What is Office Syndrome?
The term "Office Syndrome" is not a real medical term. It is a group of ailments that might occur due to spending a lot of time in front of a computer. Office Syndrome develops because we do not sit with good posture.
If you live in a large city and work in an office setting, you are likely to experience Office Syndrome, even if you're unaware of it.
Office Syndrome is a term used to describe a group of symptoms brought on by poor posture when sitting. The typical office worker toils away in front of computer displays for hours while seated in the same position.
Causes of Office Syndrome
Office Syndrome causes can be broken down into four categories: prolonged sitting, bad posture, right-click repetition and muscle strain.
The repetitive usage of specific muscles while working causes office Syndrome. One of the leading causes of Office Syndrome is an unsuitable work environment and an improper sitting posture.
An awkward seating position is caused by the table's height and the placement of the keyboard and computer. Besides that, the following are said to be some of the main causes of office Syndrome.
Sitting with legs crossed
According to numerous studies, crossing your legs when you're sitting can result in scoliosis and other spinal disorders. A study found that sitting cross-legged results in a bent and uneven posture, especially in people with lower back discomfort.
Slouching forward
One of the main exercises suggested to help keep the head straight above the spine is the chin tuck. Avoid slouching forward very often over the computer as it may lead to issues causing office Syndrome.
Sitting on the seat edge
You should preferably sit as far back in your chair as you can so that your back is directly on the chair's back, offering some sort of lumbar and neck support. Avoid leaning too far back in your chair.
Sitting with arms folded
Some report that they cross their arms out of habit or just because it is cosy. Sitting with arms folded does not necessarily cause pain and soreness, but doing it persistently may cause arm and neck pain.
Carrying bag on one shoulder
If you carry your backpack over just one shoulder, you could find yourself swaying to one side to balance the increased weight. You could experience pain on your shoulders and neck and lower and upper back pain.
Risk factors for Office Syndrome
People who perform strenuous physical exercise can be prone to office Syndrome. The following are some of the risk factors of office Syndrome.
Overstress
Long periods of sitting and bad sitting posture raise your level of stress. Risks also exist for those who work for longer hours.
High BP
When you're under stress due to office work, your body releases many hormones, accelerating your heartbeat and constricting blood arteries. These hormones briefly raise blood pressure.
Persistent headaches
Long durations of desk work can strain your neck and back, which can lead to increased pressure within your head. Permanent headaches are the eventual outcome of longer work hours. Additionally, your risk of headaches will increase if you have poor posture or work long hours.
Severe back pain
Sitting in a static posture puts more strain on the back, shoulders, arms, and legs. It can also set a lot of pressure on the back muscles and spinal discs.
Body fatigue
The primary signs of body fatigue include a general sense of exhaustion, tiredness, or drowsiness. Stress-related fatigue is frequently accompanied by additional symptoms, such as muscle aches or a sense of muscle weakness.
Symptoms of Office Syndrome
Office Syndrome, which emerges as discomfort and soreness in the muscles, joints, ligaments, or nerves, is a symptom brought on by spending extended periods of time in one posture. Additionally, it has a harmful impact on your body's digestive and circulatory system.
The following are some symptoms of office Syndrome.
Headache
Headaches and soreness are the main signs of office Syndrome. Sometimes, headaches can be due to bad habits, poor working posture, and misusing specific muscles.
Neck ache
Neck aches are caused due to pressure on the lower back discs. Sitting with your back straight forces your neck muscles to work harder to keep your head up. So, if you spend hours sitting upright, you risk developing neck and back pain.
Dizziness
Switching between several monitors while working and using your eyes causes dizziness. Frequently switching between screens on a laptop, phone, or tablet alleviates eye power and causes dizziness.
Wrist numbness
In the office, repetitive wrist and hand use are linked to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a prevalent cause of the discomfort, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and hand region.
Backaches
Lower back pain can arise from physical inactivity, poor posture, or an unsuitable workstation.
How to avoid office Syndrome?
Office Syndrome can be avoided by adhering to these suggestions:
Practice proper posture
- Keep your feet flat and place them on the floor
- Do not cross your ankles or knees.
- Keep a slight distance between your knees and the chair
Exercise
Office Syndrome-stricken people should follow the below exercises for quick recovery.
- Upper Back Stretch
- Spinal Twist
- Neck Stretch
- Shoulder Shrug
- Hamstring Stretch
- Seated Hip Stretch
- Chest Stretch
Desk ergonomics
Select a chair that suits you and align your sitting posture according to your comfort. Adjust the arm so that your shoulders are relaxed and your arms are comfortably resting without any discomfort.
Regular break
Regular breaks can help lower workplace stress, and it's easier to get things done when you're not stressed out. Therefore, take breaks to control your pressure and increase your productivity level.
What are the treatments available for Office Syndrome?
Office Syndrome can be treated and cured only with the patient's full cooperation. This entails changing one's way of life at work and home. Office Syndrome can be treated in several ways, including:
Peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) or transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS), also known as peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS), is a non-invasive technique that involves applying a quickly pulsing, intense magnetic field to a painful location. This strengthens the damaged muscle while easing pain and muscular spasms.
Physical therapy (PT) and exercises
Physical therapy (PT) and exercises hasten the treatment phase and recovery process and ensure that recurrence won't be a problem.
When to consult a doctor?
Consult your family physician if your back discomfort lasts longer than two weeks and prevents you from engaging in everyday activities. You need to see a doctor sooner if your pain is severe.
Conclusion
Office workers or anyone who frequently work in desk-and-chair environments are susceptible to Office Syndrome. This happens gradually and aggravates badly in the future.
Muscle stiffness or soreness, lack of flexibility, and cumulative trauma disorders are some of the additional symptoms of office Syndrome.
FAQ's
What is office Syndrome?
What are some of the common symptoms of office Syndrome?
1. Headache
2. Soreness
3. Neck ache
4. Dizziness
5. Chronic muscle pain
6. Numbness in wrists or feet
7. Backache
8. Aching and tightness
How to avoid getting affected by Office Syndrome?
1. Adjusting your sitting position regularly
2. Regular exercise
3. Stretching often
