Home / Blog / Scapular Winging: The Hidden Cause of Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain in Desk Workers

Scapular Winging: The Hidden Cause of Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain in Desk Workers
Shot of tired businesswoman stretching body for relaxing while working with computer in the office.

Introduction

In today’s technology-driven world, desk work has become an integral part of our daily routine. However, the sedentary nature of these jobs often leads to neck and shoulder pain, which can significantly impact our well-being. From a chiropractor’s viewpoint, understanding the causes, effects, and potential solutions for these issues is crucial to ensure long-term musculoskeletal health.

 

The impact of desk work on your neck & shoulders

  • Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting at a desk can encourage poor posture habits, such as slouching and forward head positioning, which places excessive stress on the neck and shoulders.
  • Repetitive Movements: Typing, using a mouse, and staring at a screen for extended periods can lead to repetitive strain injuries in the neck and shoulder muscles.
  • Stress and Tension: The mental stress associated with desk work can manifest physically, causing tension and tightness in the neck and shoulder areas.
  • Lack of Movement: Desk work often involves prolonged periods of inactivity, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of muscle stiffness and discomfort.

 

Our approach to neck & shoulder pain

Chiropractors play a vital role in addressing and preventing neck and shoulder pain related to desk work.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments can realign the spine, relieving tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, and improving overall musculoskeletal function.
  • Postural Education: Chiropractors can educate patients on maintaining proper posture at the desk, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort.
  • Ergonomic Assessment: Chiropractors can provide guidance on optimizing workspace ergonomics to minimize stress on the neck and shoulders.
  • Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored exercises can strengthen and stretch the affected muscles, enhancing posture and reducing the risk of pain.
  • Pain Management: Chiropractors can offer non-invasive, drug-free pain management strategies, which may include massage and hot/cold therapy.

 

Prevention & self-care

To prevent neck and shoulder pain from desk work, consider the following self-care practices:

  • Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks to stand, stretch, and move around throughout the workday.
  • Ergonomic Setup: Adjust your workspace to support a natural posture, including the positioning of your chair, desk, and computer.
  • Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness to alleviate mental and physical tension.

 

Book your chiropractor appointment today

Neck and shoulder pain related to desk work is a prevalent issue in today’s society. Our Paddington Chiropractors can provide valuable solutions to alleviate and prevent this discomfort by addressing the root causes. By incorporating chiropractic care, ergonomic adjustments, and self-care practices, you can experience significant relief and maintain your well-being while thriving in the modern workplace.

Book your appointment now and take control of your body.

Dr. Michael O'Doherty

Hi, I’m Michael; Chiropractor, Dad, science enthusiast, active weightlifter and keen sportsman. I work with busy and active people who are struggling with pain to find relief from their symptoms so that they can return to an active lifestyle, get through their work day and their workouts without having to pop a pill so that they can feel happier and healthier in their body.

Related chiropractor articles

desk worker with backpain

Chiropractic Care for Tech Neck & Back Pain: Relief for Desk Workers

Struggling with pain from long hours at your desk? Chiropractic care offers targeted relief to help office workers feel better and move freely again.
Beautiful young pregnant woman enjoying and relaxing during special massage treatment for maintaining healthy pregnancy.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care: What You Need to Know

Wondering if prenatal chiropractic care is right for you? Get essential facts about its benefits, safety, and how it supports a healthy pregnancy.
A chiropractic trainer stretches athlete for conditioning

How chiropractic care helps athletes perform better

Chiropractic care helps athletes boost performance, improve flexibility, prevent injuries, and recover faster—making it a key part of many training routines.