General
Discover how targeted physiotherapy can relieve neck pain caused by prolonged desk work.
Are you one of those people who spend the majority of their time working at a desk?
Usually, people with desk jobs are likely familiar with the neck stiffness that accompanies a long day at the office. Prolonged periods of looking at a computer screen, bending over a laptop, or scrolling on a mobile device may seem harmless, but they certainly add up over time. In India, office neck pain is becoming increasingly common, and it is certainly not something that should be ignored.
Fortunately, neck pain is a problem that can be effectively addressed through physiotherapy.
How? Let’s find out!
Our body is not constructed to remain immobile for 8 hours. Much like when individuals sit, poor posture, prolonged sitting or standing, and being greatly suspended in space all contribute to a lack of movement, a poor setup, and the stress that accompanies target deadlines.
Initially, some soreness may develop, but if left unattended, the problem can escalate. Many people who choose to ignore the onset of neck pain may later develop chronic discomfort, including headaches, reduced range of motion in the neck, and nerve impingement with paresthesias in the upper limbs. What might seem trivial can spiral into a condition that drastically reduces productivity and lowers the quality of life.
In almost every family in India, the first response to the neck pain problem is to have some painkiller, rub some balm in the offending area, or just ‘adjust’ and move on. Applying balm and painkillers may reduce the pain temporarily, but they do nothing to resolve the problem. The neck pain, spondylotic in nature, slips some discs, or leads to chronic migraines, the worst case is certain. The level of pain determines the ease with which it can be remedied. As such, a certain amount of delay could be deemed acceptable. Like they always say, a stitch in time saves you a few.
And this is where physiotherapy for neck pain works like a spell, making a real difference. Applying ice or a compress will only provide temporary relief, but physiotherapy addresses the underlying cause of the pain and works to alleviate it from the core. A physiotherapist relieves muscle aches, joint pain, and poor posture, while also working to restore the body to its optimal physiological position.
During an ideal physiotherapy session, the practitioner will initiate pain alleviation strategies that incorporate the appropriate clinical modalities, such as pain reduction through gentle heat or ultrasound, or, in some cases, electrical stimulation. Gentle heat or ultrasound can help relieve stiffness in painful areas. But physiotherapy does not stop there. The practitioner assesses the posture and movement at work, including sitting posture, head and neck posture, and workstation setup, and then provides recommendations. Adjustments to sitting posture or changes in computer screen height are common methods for alleviating unnecessary muscle or joint pain.
Most of the physiotherapy treatment consists of the "homework" that the client is assigned to do. These comprise gentle stretching exercises that will target specific shoulder, neck, and head muscles. These are complemented by mobility exercises that the physiotherapist identifies. These exercises, individually tailored to the needs of the patient, are designed to help the neck and head region adapt to the rigors of daily living without the added pain and discomfort that many people experience.
The role of stress in neck pain is more profound than people would like to believe. Physiotherapists, alongside their physical treatment, focus on breathing patterns and relaxation rests to ensure that your muscles are not only strong, but also relaxed. In addition, a physiotherapist focuses on the “goals for the day” approach and informs you about things like the optimal pillow for neck support or the frequency of micro-breaks that are helpful. These adjustments, however small, are important for durable outcomes.
When considering physiotherapy for neck pain, it is more than just relieving the pain in the moment. It is more like preventing neck pain from worsening in the future. Offering more work on posture and muscles, in addition to positive work routine shifts, physiotherapy helps break the cycle of repetitive neck pain.
Rather than masking the pain with medication or enduring stiffness, you learn to work more constructively. It is more relieving, especially since the treatment, which involves your neck, is not a temporary fix but a more thorough remedy.
When you are free from pain, more mobile, and lighter, you feel more energetic, in addition to having a positive attitude towards your work, which ultimately makes you more productive. This is undoubtedly a perk for desk jobs.
At Famlidoc, we understand how neck pain and desk-related pain have become increasingly prevalent in society. Our physiotherapists are trained and skilled in developing personalized physiotherapy programs tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. Most importantly, these services can be accessed from anywhere, allowing you to use them from any location. We bring physiotherapy equipment to your home, ensuring you receive quality care.
Whether you're experiencing occasional stiffness or a long-term cervical issue, we offer safe, effective, and convenient solutions to help alleviate your discomfort. Wearable devices enable real-time monitoring of progress. These tools allow us to assess recovery and pain levels, which in turn help you to recover faster and live a pain-free lifestyle.
Almost every individual with a desk job has neck pain. Most people think it is a minor inconvenience that can be overlooked. But there is no need to suffer and push through a stiff neck and back. You can increase your productivity by getting physiotherapy tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Famlidoc and take your first step towards a pain-free life. If you are looking to relieve pain developed during a workday, book a session via our doorstep physiotherapy services.