Today’s technology is mostly related and dependent on computers. Majority of all office workers will suffer from neck pain sometime this year, with women at particle risk, according to a recent comprehensive review of neck studies.
Poor posture is partly to blame; the ever-increasing dependence on computers doesn’t help either. Neck pain is a pain experienced anywhere from the base of the skull at ear level to the upper part of the back or shoulders. People who spend most of their working time sitting down are twice as likely to develop neck pain at some point in their lives. Duration of computer use, frequency of breaks, and poor neck posture; where neck flexion is exaggerated (slumped forward) are associated with increased upper trapezius muscle activity and with neck and shoulder discomfort in office workers.
Neck pain is twice as likely for those sitting in poor posture with the head in a flexed forward position. On the other hand, the method of keyboard/mouse operation, position of computer monitors, type and use of input devices are also associated with neck and shoulder pain, elbow and wrist pain, and even lower back pain at work. The good news is that there is hope for these sorts of conditions. Strength and endurance training of the neck and upper back muscles, correction of bad posture, and advice on proper ergonomic setting of your desk and computer along with appropriate exercises will be helpful as preventative and rehabilitative approach to your condition. Consult with a trusted and experienced physiotherapist for educational session and/or in-office ergonomic assessment.