When we think of occupational health and musculoskeletal problems, we often think of factories and heavy labour.
However, new research has shown that three out of four people who spend more than four hours a day in front of a computer experience neck and back pain, as well as pain in shoulders, arms, wrists or fingers.
Why might this be the case?
Sitting at a desk in front of a screen for long working hours, and not moving so much, can mean that muscles and bodies can become rather stiff, especially if you’re not sitting with good posture. Slouching and sitting for many hours impacts your spine by putting pressure on the discs of the spine, in the lower part of the back in particular.
When it comes to neck, shoulder, or wrist pain, this can be caused by having your neck at an angle in front of computer or laptop screens and typing; these are often classed as repetitive strain injuries. In the office, it’s due to having your neck at an angle for computer or laptop screens and typing. But what can be done about it?
UKIM’s Head of Physiotherapy/ Ergonomist, Glenn Robertson, explains how desk jobs can cause musculoskeletal issues and how to help them…
“There will be several general factors which may be contributing to someone reporting discomfort working for extended periods at a computer, for instance age, normal activity and fitness levels.
When considering if the discomfort is related or aggravated by working at the computer or laptop, the most obvious issues are usually to do with static and/or awkward postures, or repetitive movements. These increase the loading on structures e.g., muscles, joints, ligaments, which react to the loading, leading to discomfort.
The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992 were developed to help reduce the incidence of related problems by giving guidance on who a DSE user is and introducing the need for an ergonomic workstation assessment. There are HSE DSE self-assessment checklists which users can follow to aid in setting up their workstation for them.
Other ways to help prevent or ease MSK problems include: eye-tests (wearing the correct glasses can help maintain a better posture), training on workstation set-up, taking regular short breaks i.e. taking a 2 minute break every 30 minutes rather than 10 minutes after 2 hours, exercises or stretches that can be done at the desk to prevent discomfort developing, checking if the software is appropriate for the tasks, correct PC settings, and office lighting, etc."
