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Is Computer Hurting Your Neck?

By Dr. Rohit Mehta (PT) in Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Medicine

May 11 , 2016 | 3 min read

Technological diseases are disorders of the modern era. Some are caused by poor postures related to one’s profession.

Did you know that spending long hours on your computer can put your health at serious risk? Most people do not even consider that possibility, but it does. Working at your computer desk with poor posture is extremely harmful to your body. Nowadays, the most common health problem is neck pain.

According to Cote et al. (2008), office workers and computer users experience the highest incidence of neck pain with reported incidences ranging from 36% to 57.5% per 100 workers per year where neck and upper limb symptoms were common among the computer users.

Neck pain can really get irritating if it persists for long period of time. Factors contributing to this problem are the modern way of life - prolonged sitting and inadequate, fixed or artificial positions. The root of these problems is found in the mechanical disorders of the cervical spine, poor posture, poor neck flexibility and quick movements of the body.

SYMPTOMS & SIGNS

Pain in the neck, which may be sharp or blunt

• Painful and limited mobility

• Inability to perform daily duties due to stiffness in the neck

• Pain in the shoulders and arms associated with pain in the neck            

• Fainting

• Dizziness

Tinnitus

• Blurred vision                

Headache

• Diplopia

• Weakness

• Feeling of heaviness, tenderness, and paresthesia in the upper extremities

• Impaired concentration and memory

FEW PREVENTIVE MEASURES

REGULAR SPINAL CHECKUPS: It is very important to always keep your spine aligned. This can ensure proper functioning of your neck and back, specifically the upper region. Your physiotherapist will teach spinal exercises and basic correct posture guidance. This can decrease the stress on your thoracic and cervical spines. As a result, a happier and healthier you. Your Physiotherapist can also help you to decrease your back pain by providing physiotherapy for back pain

ALWAYS BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR POSTURE: There are a lot of people who exhibit poor posture. When asked to stand up straight, they are unable to exude the proper posture anymore. This is because they have been used to that kind of posture and they are unaware of it already. Proper posture does not only involve the back, a lot may think. It also includes the neck. Poor posture, if not dealt with can give rise to neck pain as well.

EXERCISE REGULARLY: Exercising does not only do good to the body's muscular and cardiovascular system but to the skeletal system too. For an efficient and effective programme, you have to do at least three sessions a week for about forty minutes. In order to be more inspired to do these exercises, involve the whole family and your friends. It will benefit not only yourself but your loved ones as well.

MANAGE STRESS: Stress has also been shown to influence how people feel pain. If you are under stress, pain can actually feel worse. Usually, stress is carried on the upper back, the shoulders, and the neck. Neck pain is a very real, very common anxiety symptom. Unfortunately, some people experience such a degree of neck pain stiffness that they actually become more anxious, and increase their neck pain experience.

DO NOT PUT PRESSURE ON YOUR NECK: Virtually unheard of two years ago, Text Neck is the repetitive injury that's becoming more common as more people hunch over smartphones. Aggravating muscle pain in the neck and shoulder, and sometimes lower back is occurring even in the age group of 16 to 25 years, who never reported neck pain before.

STRETCH: It is always best to do stretching if possible. Neck stretches do not affect daily activities because it does not require sophisticated equipment. It can be done while working and also at home. It only takes 5 to 15 minutes to perform these beneficial stretches.

If you are suffering from neck pain, do not ignore the symptoms and meet your physiotherapist today.

You can also hire a physiotherapist at home from Maxathome.