Office syndrome is a common disease among working-age people due to body imbalance and working in an unsuitable environment. Whether it is sitting and working all the time without any physical movement, these factors all contribute to muscle inflammation and aches in various parts of the body such as the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or wrists.
This kind of symptom … is called “Office Syndrome”
Common symptoms of office syndrome include pain related to the musculoskeletal system. Some cases have severe symptoms that interfere with daily life or cause movement disabilities. These symptoms can be treated with physical therapy to help patients recover and return to normal daily activities.
Neck, Shoulder, and Upper Back Pain
Because of sitting and working for long hours without stretching, these individuals often experience stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and scapula area. The pain can be so severe that it restricts neck movement such as turning, bending, or looking up. Therefore, if these symptoms occur, muscle relaxation massage therapy is recommended.
- Inability to Raise the Arm
This is a chronic symptom caused by muscle stiffness from the neck, shoulders, and upper back radiating down the arm, making it difficult to raise the arm due to adhesions around the scapula and shoulder head. Treatment requires manual therapy combined with electrical devices to soften the hardened adhesions and relieve pain.
Numb hands, tendonitis, and trigger finger are inflammatory conditions of the finger tendons caused by prolonged computer use and holding the mouse in the same position for a long time. This results in nerve and muscle tendon compression and inflammation, causing adhesions around the wrist and finger tendons, leading to pain, numbness, and trigger finger. Chronic back pain can result from slouching while sitting in front of a computer for long periods or standing in high heels for extended times. These postures cause constant muscle tension in the neck, scapula, and calves, which may lead to chronic radiating back pain.
- Leg Pain and Tightness
This occurs from prolonged sitting, walking, or standing, causing muscle and tendon tightness throughout the legs. Some cases experience radiating pain to the knees and ankles. If left untreated, it may cause radiating pain and numbness down to the feet and toes.
- How Physical Therapy Can Help
Treatment approaches for office syndrome depend on the symptoms and severity, ranging from medication to physical therapy. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain caused by muscle and tendon inflammation through various methods such as manual mobilization/massage, trigger point pressure, and the use of physical therapy devices like shockwave therapy, electromagnetic wave therapy (shotwave diathermy), ultrasound, low-level laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy. Some cases require cervical or lumbar traction combined with muscle exercises. The choice of treatment depends on suitability and diagnosis by a physical therapist.
Self-Care After Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
After rehabilitation and treatment have improved symptoms, it is important to understand how to maintain and prevent recurrence. Physical therapists provide knowledge and recommendations for patients to practice self-care to prevent recurring pain. The treatments mentioned are only symptomatic relief. The best prevention method for office syndrome involves behavioral changes, muscle flexibility and strengthening exercises, and proper posture adjustment during work.
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Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, 16th Floor
Open daily from 08:00 – 19:00
Phyathai Call Center 1772 or
Tel. 0-2467-1111 ext. 1603 and 1602
