Neck pain is common among workers that bring discomfort and less productivity among them. It is reported that about 67% of the general population has suffered neck pain in their lifetime. It is also common among adults although it can develop slowly at any age or it can be caused by an injury,
In my 22 years of working as a company employee, chronic neck pain was one of my challenges in the workplace aside from the voluminous workload I usually encountered on my desk. There was almost no chance to change your posture so I was content with sitting for long hours with my head always focused on my desk for paperwork. So, at the end of the day, I had some headaches, neck pain, and sometimes stiff neck to suffer from.
Back pain was also a challenge because of excessive sitting. When I arrived home, I sought for some massage to ease my pain and relax my body. This was not only a challenge for me because most of our employees also complained of those pains especially those who were aging like me.
At that time, we did not have a choice but to suffer until we retired. The company clinic physicians as always had to attend to several employees for prescriptions on pain relief and swelling. You know, aging comes with many odd and painful surprises especially when you lead a sedentary life with office work.
Aside from massage, I console myself with different herbal oils to ease my pain with the aroma pervading my room. I did not give a damn even if my family complained about the herbal smell. I just want to be comfortable and relaxed while I sleep at night to be ready to” rumble “ at work.
Neck pain happens as reported by Mayo clinic when neck muscles are strained because of poor posture — “whether it's leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain.”
The pain " starts in the neck and can be associated with radiating pain down one or both of the arms. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders or diseases that involve any of the tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments or muscles" (https://www.aans.org/ ).
Causes of Neck Pain (Mayoclinic.org)
- Muscle strains - overuse, such as too many hours spent over your computer or smartphone that often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth, can strain neck muscles
- Worn out joints - “Your neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.”
- Nerve compression - “Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.”
- Injuries - “Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.”
- Diseases - Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, can cause neck pain.
Symptoms of Neck Pain (retrieved and written verbatim from similar source)
- “Pain that's often worsened by holding your head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Decreased ability to move your head
- Headache
The good news is that neck pain can improve gradually with home treatment. I did several home treatments too, such as applying medicinal or herbal oil and some massage to alleviate the pain. I avoided taking drugs because of the fear of side effects.
How to Prevent Neck Pain (Mayoclinic.org)
- Observe good posture. When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders.
- Take frequent breaks. If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Adjust your desk, chair, and computer so that the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair's armrests.
- Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. Use a headset or speakerphone instead.
- Quit smoking. It can put you at a higher risk of developing neck pain.
- Do away with carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder. The weight can strain your neck.
- Sleep in a good position. Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your spinal muscles.
After all, treatments have been done, and pain is still there, you might want to use an ergonomic office chair as a preventive alternative for this nagging neck pain. For example, you might want to consider owning an ergonomically designed office chair from FlexiSpot.
One of the best office chairs from this company is the Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair. It has wonderful features that you will love and eventually want to own.
With its 3D lumbar support system, 135° lounge tilt, and 4D adjustable armrests, the Soutien office chair will surely give you the ultimate seating experience behind your desk.
The 3D lumbar support system features 3(three) height adjustment levels and a gentle rebound system. The elegantly curved backrest ergonomically conforms to the neck and spine for maximum headrest and lumbar support.
The cushioned 4D armrests are adjustable in 4 (four) dimensions with the flexible armrests contoured effortlessly to your arms and elbows for maximum comfort.
This wonderful office chair also has a breathable mesh that is made from Italian-imported chenille and K+R temperature-sensitive fiber with premium fleece mesh that offers maximum ventilation and protects the most delicate fabrics.
The 45 - degree backrest tilt allows you to recline comfortably during lunch breaks at work and the seat depth is also adjustable and contoured with your body shape for a more pleasurable sitting experience. Of course, durability is fully guaranteed.
In a nutshell, work with productivity and comfort with this wonderful office chair.
