A Pain in the Neck: Dealing with Neck Pain at Work

                                                                             A Pain in the Neck

By Mike Martin

You already know this. Not only do you know it but your body tells you this regularly. You spend too much time at the computer. You may not be able to stop using a computer but you can limit some of the damage. If you have chronic or on-going pain you should see your health care professional. And if you have serious problems with your hands, arms or wrists you should get checked out for a repetitive strain injury or carpel tunnel syndrome.

But if you are like me, and millions more like me, you probably just have an occasional ache that goes away if you just pull away from the keyboard for a while. Except for that neck pain that just won’t leave me alone. I can pop two of my favourite red pills but I don’t really want that habit as well. So what can I, or you do about this neck pain? Well according to Ergonomic Times, a lot actually.

Here are some of their tips for dealing with neck pain at work.

1. Get spinal checkups regularly and if necessary get your chiropractor to do spinal adjustments on you.

2. Be conscious of your posture which includes your neck. Poor posture, if not dealt with can give rise to neck pain as well.

3. Manage stress that is carried on the upper back, the shoulders, and the neck. Get expert advice about techniques to specifically reduce this stress.

4. Do not put pressure on your neck. Do not use your neck and shoulders to hold the telephone while you talk. In the office, always sit properly and keep your neck straight by working at eye level.

5. Stretch. It is always best to do stretching if possible. In the office or at home, you can take short breaks just to reduce the tension. Some massage won’t hurt either. It can decrease the tension not only on your shoulders but also on your neck.

6. Exercise regularly, at least three sessions a week for about forty minutes. Moderate exercise can strengthen your body and help reduce the likelihood of severe injuries.

7. Eat well and sleep right. It can speed your recovery from injury and it also makes you feel good. If your neck hurts in the morning after sleeping you made need some help. Ask your doctor or chiropractor for suggestions.

This post first appeared on my blog at www.jobs.ca

Mike Martin is a writer and consultant and the author of The Walker on the Cape, a Sgt. Windflower mystery.