Neck and/or Shoulder Pain

Neck Tension Syndrome (Pain in neck and shoulder)

Other clinical names: Trapezius myalgia, “Tech Neck�?, Postural related neck pain, cervical strain, Cervical Facet Joint Irritation.

What is it?

Neck pain most commonly as a result of muscular fatigue secondary to overuse.

Site/Area of pain

Pain at the base of the neck and between the shoulders and often radiated into the upper arm.

Type of pain/Symptoms

Aching discomfort at the base of neck and upper back.

Discomfort can be located to one side of neck and shoulder and/or upper arm

Headaches due to tension in neck muscles

Intermittent muscle spasms in neck muscles

Dull pain may refer to the upper limb, elbow, forearm and hands

Most Common Occupational Related Causes

Sitting unsupported and leaning forward in chair for prolonged periods

Monitor height not in line with seated eye level and/or to far to the side

Cradling handset with neck during long phone conversations can compress joint structures thereby causing muscle tension.

Insufficient back support from chair

Typing with your elbows and forearms unsupported can create neck muscle fatigue.

Repetitive head tilting while referring to documents

Conservative measures of treatment consist of;

Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxant medication to subdue muscle irritation and promote relaxation respectively.

Use of heat to relieve muscle tension

Neck stretches, deep tissue work, joint mobilisations provided by a professional

Postural strengthening program prescribed by a professional

Workplace assessment and review recommendations.

Ergonomic Suggestions;

Take regular breaks every 30-40 minutes and stretch neck muscles

Use a Monitor arm or monitor stand to promote optimal monitor height

In-line document stand to neutralise neck position and prevent unnecessary head tilting while referring to documents

Make sure the chair back is high enough to support the spine while seated and not push the shoulders forward.

Headset to promote neutral neck posture during phone use.

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Cervical Radiculopathy (Cervical Disc syndrome, Spinal Stenosis)

What is it?

Injury to the vertebrae or disks in the neck causing a pressure on the nerve roots exiting close to the spine.

Site/Area of pain

Discomfort on one side of the neck and back of the arm, sometimes radiating to the fingers.

Type of pain/Symptoms

Pain that radiates down into your arms from your neck

Pins and needles or numbness in forearm and particular fingers

Pain often exacerbated with certain positions of the neck

Weakness in your arm is a warning sign that the condition is serious.

Most Common Occupational Related Causes

Sitting unsupported and leaning forward in chair for prolonged periods

Unnecessary repetitive reaching

Insufficient back support from chair forcing neck and spine to slouch

Typing with your elbows and forearms unsupported can create neck muscle fatigue and nerve pressure.

Cradling handset with neck during long phone conversations can compress nerve structures.

Repetitive head tilting while referring to documents can reduce joint space for the nerve exiting the spine.

Conservative measures of treatment consist of;

Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants to subdue muscle irritation and promote relaxation respectively.

Time off work will be necessary to allow healing to occur.

Seek professional advice for neck stretches, deep tissue work, and joint mobilisations.

Postural strengthening program prescribed by a professional once symptoms settle.

Seek professional medical assistance if muscle weakness is evident.

Workplace assessment by a professional and review recommendations

Ergonomic Suggestions;

Take regular breaks every 30-40 minutes, avoid prolonged neck positions.

Use a monitor arm or monitor stand to promote optimal monitor height

In-line document stand to neutralise neck position and prevent unnecessary head tilting while referring to documents

Make sure the chair back is high enough to support the spine while seated and not push the shoulders forward.

Forearm support to maintain neutral wrist position and proper forearm support

Headset to promote neutral neck posture during phone use

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