Neck and back pain at the desk: easing the tension of the new year

Going back to work in January often brings the same complaints: a stiff neck by the end of the day, shoulders creeping toward the ears, a lower back that pulls. Hours at a screen, a poorly adjusted chair and the cold are enough to set these tensions in.

Why the desk hurts

Sitting for long periods freezes the muscles in one position. The head moves forward, the shoulders round, and the neck muscles work continuously to hold it up. Stress adds another contraction, often unnoticed. In winter, the cold reinforces stiffness.

The first useful habits

• Put the top of the screen at eye level and the screen at arm's length.

• Stand up every 45 minutes, even for a minute.

• Consciously drop your shoulders several times a day.

• Keep the neck warm: a collar or a scarf makes a real difference.

• Alternate positions: standing, sitting, walking during calls.

What Chinese medicine offers

In TCM, pain appears when the flow of energy and blood slows in an area. Several approaches can be combined according to your case:

• Acupuncture to act on the pain and the nervous tension that maintains it.

• Cupping to relax the muscles of the upper back and neck and stimulate local circulation.

• Therapeutic massage and Tuina to release deep tension.

The assessment determines the most suitable combination: recent pain and pain that has lasted for months are not treated the same way.

When to consult

Discomfort lasting more than two weeks, returning every evening or accompanied by tingling in the arm deserves an opinion. Sudden pain with fever or marked numbness calls for a conventional medical consultation.

Book an appointment in Geneva

Our therapists see you in Geneva, at rue de Chantepoulet 9 and avenue Krieg 4. See our therapeutic massage services and our prices.