Hi there! If you’re reading this article, you’re probably suffering from neck pain and wondering whether it could be caused by your work at the computer. Neck pain is a very common problem for people who work sitting in front of a computer. In this article, we’ll explain why working at a computer can cause neck pain. We’ll also give you some tips on how to deal with it.
Why does working at a computer cause neck pain?
Even if you don’t move, working at a computer can be very tiring for your body. By sitting for long periods, you encourage muscle tension and a lack of mobility. Even more so if your posture is inappropriate! Add to that the repeated movements of the keyboard and mouse, and you have the perfect cocktail for neck and back pain at the computer. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to avoid and relieve them.
Adopting correct posture at work
First of all, it’s important to check that your posture is correct when working at the computer. Here are our tips for adapting your workstation:
- Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the back of the chair.
- Work on a monitor. Working on a laptop forces you to work bent over, which will put pressure on your neck and exacerbate neck pain.
- Hold your head in a neutral position. The top of your screen should be at eye level to prevent you from lowering or raising your head to work.
- Adjust your keyboard and mouse. The keyboard shouldn’t be too far from your chest and your elbows should be bent at 90°. Your mouse should be at the same level as your keyboard.
It’s also very important to take breaks when you’re working on the computer all day. Don’t hesitate to get up after 45-60 minutes: you can go and make yourself a coffee, drink a glass of water or take a little walk around the office.
If you have a job where you spend a lot of time on the computer, the best thing to do is to get a sit-stand desk, which will take the strain off your back and neck! After an hour or so, you can stand up for 15 to 20 minutes and then sit down again.
What if the neck pain doesn’t go away?
If, despite all these recommendations, the pain doesn’t go away, we advise you to see a health professional. An osteopath could help you and tell you if any further treatment is needed. He or she will also be able to give you exercises or stretches to do to relieve your back and neck pain.
However, if your neck pain is accompanied by dizziness or headaches, or if you have problems with your vision or hearing, we advise you to see your GP as soon as possible.
