The amount of time that we spend working with keyboards and staring at our monitors is an ever-increasing task that we must embrace as a life-long activity. Until our ergonomics and technology can get on the same page, the fallout of these repetitive daily movements will continue to wreak havoc on our bodies, especially our upper back, neck, and shoulders.
Not only does a stiff and achy neck completely disrupt the quality of our personal lives, but it can also actually impact our work performance. In fact, according to a study in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, workers with neck/shoulder symptoms or hand/arm symptoms experience productivity loss from a decreased performance at work and not from sickness absence. A different RCT study from Punjama et.al. on the effectiveness of a neck and shoulder stretching exercise program among office workers with neck pain goes on to show that a regular stretching exercise (i.e. stretching/massage/chiropractic) program performed for four weeks can decrease neck and shoulder pain and improve neck function and quality of life for office workers who have chronic moderate-to-severe neck or shoulder pain.
The good news is that neck pain associated with work stress and ergonomics is pretty easy to manage once aware of the triggers. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to correct any potential mechanical issues linked to neck pain. People often report immediate results from even just one session with a chiropractor.
Another popular and effective option is Massage Therapy. Our neighbors at Optimal Massage and Bodywork can help work out tight and tender muscles that are knotted up and inflamed. Their prices are very reasonable, and they are right around the corner from align.Space.
If you are looking for a more clinical approach, physical therapy may be worth exploring and may also accept clients who wish to use their insurance benefits. Optimum Physical Therapy Associates of West Chester are great and have several different clinical approaches to helping people who suffer from neck pain. Check out their video on stretches to help with neck pain in the workplace. They are easy to do and FREE!
Exclusively for members, align.Space takes your workspace very seriously and we want you to feel comfortable, supported, and productive. Throughout the month of December and January, I will be providing the members of align.Space complimentary 10-minute chair massages on Wednesday mornings from 9am-12pm. I will also be available to answer any questions I can regarding work ergonomics and other chiropractic care.
Whether you have neck pain, or just want to loosen up, we got your back… and neck!
Dr. Beau Casey is the founder and head honcho chiropractor at The-Back.Space |Chiropractic Studio in Eagleview Town Center in Exton. He has over 17-years in practice and has helped thousands with his work.
Located in the heart of downtown West Chester, align.Space offers three floors of distraction free desk space and amenities. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our flexible membership options.
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