In a study conducted by Cook, Burgess-Limerick & Chang (2000) they found the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders including neck and shoulder pain in computer users to be up to 79%. I would imagine now with the ever increasing dependence on the use of laptops and other mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones, that this this statistic would be even higher if this study was to be repeated today.
No matter which way you look at it these numbers are frightening. Given that a large majority of us are using computers or other mobile devices in our daily work that is a whole lot of people suffering from unnecessary pain. Are you one of those 79% of computer users with musculoskeletal pain?
What is even more frightening to me as an occupational therapist is the acceptance of these musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders as a normal part of work. Pain at work is not normal nor should it be acceptable! Pain has a way of not just affecting you at work but it creeps into other areas of your life too. Something has to give!
In my experience I have found working with sufferers of musculoskeletal pain, that we are often our own worst enemies. What makes it worse is that we know and acknowledge this, yet do little to change the unhealthy patterns of behaviour. Changing your experience of pain at work doesn’t have to be complicated. An understanding that quick fixes are just a band solution for your pain and they will not bring lasting change or improvement is essential, as is a true commitment to change – whatever it takes.
Being stuck in the pain cycle is frustrating. It seems like it will never end. You pay for treatment which at the time is effective, but short lived. Or you rely on taking medications to get you through each day. Your productivity levels are out the window and your stress levels are sky high because you are not achieving all you desire at work and in life.
The underlying cause of pain at work is rarely one dimensional and therefore the solution requires a multi-faceted approach. To change your experience of pain at work requires the address of a number of key areas and the implementation of a number of strategies that cannot work in isolation. There is no magic potion and unfortunately I have no magic wand! Changing your pain experience requires more than a piece of equipment, or getting a standing workstation. I can teach you the skills though. You need to address unhealthy work behaviours, habitual postures, workstation set-up and active approaches to your work health.
Are you ready to change the way you work?
Here’s to your work health wellness.
Cheers, Cath
P.S. Have you got your copy of the Change Your Pain Report yet? No? Take the first step to changing your experience of pain at work and get FREE INSTANT ACCESS by clicking here.
P.P.S. If you want to be part of the 21% of computer users who don’t suffer with musculoskeletal pain, you know that you need to talk to me. Click here to arrange your FREE consult!
Cook, C., Burgess-Limerick, R., & Chang, S. (2000). The prevalence of neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms in computer mouse users. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 26, 347-356.
Thanks for another insightful post Cath. I’m one of those people who would just keep working through the pain and discomfort until my Saturday’s became days when I just could not function. I love the way you explain that changing our pain and discomfort while working is not a one stop solution – that its multifaceted.
Thank-you for your comments Jo. I think your experience is a common one, and one I am working hard on educating others on how to change.
Cath thank you for explaining that pain at work is not normal and providing insight into how it can affect your ability to work. Very insightful and i realize that we can form bad postures.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Joclyn. The acceptance of pain while working is all too common – hence these statistics. Understanding that the cause of work related musculoskeletal pain is rarely one dimensional is important, however the knowledge that the solution is a multifaceted one is even more important.