According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18.5 million Americans work a desk job, not counting students, gamers, social media influencers, and millions of others who spend all day in front of a screen.
It’s no coincidence that the number of people with neck pain has increased by over 77% since 1990. The longer you slump over your desk, the more likely you are to suffer from neck pain, and poor posture at the office has a lot to do with it.
Dr. David Wu and our CurePain team in California’s South Bay can determine the root cause of your neck pain and resolve it so you can get back to typing, researching, and scrolling pain-free.
Keep reading as Dr. Wu explains what poor posture does to your neck, how to set up your workstation for optimal posture, and how we treat neck pain.
Good posture conjures images of young girls in finishing school, balancing books on their heads, but posture is more than a matter of poise and etiquette — it’s a matter of overall health. Here’s what it does to your neck.
When you slouch and slump, you strain your neck muscles and ligaments. Instead of aligning your spine correctly, you force your neck to support your head in an unnatural position, leading to aches, pain, muscle fatigue, and, over time, chronic pain.
When you tilt your head forward, your spinal discs press on the nerves in your neck, causing tingling, numbness, and even sharp pain that radiates down your arms.
Chronic neck pain can evolve into issues like cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, and even migraines. Addressing your posture now can prevent these long-term health problems.
Office ergonomics refers to how your office space fits your body and promotes health. Rearranging your workstation can relieve neck pain. Here are some ergonomic tips:
Ensure your desk height allows your elbows to rest at a 90-degree angle when typing. Your chair should support your lower back, and your feet should be flat on the floor.
Your monitor should be at eye level to prevent you from tilting your head up or down. If you use a laptop, consider investing in a laptop stand and an external keyboard to help you maintain a neutral neck position, reducing strain.
Place your keyboard and mouse close enough so you don’t have to stretch your arms. Ideally, they should be on the same surface, allowing you to keep your wrists straight and your shoulders relaxed.
Dr. Wu offers several traditional and innovative treatments to resolve neck pain. However, if poor positioning at your desk is a factor, it all starts with developing good posture habits.
Good posture isn’t just about setting up your workstation correctly; it’s about maintaining those habits throughout the day. Make it a point to check your posture regularly. Are your shoulders relaxed? Is your head aligned with your spine? Minor adjustments can make a big difference.
If your neck pain persists, Dr. Wu may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your neck muscles and improve your posture. Massage and heat therapy can also relieve neck pain.
Dr. Wu may suggest using the Simplicity Radiofrequency Denervation Probe for more severe neck pain. This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to target and disrupt nerve signals causing pain.
Don’t ignore neck pain. Relief may be as simple as straightening your spine, sitting tall at your desk, and ensuring an ergonomic workspace. If you need next-level help, call CurePain in Torrance, California, or request an appointment online.
