those in rural regions, often blend modern medical advice with traditional practices, ranging from herbal compresses to massage and folk chiropractic methods. The widespread availability of online videos now allows fitness fads—including the neck-hanging exercise—to cross borders rapidly, sometimes without the necessary context or warnings about risks. Social media in Thailand is already home to viral dance-based workouts, unconventional stretching, and “self-chiropractic” clips, with popularity fueled by influencers and anecdotal testimonials of pain relief.
However, research on neck traction and neck exercises in elderly populations strongly urges skepticism regarding extreme or unsupervised practices. A 2023 randomized controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that medically supervised neck traction may improve posture and pain in elderly patients with chronic neck discomfort (PubMed), but the interventions used were gentle, precisely controlled, and never involved suspension of body weight. The study authors explicitly warned: “Improper application, especially by untrained individuals, increases the risk of nerve impairment or spine injury.”
Additionally, the cervical spine is particularly vulnerable in older adults due to age-related degeneration such as osteoporosis, herniated discs, and weakening ligaments. The potential for severe or even fatal outcomes is far greater in this demographic when engaging in high-risk exercises. “Even slight misalignment during forceful neck movements can trigger spinal cord injuries, with symptoms ranging from severe pain to paralysis or cardiac arrest,” adds the principal author of the 2023 study.
Other Asian societies, including Singapore and Japan, have witnessed similar traditional exercise crazes among older populations—such as laughing yoga, ear-pulling routines, and extreme stretching—often performed en masse in urban parks (Rice Media). While group exercise remains beneficial for community building and general well-being, healthcare professionals stress the importance of evidence-based routines and supervision, particularly for high-risk activities.
For Thailand, the implications are significant as the proportion of citizens aged 60 and above continues to climb. According to the National Statistical Office, over 15% of Thais are now senior citizens. National campaigns have long promoted exercise as one of the “Five S” pillars for healthy aging (food, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social connection), with gentle activities like walking, tai chi, and swimming universally endorsed (PMID: 10704620). Authorities from the Ministry of Public Health are now redoubling efforts to educate older Thais about the risks of unsupervised viral trends, particularly those involving dangerous neck or spinal movements.
Historically, Thailand’s public parks and community centers have served as gathering spots for early morning group aerobics and dance sessions led by certified instructors. These activities deliver proven benefits with minimal risk. In contrast, untested fads like the “hanging neck” exercise threaten to undermine decades of public health progress. A senior official at the Thai Geriatric Society explained: “Social media has made it much harder to separate credible advice from hazardous misinformation. Our goal is to empower seniors—not put them in danger.”
Looking forward, the spread of novel, risky exercise trends demands a careful balance for Thai society: honoring the desire for self-care and traditional remedies while rigorously assessing safety and efficacy. Experts recommend that seniors consult medical professionals before attempting any new workout, especially those seen online or in foreign news. Culturally, blending respect for ancestral wisdom with openness to medical innovation remains key. Rather than sensationalizing bizarre trends, health communicators and media are encouraged to highlight locally appropriate, safe, and enjoyable exercise alternatives that build strength, flexibility, and community spirit for Thailand’s elderly.
For Thai readers interested in safe ways to manage neck and back pain, authorities and physiotherapists suggest the following:
- Prioritize gentle, low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, or traditional Thai stretching exercises
- Join local community exercise groups led by trained instructors or health volunteers
- Consult with doctors or licensed physiotherapists before starting any new exercise, especially if chronic pain or existing spinal conditions are present
- Be wary of viral health trends lacking scientific support, and check local resources like the Department of Health and ThaiRedCross.org for verified recommendations
- Encourage intergenerational participation to make exercise a family affair, reducing isolation for elderly relatives and neighbors
As the global conversation around aging, independence, and digital health fads continues to accelerate, Thailand stands at a crossroads. Will the kingdom serve as a model for safe, science-informed senior fitness—or be swept up in the latest viral wave of high-risk workouts? The answer may come down to the choices made at community level—and the willingness of families, health workers, and policymakers to steer seniors toward healthful, life-extending activity that honors both tradition and medical expertise.