What is it and how to deal with it?
Musculoskeletal problems are very common among working-age people, with a lifetime occurrence rate of approximately 75% in a population, most frequently reported in the workplace are low back pain, neck pain, and upper limb pain; lower limb problems are less frequently reported. Causes are actually unpredictable and largely unknown.
This makes the preventive measures unfeasible. Effective occupational management and prevention depend on making a balance between factors such as work-focused healthcare and accommodating workplaces and it requires innovative and collaborative approaches from both healthcare and the workplace.
Tension neck syndrome is one of the common musculoskeletal problems and refers to pain or discomfort affecting the neck and shoulder muscles caused by poor body posture, prolonged neck strain, for instance, while the head is maintained in a forward and downward position while working in front of a computer or looking at your mobile devices.
However, this syndrome can be prevented. Preventive measures include limiting straining and giving regular breaks, neck exercises, and effective ergonomic control and changes such as firmly padded chairs designed to support spinal alignment and posture.
References:
ABC of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Third Edition. Chapter 8, Musculoskeletal Disorders, edited by David Snashall and Dipti Patel (https://lnkd.in/grs2GYHv)
By Dr. Hamit Demir (IEH Health Officer, Paris)
