Technological Neck Romatem Ankara Medical Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. Dr. Alper Murat Ulaşlı shares with MAG readers what should be done about the pain that can be caused by prolonged immobility in the neck and body. M A G Health and Beauty What is the "technological neck"? Due to the continued use of devices such as cell phones, tablets and computers outside the office, at home and even on the road, the name of "office syndrome" has become "tech neck". Initially, what happens is that the muscles have to tense to keep your head upright; however, as the muscles tense and contract, more pressure is put on the discs. This causes the discs to wear out quickly and can even tear the outermost layer of the disc.
If the ruptured disc is compressing a nerve, pain, weakness or numbness may occur in the arm. More severe cases may require surgical intervention. Why are desk workers especially under threat? Repeated back bending due to prolonged sitting increases the pressure on the discs in the spine, the load on the ligaments and the risk of pain in the back muscles. Sitting for long hours leads to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders with muscle overload; low-intensity sustained contraction leads to calcium (Ca) deposition and hemostasis impairment with poor blood flow, metabolism and muscle impairment.
Technological Neck (Mag Magazine)
What does office ergonomics mean? Ergonomics can be defined as the science of work. The aim of ergonomics training is to prevent accidents and injuries; minimize overuse of the human body, fatigue, absenteeism and time loss; and maximize efficiency, quality, safety, comfort and productivity. What other causes do you attribute "technological neck" diseases to other than physical and ergonomic factors? Musculoskeletal system diseases such as premature wear of the spine, chronic back and lower back pain, neck pain, headache, carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand and wrist, and decreased range of motion in the knees may be due to causes other than office ergonomics.
Psychosocial factors such as stress, inadequate employer support, high performance expectations, job dissatisfaction, time pressure, inadequate rest, inadequate peer support are also triggers of these diseases. Personal factors include gender, exercise habits and obesity. How to alleviate symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness? If you have a sedentary job at a desk, you should get up and walk around for a few minutes every thirty to forty minutes. This will get the blood circulating and do your whole body good. Have a reclining chair with very good lumbar support and lean back as much as possible while working. This will take pressure and tension off the neck muscles. During breaks in the office, you can do simple exercises such as forward and backward bending, side stretches, spinal twists, shoulder blades relaxation, shrugs, and backward stretches. When should you see a doctor? The last person you should see if you have a "technological neck" is a surgeon.
It is best to consult a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor first. In case of persistent or severe pain that does not respond to painkillers, recurrent pain lasting longer than one or two weeks, numbness, tingling sensation or loss of strength with pain, it is possible to treat you with a multidisciplinary approach.
