Neck, shoulder and upper back pain: watch out for office syndrome

Neck, shoulder and upper back pain, or office syndrome, is one of the most common health problems among office workers who have to stay in the same position for long periods, whether working at a computer, driving or even looking down at a mobile phone for hours. These postures can strain the muscles and joints, causing pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back and shoulder blades, as well as other symptoms such as headaches or pain radiating down the arm. If these symptoms are not addressed, they can become a chronic health problem that affects the quality of life of working people.

1. Tightness or aching : a tight ache at the back of the neck, sometimes spreading to the shoulders and upper back 

2. Acute or chronic pain : it may come on suddenly after an accident or awkward movement, or build up gradually over a long period 

3. Radiating pain : in some cases, the pain may spread to the arm, shoulder or even the head 

4. Pain when moving the neck : pain when you move your head, such as looking down, looking up or turning left and right 

5. Muscle tension : the neck muscles feel stiff and tight and you cannot move freely 

6. Accompanying headaches : neck pain can cause headaches, especially tension headaches

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Cervical spondylosis (degeneration of the neck)

Caused by degeneration of the joints and discs in the neck, usually in older people or those who have put heavy strain on their necks over a long period. Symptoms may include chronic neck pain, stiffness, difficulty moving and possibly numbness radiating down the arm.

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Herniated disc pressing on a nerve

Caused by a degenerated disc pressing on a nerve, resulting in neck pain that radiates to the arm and hand, possibly with numbness or weakness. If left untreated, it may affect movement and the nervous system.

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Fibromyalgia

A condition that causes chronic pain throughout the body, including the neck, shoulders and upper back. Patients may also experience fatigue, headaches, insomnia and greater sensitivity to pain than normal. The condition is related to the nervous system and often occurs in people under a lot of stress.

1. Correct your sitting posture and avoid looking down for too long 
2. Move around, stretch and exercise your neck, shoulder and upper back muscles regularly to reduce tightness 
3. Set up your work environment properly 
4. Reduce stress and get enough rest 
5. Use a hot compress to relax the muscles, or a cold compress to relieve inflammation 
6. Exercise regularly 

If the pain is severe or does not improve, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

1. Muscle inflammation and fascial adhesions 

• The neck and shoulder muscles have to work hard all the time, leading to chronic inflammation 
• Fascial adhesions (myofascial pain syndrome) may form, causing constant radiating pain and tightness 

2. Chronic headaches and migraines

• Tension in the neck and shoulder muscles may compress nerves connected to the head 
• This can cause chronic headaches or migraines, which may affect concentration and work 

3. Premature degeneration of the neck 

• Sitting in poor posture for long periods makes the cervical discs degenerate faster than normal 
• The neck vertebrae may compress a nerve, causing numbness or pain radiating down the arm and hand 

4. Numbness or weakness in the arms and hands 

• Nerves compressed for a long time may cause numbness or weakness in the arm muscles 
• If left untreated, this may affect the use of your hands, for example making it harder to grip objects 

5. Poor circulation and dizziness 

• Compression from tight muscles may reduce blood flow to the brain 
• This can cause dizziness, light-headedness or chronic fatigue 

6. Impact on quality of life 

• Chronic pain lowers quality of life and stops you from working at your best 
• It becomes harder to treat and takes longer to recover 
• It may affect your mood, causing stress and even depression

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1) Dry needling

Helps stimulate blood circulation and reduce pain

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2) Prolotherapy injections

Using ultrasound guidance (US-guided injection with prolotherapy), glucose is injected into the painful or chronically inflamed muscles, tendons and fascia. The aims are to: 

• Stimulate repair and accelerate the body's natural healing and recovery 
• It is a long-accepted method in the United States, backed by research supporting its results
• No steroids are used 

Rehab Care Clinic uses diagnostic ultrasound to guide every injection precisely to the affected spot, making it effective and highly accurate and reducing the risk of hitting blood vessels or nerves.

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1. Focused shockwave therapy

Delivers energy through shockwaves to the injured area to reduce inflammation and pain, while also stimulating the body's repair process and treating chronic pain.

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2. High-power laser therapy

Helps energise cells and stimulates the body's repair process, rapidly reducing inflammation. It also helps reduce nerve-ending irritation such as numbness and burning, and relieves muscle spasm.

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3. Therapeutic ultrasound (deep heat)

Helps treat injuries to tendons and soft tissue and speeds up the repair process by increasing blood flow and the flexibility of connective tissue, while reducing pain and tension in the muscles and tendons.

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4. Cervical or lumbar traction

Relaxes the muscles of the neck or back. The traction force is calculated according to body weight, and the pull and release times are set appropriately for safety and more effective treatment.

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5. Electrical stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation that helps reduce pain.

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6. Therapeutic exercise and hydrotherapy

To correct posture and restore strength so that the pain does not come back.