Answer:
Do you work in an office and often experience neck or shoulder pain? You’e not alone. According to statistics, office and computer workers are among the most at risk groups for developing these chronic conditions, leading to financial loss and even disability. Neck pain ranks 4th in the leading causes of disability worldwide.
With that said, here are the 7 most common reasons you’re suffering from neck or shoulder pain at work, and how to fix them.
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1. Looking Down Constantly at the Laptop Screen
Poor laptop posture
What most people do when using a laptop is to simply place it on their desk (or God forbid on their laps). This might be okay for a short while, but any time longer, and your neck and shoulders will start to feel it.
According to studies, even a 15° tilt of the neck to look down at the laptop screen doubles the amount of force exerted on our necks to hold up the head. If you place your laptop on your lap, that force can be 3 times as great compared to a straight neck.
Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, in his research found that, even though the human head only weighs 10 to 12 lbs on average, the weight drastically increases as the head tilts forward. At a 15° angle, the weight jumps to 27 lbs, 40 lbs at 30°, 49 lbs at 45°, and 60 lbs at 60°.
Hence, though the motion of looking down might seem harmless, doing it for long periods of time can lead to neck pain, upper back muscle spasms, and even damage the vertebrae.
Solution: Use a laptop stand to elevate the laptop screen to eye level.
Laptop stand ergonomics
The solution is simple,- use a laptop stand or even any old cardboard