Forty-four per cent of people from Connacht working from home due to Covid-19 restrictions are experiencing back or neck pains, or both - according to new research by a leading chiropractic clinic group.
The Chiropractix Your Spine Matters study found that of the 47 per cent of people working from home all or some of the time, 57 per cent use ordinary home furniture while 18% use a mix of home and office furniture. 22 per cent have personally provided office furniture while four per cent have had office furniture organised by their employer.
The research also found that 41 per cent of people working from home in Connacht would value exercises for reducing back or neck pains. 38 per cent would value regular chiropractic or physiotherapy sessions to manage back/neck pain while 21 per cent would value advice on the correct posture while working.
Paul Bradley, Clinical Director, Chiropractix, said: "We’ve seen a significant increase in patients experiencing back or neck pain as a result of working from home.
"It is so important to use an ergonomically designed chair and ensure that your computer screen is at the appropriate height. Taking regular breaks away from the desk to stretch is also vital. Don’t let the situation fester – talk to your employer about getting proper office furniture, a supportive chair at a minimum – or make an appointment with your chiropractor.
"25 per cent of people surveyed are, or have a family member, working from home most or all the time with a further 14 per cent working from home sometimes.
"The International Association for the Study of Pain has designated 2021 the Global Year About Back Pain. The organisation aims to help clinicians, scientists, those living with pain, and the public understand the nature of back pain and available treatments.
"Chiropractic care is the gentle manipulation of joints to help the spine and nervous system function at their optimum. Chiropractors registered with the regulating body the Chiropractic Association of Ireland, hold a minimum of a four-year full-time degree from an accredited university and undergo continuous professional development."
