New parents are not alone in adopting “tummy time” as a means of postural correction. Prone individuals, including adults, have taken to social media to promote the practice, claiming it can alleviate neck and back pain, improve posture, and even “fix” tech neck.
However, experts say there is limited evidence to support these claims. Prof Leon Straker from Curtin University found no association between sitting posture and neck pain in teenagers, while a study tracking young adults over five years revealed that those with direct upright posture actually had slightly increased risk of pain.
“It’s unclear whether the forward head position causes the neck pain or if people maintain it because they have neck pain,” says Prof Suzanne Snodgrass from the University of Newcastle. She emphasizes that there is no single ideal posture linked to pain prevention, and that simply trying to stay in a perfect posture all the time can be just as bad.
Instead, experts recommend incorporating exercises into daily life, such as standing back against a wall to stretch shoulders, lifting through lower abdominal muscles, and stretching arms while lying on one’s back. These movements can help maintain range of movement and alleviate pain without trying to achieve an unrealistic ideal posture.
For those interested in trying adult tummy time, experts advise starting gently and progressing sensibly to avoid creating pain. However, they stress that there are better interventions supported by evidence, such as Pilates, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular walking.
In conclusion, while adult tummy time may offer some benefits, the scientific evidence is limited, and a more nuanced approach to posture and pain management is necessary. By incorporating exercises and movements into daily life, individuals can take steps towards maintaining good posture without relying on unproven claims of “fixing” tech neck or other mechanical flaws.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/25/can-adult-tummy-time-undo-the-dreaded-tech-neck-that-comes-from-hunching-over-a-screen