Posture, sedentary lifestyle, and musculoskeletal pain in young adults: emerging challenges and physiotherapy-based interventions

Musculoskeletal pain among young adults has emerged as a growing public health concern associated with prolonged sedentary behaviour, excessive digital-device use, poor postural habits, reduced physical activity, and changing academic and occupational demands. Increasing dependence on smartphones, computers, and online learning has contributed to extended periods of sitting and sustained positioning of the cervical spine, shoulders, and lumbar region, potentially increasing muscular fatigue, movement restrictions, and functional discomfort. This review explores the relationship between posture, sedentary lifestyle, and musculoskeletal pain in young adults, with particular emphasis on the biomechanical, physiological, behavioural, and psychosocial mechanisms underlying neck pain, shoulder discomfort, upper back pain, and low back pain. Recent evidence suggests that prolonged screen exposure, limited movement variability, inadequate muscular endurance, and insufficient physical activity may contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms, although pain development is multifactorial and cannot be attributed to posture alone. The review further highlights physiotherapy-based approaches, including postural and ergonomic education, cervical and scapular stabilization, progressive strengthening, core conditioning, thoracic mobility exercises, aerobic training, motor-control interventions, manual therapy, and pain neuroscience education. Integrated rehabilitation strategies combining individualized exercise prescription, regular movement breaks, workstation modification, and behavioural interventions may improve pain management, functional capacity, physical activity, and long-term musculoskeletal health. Emerging technologies such as wearable activity monitors, mobile health applications, artificial intelligence-based posture monitoring, and telephysiotherapy may provide additional opportunities for preventive care and rehabilitation. The review emphasizes the importance of shifting from rigid posture-correction approaches toward individualized, movement-oriented, and biopsychosocial physiotherapy management. Early screening, preventive physiotherapy programmes, and sustainable lifestyle modifications in universities and workplaces may help reduce the burden of musculoskeletal pain and promote improved functional independence and quality of life among young adults