While lockdown restrictions have eased across Texas, many people are still working from home owing to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
As remote working becomes the new norm in Houston, it has also led to a spike in the occurrence of back and neck pain.
If you’re struggling to find a healthy balance that helps you maintain productivity levels while keeping your neck in good shape, we’ve rounded up a few helpful hints to help you out.
Re-Position Your Computer Screen
Before you begin, ask yourself two questions:
- Am I stooping my head while working?
- Am I unnecessarily raising my head while working?
If you answered either of these questions with “yes,” it’s time to make some changes.
Your computer screen should be positioned at an angle that allows you to work without being forced to stoop or raise your head. Determine the perfect position to ensure your gaze meets the screen in a straight line. This will help you avoid placing the screen too high or too low.
Not only will your back thank you in the long run, but the delicate structures in your cervical column will also get a much-needed breather.
Opt for an Ergonomic Home Office Chair
A home office chair that isn’t designed with proper body mechanics in mind is bound to cause you long-term neck pain.
Instead, opt for an ergonomic home office chair that can be easily adjusted. Take some time to experiment with the height and depth adjustments to find the right balance. These features will go a long way in helping you avoid craning your neck to see the computer screen.
With your back adequately supported, you’ll notice a gradual alleviation of lower back, upper back, and neck pain.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Breaks
If you’re someone who struggles to take breaks, you could be doing more damage than good. A sedentary work lifestyle can cause persistent and chronic neck pain, back pain, and hip joint pain.
Combat the damage by installing a web-based extension that reminds you to take a break every 30–40 minutes.
Here are some great Chrome-friendly options to help you get started:
Stretch, walk up and down the stairs, and try exercises for neck pain.
Consider Consulting a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
While you may be taking the required measures to ensure optimal neck health, it’s very likely that you’re still experiencing neck pain.
Consulting a board-certified neurosurgeon can help you determine the underlying cause of your condition. This will lead to a treatment plan that can facilitate rapid recovery.
In some cases, patients risk developing or you may have already developed a degenerative neck condition. With a timely diagnosis, we can help rule out early concerns and treat the issue sooner rather than later.
As a leading neck and back pain clinic Houston, we offer a wide range of noninvasive, minimally invasive, and surgical treatment options for neck and shoulder pain.
Find out more about our Neck Pain Center to schedule an appointment with our spine specialists Houston.
Call 832-522-8500 to talk about your severe neck pain and start on the road to relief.