Work related neck pain and what can I do about it?

By Hila Gold a physiotherapist and ergonomist, specializes in MSK Physiotherapy and Ergonomics.

Neck pain may be caused by different reasons like: arthritis, disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain or trauma. However, the most common type of neck pain is work-related neck pain, affecting individuals across various professions and ages but particularly office workers and other sedentary professions like drivers and dentists. According to researches, every year, more than 50% of office workers will go through an episode of neck pain.

The neck, also known as the cervical spine, is the movement system of our head. The neck enables us to move our head freely with a large range of movement, hence it requires a complexed movement system.

The cervical spine comprises from 2 main parts the first one includes 7 vertebrae, extending from the base of the skull to the thoracic spine at the level of the shoulders. Between each vertebra are intervertebral discs, providing cushioning and shock absorption during movement. The second part of this movement system is the soft tissue, that includes the ligaments, muscles and nerves.

NECK 1
NECK 2
NECK 3

Work related neck pain originates from repeated strain, placing excessive demand on the neck’s movement capacity. These repetitive stresses induce microtrauma in the soft tissues, leading to discomfort and restricted mobility.

What are the symptoms of work-related neck pain?

Acute episode of work-related neck pain is often characterised by a sharp pain with decreased ability to move the head towards one direction or more. This will be accompanied by a tight muscles and stiffness feeling around the neck.

The chronic condition will be characterised in pain that’s worsened by holding the head in a static position for long periods of time. Headaches, dizziness and tiredness are also common symptoms of the chronic condition.

The primary factor contributing to work-related neck pain is prolonged poor posture. This causes imbalance in muscle loading and strain on other soft tissues that leads to accumulated microtrauma, resulting in an overuse injury.

Improper postures commonly result from inadequate ergonomics, where the work setup fails to accommodate the specific needs of the individual. Luckily, these concerns can be promptly resolved by consulting a professional.

So, what is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the discipline that studies how people interact with their work environment, focusing on how equipment and furniture can be arranged in order for people to do their work or other activities more efficiently and comfortably.

Proper ergonomics and regular physical activity can serve as preventive measures against work-related neck pain. However, if you’re already experiencing an acute or a chronic episode of neck pain, consulting a practitioner can accelerate your recovery and provide guidance on preventing its recurrence.

What to Expect when coming to see a professional practitioner:

Evaluation and Diagnosis: A comprehensive assessment to identify specific limitations, such as restricted range of motion, muscle weaknesses, and postural concerns.

Hands-On Treatment: Therapeutic techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, mobilizations, manipulations of the cervical spine, and dry needling aimed to relieve neck discomfort.

Customized Exercise Plan: Tailored exercises designed to strengthen weakened muscles, enhance flexibility, and address postural imbalances for improved function and to prevent future issues.

Education and Ergonomics: Advice on ergonomic principles and adjustments in the workplace to optimize posture and minimize strain during work-related activities.

If you are suffering from neck pain then why not book in and see a specialist! https://thethornburyclinic.co.uk/appointments/