89% of Office Workers Have Musculoskeletal Pain

If you spend your days in an office, you're probably familiar with the aches and pain that come with long hours of computer work. A new study showed that up to 89% of office workers suffer from some sort of musculoskeletal pain; whether that be in the neck, back, shoulders, wrists, or knees.

Although this pain can start as a dull ache at work, if left unaddressed, it may develop into a repetitive motion injury or other serious disorder. Seeking early treatment can reduce your risk for developing these conditions. Studies suggest that chiropractic care can relieve and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and neck disorders associated with working.

Work-related Pain Study

To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in office workers, researchers surveyed 91 employees who worked at a university office setting. The employees rated their pain and responded to questionnaires on job satisfaction and health.

Neck pain was the most common complaint, affecting 69.2% of workers. Lower back pain was the second most common (58.2%), followed by knee problems (41.8%), shoulder concerns (35.2%) and pain in the upper back (34%). People with MSK complaints were also more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs. Wrist, shoulder, and low-back pain were most the significant predictors of poor job satisfaction.

Other recent research has shown that stressed, over-worked employees have an increased likelihood of suffering from back pain, headache, and shoulder problems.Stress of course isn't the only thing causing musculoskeletal pain. Poor posture, unhealthy work stations, and previous musculoskeletal injuries can exacerbate the risks associated with repetitive motions or long hours hunching over a computer.

Doctors of chiropractic can create treatment plans that address the multifaceted nature of work-related pain. Not only do chiropractors work to correct dysfunctions in the joints and spine, they'll also help you identify appropriate preventive measures through posture correction, ergonomic training, and exercise therapy. Some studies suggests that chiropractic adjustments may also improve your body's response to inflammation and stress, providing you with protective benefits against further MSK injuries.

Reference

Loghmani A, et al. Musculoskeletal symptoms and job satisfaction among office-workers: A Cross- sectional study from Iran. Acta Medica Academica 2013;42(1):46-54. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.70.