In the last few years, working from home has become an increasingly popular professional option. It’s convenient to skip out on a commute, and working from home also keeps costs down.
Maybe now you’re discovering a common downside to working from home — an increased risk of neck pain. If you’ve developed new or worsening neck pain, in intensity or frequency, since you’ve been working from home, you’re far from alone.
Dr. Nichelle C. Renk treats neck pain from her office at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness in Anchorage, Alaska. She definitely sees a connection between neck pain and working from home.
Here’s what you need to know about your likely risk factors for neck pain, and the changes and treatments you may need to relieve your symptoms and discomfort and keep them from coming back.
Why does working from home lead to neck pain so frequently? Shouldn’t less stress improve your overall physical condition?
Well, your risk of neck pain depends on a few things, like your workspace setup and your daily work habits. Working from home could actually set you up for more frequent and severe neck pain, causing you additional stress instead of relieving it.
Working from home often means spending a lot of time in front of the computer or tablet. Do you do most of your work at an ergonomically designed desk, in a position that gives you good spinal support? Or are you often slumped over on the couch, or hunched at the kitchen table?
What are your work surfaces like? Are you getting good support under your feet when standing?
What about your work pattern? Do you take breaks so you can stretch and release muscle tension from your back, neck, and shoulders?
It may be that your old routine of going into the office was actually better for your back and spine. It’s just a matter of protecting yourself from neck pain now that you’re working from home.
The interventional pain management experts at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness help you understand more about your neck pain, and recommend a treatment plan to relieve your pain and prevent future flare-ups. You may need tests like an X-ray or MRI.
Dr. Renk may suggest lifestyle changes related to your work routine. In addition, she can suggest treatments for your neck pain, including:
Dr. Renk may also recommend acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine to relieve your neck pain.
With the right combination of changes and treatments, you can avoid neck pain and cervical spinal issues related to poor posture and frequent spinal stress, while still reaping the benefits of working from home.
For the help you need to address your neck pain once and for all, contact Dr. Renk at Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today. Schedule your initial consultation by booking online or over the phone now.
