The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home. For many, working from home has been a positive change, as it has allowed us to spend more time with our family and eliminate the daily commute.
However, there can also be some negative changes associated with working from home. One of those detrimental changes is an increased risk of repetitive strain injuries and postural issues affecting the neck.
Our chiropractic clinic in Stoke on Trent often treats patients who are suffering with postural issues and neck pain. This number has not decreased over the past year. In this article, our Stoke chiropractor will share the most common risk factors for neck pain and ways to reduce your risk of neck pain.
Common Causes Of Work At Home Neck Pain
#1 – Using A Workspace That Is Not Ergonomic
When you work at home, you may be using a desk, chair, and computer which are not familiar and not ergonomic. The chair might not have the same lumbar support as the one at work, the desk could be set at an incorrect height and your computer monitor might be poorly positioned.
If the ergonomics of your at-home workspace are poor, you’ll find that you are angling your neck in an awkward way. This can quickly lead to neck pain and an unwanted trip to a chiropractor.
#2 – Stress
Most people would assume that working from home would be less stressful than working in an office. However, when you are dealing with the needs of children, dogs, or a romantic partner, you quickly realise that being productive at home can be quite stressful.
If you miss deadlines or fail to get your work done, you will become more stressed and experience the physical symptoms of stress — including tense neck muscles. This can lead to neck pain and postural imbalances which take a toll on your health.
#3 – Working In Unusual Locations
One of the ‘benefits’ of working at home is that you can work anywhere. You can use a laptop to work on the couch, in bed or even while sitting in your bath! Unfortunately, working in this way isn’t actually a benefit. It can cause you to position your body in an awkward way, which can lead to postural issues and neck pain.
Avoiding Neck Pain
Set up a work space that looks like the one at work
If you expect that you will be working at home for a period of time, it’s worth investing in a high quality ergonomic chair and desk. You should also set up your workspace so it is as ergonomic as possible. Everything you need should be easy to access and you should be working with minimal strain on your neck.
Be productive
Avoid stress related neck pain by making the most of your day. Be organised and set boundaries with the other people who live in your home. They should be aware that you need to get work done and should give you the time you need.
Take regular breaks
One of the advantages of working at home is that you can step away from your workspace more often. Take advantage of this fact by taking regular breaks to stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck.
Dealing With Neck Pain
If you are already suffering from neck pain, there are several steps you can take:
Visit a chiropractor
Seeing a chiropractor is the quickest way to determine why you are suffering from neck pain and to find a solution. They will perform a thorough analysis of the health of your spine to determine why you are in pain. Your chiropractor can then provide soft tissue therapy, manual adjustments, and a variety of other treatments to mitigate your neck pain.
Have a massage
A massage can do wonders for tight neck muscles. Ask your partner to help, visit a masseuse or come down to our chiropractic clinic in Stoke on Trent. A good massage will help you achieve pain relief and regain some mobility.
Get more sleep
Having a good night’s sleep is the simplest way to mitigate stress and give your body additional time to recuperate after a long day’s work. Try to get at least 8 hours sleep per night.
Exercise and eat a healthy diet
Many of the patients visiting our chiropractic clinic in Stoke on Trent have mentioned that working at home has thrown them off their typical routine. Instead of exercising and eating well, they have found themselves spending more time in front of the television and staying up late drinking alcohol. Avoid these traps to improve your general health and avoid neck pain.
Visiting City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke on Trent
If you are suffering neck pain, our experienced and caring team of professional chiropractors are here to help you. Our team are passionate about getting you out of pain and discomfort and living your life to the full again.
To book an appointment with one of our chiropractors, call our clinic on 01782 848 184 or you can book your appointment online on our website here.