Computer Use a Major Cause of Neck Pain

Neck pain caused by computer use is an increasing condition. Prolonged flexed posture while sitting at a computer can cause upper cervical, lower neck and upper back pain. Headaches and arm or hand pain are symptoms associated with poor posture and computer use. Many people assume the cause of their neck pain is stress or poor sleeping which may contribute to the condition but most likely are not the cause of discomfort. When seated in front of a computer, the normal curve of the lumber spine (low back) is reduced which causes the head to jut forward. The arms are flexed forward and turned inward to type. The upper back begins to hunch due to the increased pressure and the neck muscles become fatigued and may start to spasm. As the neck also starts to lose its natural curve (lordosis) the joints become irritated which causes a sharp local pain.

Often the body will compensate by activating the muscles opposite of the irritated joint and this may contribute to an irritation of the nerve. Nerve disruption can cause pain down the arm, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. Many people choose to treat the symptoms instead of removing or reducing the cause. Pain killers, massage and various therapies will reduce the pain but this leaves the structures prone to injury and degeneration. Over time, the constant stress on these joints will lead to arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease and degenerative disk disease. Muscle weakness and nerve disorders will affect performance and pain will increase. Frequent stretching of the pectoral muscles during prolonged computer use is important.

The pect muscles cause the arms to flex forward and internally rotate. Over time these muscles become shortened and this leads to the rolled shoulder appearance. As a result the muscles in the upper back become worn down and irritated. To stretch the pect muscles simply act as if you are hitchhiking by pulling your arms back with thumbs pointed up and back. When stretching a muscles always do the opposite action of what the muscle does when it shortens. In this case the pect muscles internally rotate and flex the arm, so you should externally rotate and extend the arm backwards.