The pandemic of WFH injuries: Professionals experience back & neck pain due to long working hours, improper sitting
Many people have started seeking help from physiotherapists.
By PTI |
Getty Images
Keeping a hard pillow on the chair for back support and simple stretching exercises also help people who have a sedentary working style for long hours.
PUNE: With work from home becoming the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have started complaining of neck pain and backache while working for long hours and are seeking help from physiotherapists. Health experts say this is due to improper sitting postures and people need to follow good ergonomics and working habits at home.
Employees of several corporate firms and industrial bodies have been working from home for nearly six months now since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.
"Initially, work from home system brought cheers among employees. But, due to long working hours and improper sitting postures, many have started complaining of neck pain, backache and other issues," Dr Apurv Shimpi, head of the community physiotherapy department in Pune's Sancheti Hospital told .
He said the National Institute of Personnel Management's (NIPM) Pune Chapter, a body of HR professionals here in Maharashtra, approached the hospital to conduct physiotherapy sessions for their associate members.
"Over 700 people took part in the recent session where they were given tips on work from home ergonomics," he said.
"Our physiotherapists explained about the wrong postures and positions adopted by employees while working from home. We gave them tips like raising the height of laptop screen to eye-level, use of pillows, taking frequent breaks and doing exercises for relaxing the mind and eyes," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
NIPM Pune Chapter's Chairman Dr (Capt) C M Chitale said many professionals have been complaining of spinal cord- related issues.
When working from home, the table-chair arrangement should be such that the computer screen should be at the eye-level. "During the webinar, physiotherapists gave participants several ergonomic tips and explained the ideal work postures to avoid backache and other health-related issues," he said.
Narendra Patil, HR head of Pune-based Kalyani Maxion Wheels Pvt Ltd, said though their firm is into manufacturing, several employees are currently working from home and have been complaining of backache and neck pain.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We asked our employees to take part in the physiotherapy session organised by NIPM and it turned out to be beneficial for them," he said.
Anita Perla, senior manager (human resource) at KSH Distriparks here, said she attended a webinar on physiotherapy arranged by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Working from home is very different from working in an office. Infrastructure in the office is set up to support working conditions, but its not possible in a work from home set up. Hence, such sessions are important," she said.
Dr Sourabh Sane, a physiotherapist with city-based fitness startup HealYos, said they are teaching people how to set up a proper work station at home.
"We guide them on what should be the ideal height of the laptop and their work screen. The table-chair arrangement should be such that the computer screen should be at the eye- level," he said.
"Keeping a hard pillow on the chair for back support and simple stretching exercises also help people who have a sedentary working style for long hours," he added.
Tech Neck, Text Claw & Smartphone Pinky: How Gadget Addiction Is Causing Deformities
1/9
Technology has been a boon to us, but letting it hijack our lives can be quite challenging.
Excessive smartphone use, WiFi signal, and huge devices are causing more harm than good.
The advancement of technology and our addiction towards it, in turn, is leading to several changes in our bodies.
Technology has been a boon to us, but letting it hijack our lives can be quite challenging.Excessive smartphone use, WiFi signal, and huge devices are causing more harm than good.The advancement of t..
Read More
Excessive smartphone and gadget use is ruining your spine. A new research has found out that constantly bending your neck to scroll on your smart devices can put a lot of pressure on the nape. One in four people between the age of 18 and 30 are seeing spiky growths (lumps) as long as 3 cm on the muscles where head meets the neck. This growth occurs to support the neck.
How to fix it: Don't let your smartphone addiction affect your posture. Simple, daily exercises can relieve you from headaches, and neck and back pain. Avoid looking down, and always keep the devices at eye level.
Excessive smartphone and gadget use is ruining your spine. A new research has found out that constantly bending your neck to scroll on your smart devices can put a lot of pressure on the nape. One i..
