Desk jobs are a way of life for many people. They spend half their day or more in front of a computer, and often, neck pain follows. Poor posture has become an epidemic for desk workers, and the shoulders and neck are the first places to experience discomfort. It’s important to understand what’s happening to your body to achieve pain relief.

3 Ways Your Desk Job Is Causing You Pain

1. Stress-Related Pain

No matter what your occupation is, work can be stressful at times. For desk workers, this is especially problematic since the physical effects are felt in the neck and shoulders. It’s important that you find ways to alleviate stress, so you don’t experience chronic neck pain and spinal issues. Stop throughout the day and stretch. Go for a walk around the block if you have time, and consider relaxing treatments like massage or acupuncture. Learning to manage stress can do wonders for reducing pain.

2. Neck Strain

Poor posture is a leading cause of pain. Throughout the day, people crane their necks forward and pull their spines out of alignment. The neck muscles struggle to support your head and become strained. This can lead to chronic neck pain. Reduce the effects by being mindful of your posture. Check in with yourself throughout the day and take breaks every half hour. Even performing light stretches in your chair can help.

3. Setup-Related Pain

Sometimes, your desk setup is the cause of posture-related pain. Adjust your computer monitor and chair until your gaze naturally falls to the center of the screen. Invest in a high-quality chair that provides plenty of spinal support and has armrests. Your feet should sit flat on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle. It can take some trial and error, but by optimizing your workspace, you’ll be less tempted to slouch.

If you’re living with workplace-related pain, the professionals at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates will help you relieve it. Serving St. Charles County, MO, this practice offers comprehensive solutions for neck pain, back pain, and spinal and joint issues. They create custom physical therapy and rehabilitation programs for their patients, and their team of chiropractors and physicians focus on treating both immediate and underlying causes. Call (636) 978-3000 to schedule an exam. You can explore their practice further online, and connect on Facebook for additional content.