The doctor named the causes of neck pain when working at a computer

Neck pain is a common occurrence for those who work at a computer or often use a smartphone. On March 15, Polina Lepilova, a neurologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about the causes of this condition and its prevention.

According to her, painful sensations in the neck area with regular use of gadgets are commonly referred to as "computer neck" syndrome. She explained that it implies the development of a complex of symptoms in humans that occur due to prolonged static tension of the neck and shoulder girdle muscles.

"Incorrect posture implies a prolonged position of the body with the head tilted forward. In a neutral position, the load on the cervical region is about 5-6 kg, and when the head is shifted forward by 15-60 degrees, it increases to about 27 kg. This, in turn, leads to overstrain of the trapezius and ladder muscles, as well as compression of the intervertebral discs and, as a result, to pain," she noted.

Computer neck syndrome can develop due to improper workplace organization. For example, this may be affected by a lack of hand support, an uncomfortable table or chair. Lack of physical activity, as well as diseases such as scoliosis or osteochondrosis, can also affect the development of the syndrome.

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Among the symptoms, the doctor identified aching or acute neck pain that worsens by the end of the day, limited movement when turning the head, pressing headaches that radiate to the back of the head and temples, as well as eye fatigue. In addition, a person may have a violation of posture in the form of a "hump" in the lower neck, Lepilova added.

"If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to consult with a neurologist, either a vertebrologist or an orthopedist to diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment. Without timely therapy, the pain can become chronic, in addition, the formation of protrusions and hernias in the cervical region is possible, as well as increased kyphosis — the appearance of a backward curvature of the spine," the specialist noted.

Lepilova advised taking a break for gymnastics every hour when working with electronic devices. So, she recommended performing head tilts to the sides, circular movements of the head and lowering the chin to the neck. 5-10 repetitions are required. It is also useful to practice Nordic walking to improve posture and strengthen neck muscles, the doctor noted.

In addition, to avoid eye fatigue when working on a computer or smartphone, it is useful to perform the following exercise: every 20 minutes you need to look up from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on an object located at a distance of about 6 m, the specialist concluded.

On February 21, Roxana Portnova, a general practitioner at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about the causes of the "widow's hump" on her neck. She noted that with osteoporosis, bone tissue can be depleted and, as a result, posture changes and the formation of body fat. Also, hormonal changes in women during menopause, in particular, the level of estrogen decreases, which can provoke the appearance of a "widow's hump," the expert added.