WORKING FROM HOME

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THE PROBLEM WITH SCREEN TIME

Around 30% of patients I treat have a complaint that is caused by prolonged sitting, commonly in front of a screen. This is mostly neck and back pain caused by things like; getting stuck at the desk too long, long commutes, long-haul flights, binge watching Netflix on the lounge, or looking at the iPad in bed.

This is a relatively new activity for humans and we're just not used to it. From an evolutionary point of view, we're just not adapted to sitting still all day. We've had 100,000 generations of hunting and gathering, moving around, doing different things all day. We've had 50 generations of agriculture, and only 10 generations of industry, where we're expected to sit and do the same repetitive task for prolonged periods of time. We're just not used to staying still from 9-5. Our bodies have evolved to move and be used. Staying still makes us sore.

NOW, WORSE THAN EVER

COVID-19 has caused a unique moment in time, with unprecedented social and workplace disruption. Never before have so many people been required to work from home. People are working at the dining table or kitchen bench. People are on their laptops on the lounge or in bed. The home set-up isn't ideal.

Also, some of the usual workplace activities that might get you away from the screen, like getting into the boardroom for a meeting, are now happening online too, so there are less reasons to get up and move away from what you're doing.

My workload has decreased with people self-isolating, but every new patient I've had in the last two weeks has been someone with neck pain or back pain caused by working from home.

THE SOLUTION

So remember, if you're getting a sore neck, or a pain next to your shoulder blade, get up and more around more. It's time to take a break.

If you're getting a sore back, or an ache into the top of your buttock, get up and move around more. It's time to take a break.

It should be very simple. Motion is lotion. Rest is rust.

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I CAN HELP

If you need help, come in for an assessment and treatment. Physiotherapy is deemed an essential service, and we are still open. Phone 99696925, or book online HERE.

Alternatively, if you're self-isolating, or practising social-distancing due to COVID-19, you can book a video consultation HERE.

​Stay safe and well.