Docs in demand as WFH turns pain in the neck
Bhubaneswar: Work from home (WFH) has literally become a pain for many, as lying down or sitting on a couch or bed for long hours is now accompanied by stiff neck, backache and creaky joints. Weight gain thanks to stress eating and muscle weakness caused by lack of activity have compounded WFH woes.
A 37-year-old software developer from Baramunda recently contacted an orthopaedic surgeon of a private hospital after suffering severe neck pain. “The pain began two months ago when I started working for long hours at home. I was somehow managing with tablets prescribed by my doctor friend, but I had to contact a specialist after the pain increased,” said the man.
Doctors acknowledged getting more and more people with WFH-induced posture and pain problems. Nirmal Chandra Mohapatra, head of the department of orthopaedics at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, said sitting for hours would definitely lead to back pain and neck pain. “Such people even face the risk of sciatica, weight gain and muscle weakness. People who are in WFH mode must take a five-minute break every 20 minutes and walk around. They can do back exercises and practise yoga. They can also stand in the sun for some vitamin D,” he added.
Sarthak Patnaik, senior consultant in the department of arthroscopy and sports medicine, SUM Ultimate Medicare, said bad posture placed stress on muscle, bone, spine and affected blood circulation. “We used to receive patients with neck pain, backache and joint pain, but the number has increased after Covid. Apart from this, people are complaining of pain in the wrist and elbow joints. Due to lack of movement, the fluid in these joints stiffens and causes pain,” he added.
While some professionals have work-like set-up in their homes, with proper furniture, those who were thrown into WFH suddenly are making do with couches and beds.
“People should keep their computers at a place that is parallel to their head. Sit straight instead of bending down while working. Walk for a few minutes in the middle of the work and make some movement of the arms,” he added.
Shakti Prasad Das, orthopaedic surgeon and director of SVNIRTAR, stressed on proper standing and sitting postures while working from home. “To get relief from joint pains, neck pain and backache, people have to exercise and get some sunlight,” he added.