So your neck hurts at work, does it? Well…join the tens or even hundreds of thousands of others with the same issue. Why is this? What is it about work that causes a person’s neck to hurt?

Inherently nothing, but by repeating the same action over and over, day after day can lead to problems. But I only sit at a desk and work at a computer? Yes, BUT…sitting is not nothing. Right now as you are reading this you have roughly 15 pounds per square inch pressing down on you. Now extrapolate that out for 8 hrs/day, 5 days/wk. Get the picture yet? Sitting is not nothing. Now, lets reach those arms out and rest them on your desk, let those shoulder slouch, and head poke forward. Hold that position, how long until you start to feel some strain?

Can you now start to see where this strain will build up and eventually lead to something feeling sore? Our bodies are meant to move; sitting hours on end does nothing good for our bodies. But wait, it gets better. After we sit all day/week, we attempt to do all kinds of physical activity in the evening or on the weekend that our bodies just are not accustomed to doing. This also leads to greater strain and possible injury.

What TO DO???

How about setting up your desk more optimally. Monitor straight in front, feet flat on floor, arms supported by chair, back fully supported, and not reaching out for keyboard or mouse. Next, get up and MOVE at least once per hour. You do not have to be up for 10 minutes, just 2 will do. Changing posture regularly can help reduce the build of strain on your neck and shoulders. Or how about doing some neck exercises to undo some of the strain you put on your neck sitting at work all day. Just what exercise you may ask? Well, how about some neck retractions or upper back stretching. These are 2 simple things you can do right from your desk to help ease the pain away.

If none of those suggestions are not helping (and it has been lingering more than 4 weeks), then it is probably time to get things looked at by a professional muscle and joint expert. Data suggests our bodies can heal itself in many instances, but if it lasts longer than 4 weeks help is often necessary to avoid developing chronic pain. If you are not ready for that step then try some of the tips found HERE, they just might help you.