Recognizing Neck Strain in the Workplace
- Posted on: May 30 2022
When you have experienced unrelenting neck pain for more than a week and it is interfering with your work and quality of life, you need to recognize the benefits of an accurate medical diagnosis and recommended pain management regimen. Neck strain in the office does not have to be tolerated.
Workplace Causes of Neck Strain
Neck pain is most often caused by working in a twisted posture and standing or sitting for long periods of time without a break.
To eliminate a twisting posture:
- Reduce the time you spend cradling a phone around your neck
- Eliminate cradling the phone altogether with a headset
- Don’t angle the computer to your right or left
- Work with the computer screen directly in front of you
- Readjust your chair to eliminate slouching
- Always check your posture
- Take frequent breaks to stretch
It is very important to make sure your computer screen is not too high or low because this will cause shoulder and neck strain. A screen that is positioned too high will cause your head to tilt backward. Likewise, a screen positioned too low will make you crane your neck forward.
Symptoms of a Neck Sprain in the Workplace
Neck strain is extremely common in the workplace. Pain ranges from mild soreness to severe.
Neck strain diagnosis and treatment are needed when you experience:
- Difficulty rotating your neck or head
- Decreased range of motion in the neck
- Stiffness in the neck
- Increased pain in the neck and upper shoulder when you move your head
- Headache in the back of your head radiating to the forehead
- Constant feeling of fatigue
- Weakness, tingling, numbness in arms or hands
Diagnosing Workplace Neck Strain
Board Certified Spine Surgeon Dr. Jason C. Tinley recommends that you don’t delay seeking medical help if you experience any of the above symptoms.
To diagnose the extent of your neck strain, Dr. Tinley will:
- Assess the details of your workplace duties, hours, and ergonomics
- Conduct a thorough physical examination
- Perform X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests as needed
- Recommend an effective pain management regimen
Reducing Neck Strain in the Workplace
Get the diagnosis and treatment you need for your workplace neck strain by contacting Dr. Jason C. Tinley at his Fort Worth, Texas, practice today to schedule a consultation.
Posted in: Neck Pain
