Is working from home a pain in the neck?

The pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on our working practices, with many being asked to work from home. Whilst this may have been welcomed by some, many have found this challenging. Prior to the Covid-19 crisis Public Health England were trying to address the issue of physical activity within the population, with sedentary habits being linked to obesity, heart conditions and diabetes. This concern has now been amplified with many forced to work from home in cramped conditions and in relative isolation.

Osteopaths have been seeing more patients complaining of musculo-skeletal ailments stemming from inactivity and home working. Neck pain is often the result of long hours working at a PC or laptop. This is made worse if the seat and table is not designed for desk work, in the case of kitchen and dining room tables, or even worse, using a laptop slumped on a sofa or at a coffee table.

The good news is that Osteopathy can help with uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following an injury i.e Whiplash).  Together with hands on treatment, a package of care is invariably offered involving postural and ergonomic advice and tailor-made exercises to aid recovery and prevent reoccurrence.

Condensed from a blog created by Robert Thomas, Osteopath and ESO Clinic Tutor & Ambassador. To read the blog in full please click here. To arrange an osteopathic consultation at the ESO Clinic Maidstone call 01622 685989.