Problems caused by desk jobs and driving
Shoulders, Neck & Back Pain
Slouching at our desk encourages our shoulders to become rounded. This can result in poor alignment of the shoulder muscles (‘rotator cuff’) encouraging areas of poor blood supply and ‘acid in the tissues’ causing aches and burning pains.
Neck pain is often caused by a forward-chin posture as we then tend to hinge or look up at our computer screen or environment. This can irritate joints in the neck and possibly cause arm pain and even tingling. Sustained positions at work can cause bad posture that may cause strains to the joints and discs in the low back.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or Tenosynovitis
Overuse of the keyboard and mouse causes our tendons (extensions of our muscles which attach to bone) and the sheath which encases them to become inflamed. This may make the gliding movement of the tendon in its sheath difficult as we type. As a sufferer you may experience aching, tenderness and mild swelling of the elbow, wrist, hand or thumb.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel usually has more than one cause. In individuals based at a computer persistent use of their forearm muscles can inflame the tendons at the wrist. As there is limited space in the tunnel of the wrist the swollen tendons increase the pressure on the nerve and causes pain and tingling in the hand. By improving movement in the joints of the wrist and enabling better drainage these symptoms can be minimised.
Headaches
Existing restrictions or strains in the joints of the neck will encourage muscles to be tight. These can generate headaches typically at the base of the skull, top of the head and around the eyebrow area. Furthermore a forward-chin posture at your desk can cause the muscles behind the neck to work harder to hold your head up. This is treated with manipulation of the problematic muscles and joints to improve movement and therefore comfort.