Neck pain

Office worker neck pain - strengthening exercises - Sutherland Shire Physio

Zac Fowler is a physiotherapist from Flow Physio Co Sutherland who talks to us about how to treat neck pain in office workers

Neck pain is one of the most common medical conditions that presents at Flow, with most presentations of neck pain coming from populations of office workers. It is not uncommon for these office workers to present very similarly, a forward head position, pain around the trapezius muscles and upper neck that gets worse when sitting and a slouched thoracic spine position when sitting.

It is estimated that between 42%-63% of office workers will experience some form of neck pain within any given year.

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Office workers often get neck pain


It is estimated that between 42%-63% of office workers will experience some form of neck pain within any given year. Office workers also have the highest incidence rate of neck pain at around 17%-21% when compared to other occupations.

Interventions for neck pain usually focus around some form of ergonomic adjustment of the workplace setting, soft tissue relief and some postural exercises. 


What is effective in treating neck pain in office workers

A recent study looked at the effect of intervention and prevention programs on neck pain in office workers when compared to no interventions over the course of 27 randomised controlled trials. These trials looked at the effect of strengthening programs, ergonomic adjustments and frequent rest breaks. 

A key finding of the review was that shoulder and neck strengthening exercises can be effective in reducing pain intensity in the population of office workers with neck pain.

In terms of neck pain prevention, the same review found evidence that a regular strength routine can help to reduce the incidence of pain in an identified “at risk” population of office workers.

The reviews went on to discuss the positive impact on multiple ergonomic adjustments in the symptomatic population but could not find a link to this assisting in the prevention of pain. 

The review then goes on to report that of the population that saw improvement in their neck pain, interventions focused on specifically strengthening the neck were superior to general fitness training. 



Take Home Messages


Due to the high incident rate of neck pain in office workers, we believe that all office workers should complete a weekly strengthening prevention program and that office workers who experience neck pain should benefit from a strengthening program targeted to the muscles of the shoulders and upper back.

 

Source:

Xiaoqi Chen, Brooke K Coombes, Gisela Sjøgaard, Deokhoon Jun, Shaun O’Leary, Venerina Johnston, Workplace-Based Interventions for Neck Pain in Office Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Physical Therapy, Volume 98, Issue 1, January 2018, Pages 40–62







Exercise for Low Back and Neck Pain

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Exercise is Medicine - Low Back and Neck Pain

Exercise is not only the key to a healthy life but also leads to a comfortable life. The old saying “move it or lose it” was correct! We have previously discussed the importance of movement for general health and well being purposes HERE.

Move it, or lose it

Today we will talk about the benefits of movement for reducing the incidence of neck and back pain, which, unfortunately is becoming far too common in society today.

In 2014-15, 1 in 6 Australians reported back and neck problems which equates to approximately 3.7 million people.

1 in 6 Australians Reported back and neck problems in 2014-15.

The AIHW reports that neck and back troubles were the 3rd leading cause of disease burden in Australia in 2011 (1).

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What does the research say?

As these levels are very high, there is a growing field of research to identify what we can do to prevent these issues. The recurrent stand out is exercise! Exercise has time and time again shown to be medicine for a variety of conditions (2-3).

Exercise programs have been shown to substantially reduce the risk of a new episode of neck pain (4) and the same just happens to be true for low back pain. Evidence suggests that exercise as a stand alone intervention or in combination with education is effective in the prevention of low back pain (5).



The Cherry on top

To really add the cherry on top, if this is combined with some strengthening exercise, then the risk of not only neck and back issues but all sports injuries is reduced to less than one third and the rate of overuse injuries is halved (6).

What does this mean?

Exercise is one of the best things that can be done to not only live a healthy life but also to feel good whilst doing so. All of the research suggests that it doesn’t necessarily matter what you are doing as long as you are moving. So don’t over analyse things just do what you enjoy!

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In case you’re wondering how much?

  • It is advised that for adults aged 18-64 years, 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both, per week is recommended.

  • Strengthening activities should be performed at least twice per week.

  • For adults 65+ at least 30 mins of moderate intensity exercise is advised daily(3).



Take Home Message

  • Exercise is meant to be a long term drug, consistently taking it over time leads to the greatest benefits.

  • Do what you enjoy and do it often.

  • Add some variety and gradually progress.

  • If you fall off the bandwagon don’t stress, life happens, just get back on.





References:

  1. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems/contents/what-are-back-problems

  2. https://www.primalplay.com/research/

  3. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4364.0.55.001~2014-15~Main%20Features~Exercise~29

  4. de Campos, T. F., Maher, C., Steffens, D., Fuller, J., & Hancock, M. (2018). Exercise programs may be effective in preventing a new episode of neck pain: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 64(3), 159-165. DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2018.05.003- https://research-management.mq.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/89732879/Publisher_version_open_access_.pdf

  5. Steffens D, Maher CG, Pereira LSM, et al. Prevention of Low Back PainA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):199–208. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.7431- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2481158

  6. Lauersen JB, Bertelsen DM, Andersen LB. The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials Br J Sports Med Published Online First: 07 October 2013. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092538- https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/10/07/bjsports-2013-092538




[VIDEO] Office worker neck pain - Are you incorporating strength exercises?

 

Are you struggling with neck pain at work? Do you incorporate strengthening exercises?

A study of neck pain in office workers showed moderate quality evidence that neck/shoulder strengthening exercises and general fitness training were effective in reducing neck pain in office workers who were symptomatic.

Some easy to implement strength exercises may be what 2018 needs!

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