Read More
With each passing day, the size of our smartphones is increasing. While one may not notice it easily, the phablets are causing a temporary deformity to the little finger. The bulky smartphones are leaving the pinky of your dominant hand noticeably more bent than the other. It could also be an underlying synonym to a condition called Dupuytren’s contracture, but it is always wise to get it checked.
How to fix it: Avoid holding your phones for long hours.
With each passing day, the size of our smartphones is increasing. While one may not notice it easily, the phablets are causing a temporary deformity to the little finger. The bulky smartphones are l..
Read More
The 'cell phone elbow', also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is a nerve compression syndrome that can cause tingling, numbness or pain in forearm and elbow. This could occur when you are talking over the be phone or using it non-stop.
A study by the University of Potsdam has also found out that a sedentary and lazy lifestyles is making our elbows shrink rapidly. Th prime reason for this is because we sit down too much and avoid every chance to walk.
How to fix it: Try using hands-free options or switch your hands frequently. Also, walk around.
The 'cell phone elbow', also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is a nerve compression syndrome that can cause tingling, numbness or pain in forearm and elbow. This could occur when you are talking o..
Read More
In a 2011 study, the researchers discovered that men who use laptop WiFi for over four hours might be risking their chance of being a father. It is said that the electromagnetic radiation affects the sperm count, mobility and affects DNA. Moreover, keeping gadgets in trouser pockets also hurts the reproductive system.
How to fix it: Get a table, and avoid keeping your devices on your lap when using them. Also, don't keep your smartphones in your trouser pockets.
In a 2011 study, the researchers discovered that men who use laptop WiFi for over four hours might be risking their chance of being a father. It is said that the electromagnetic radiation affects th..
Read More
Constant texting and tapping on the smartphone can hurt your thumb. It can aggravate thumb problems like thumb arthritis, and trigger thumb which causes pain every time the thumb bends. If you have injured the thumb tendons, there is a possibility of developing tendonitis that results in painful swelling with overuse of a touch screen.
How to fix it: Avoid excessive thumb usage. Try texting with your fingers once in a while.
Constant texting and tapping on the smartphone can hurt your thumb. It can aggravate thumb problems like thumb arthritis, and trigger thumb which causes pain every time the thumb bends. If you have ..
Read More
Do you experience cramps in your fingers even when not using a smartphone? This modern-day condition is called ‘text claw’ where the smartphone user experiences sudden pain and stiffness after using the smartphone. The pain can spread through the wrist and hand after engaging in fine motor activities like browsing, typing, sewing, beading, weaving, etc.
How to fix it: Easy exercises can help. Try stretching and massage your hands/wrists. Avoid excessive smartphone usage. Try hands-free options whenever possible.
Do you experience cramps in your fingers even when not using a smartphone? This modern-day condition is called ‘text claw’ where the smartphone user experiences sudden pain and stiffness after using..
Read More
Constantly being hooked to your devices can lead to serious eye problems. More exposure to the blue light emitted from your smartphone can make your eyes tired, and lead to pain. Furthermore, it could hurt your vision, harm cornea, cause poor quality tear, and dry eyes.
How to fix it: It is better to limit blue light, and use soft tint. Use doctor-recommended eye drops.
Constantly being hooked to your devices can lead to serious eye problems. More exposure to the blue light emitted from your smartphone can make your eyes tired, and lead to pain. Furthermore, it coul..
Read More
Prolonged earphone use or playing music on high volume can damage the hearing ability. If not given enough time to recover, it can lead to serious problems and can leave hearing damaged permanently.
How to fix it: Avoid excessive use of earphones, or listening to music on high volume. Try hand-free options when using gadgets.
Prolonged earphone use or playing music on high volume can damage the hearing ability. If not given enough time to recover, it can lead to serious problems and can leave hearing damaged permanently...
Business News › Magazines › Panache › The pandemic of WFH injuries: Professionals experience back & neck pain due to long working hours, improper sittingText Size:AAA
