by Kelly Dekker

Created on: August 15, 2008   Last Updated: August 28, 2008

People with physically demanding jobs often think that working in an office is a pampered life, but sitting in that chair all day, pecking away at the computer creates its own health problems.

Rock hard shoulders and necks with tension comparable to a whiplash injury are common among office employees. The result is moderate to severe headaches, limited range of motion, sleeplessness, dull aching, and pain that radiates through the shoulder blades and down the arms.

"If you can't fix my headache then I'm going to the doctor. I think I have a brain tumor," said my client, who works in the lab at a local clinic.

"You know," I said, half joking, "I'm a massage therapist, not a doctor. If you think you have a brain tumor you shouldn't be here."

"I know," she laughed. "But will you check and see what you can find."

It only took a moment to find the culprit. The knots at the base of her skull were the size of quarters. I could help, but this was going to require more than one massage and some self-care. She is one of many office employees I treat and, unfortunately, her symptoms are not uncommon.

Low back pain and sciatica, the name given to a set of symptoms that describes pain that radiates from the low back through the legs due to the impingement of the sciatic nerve, are two other common complaints of office staff. Bad posture is often the source. Leaning on one leg, either standing or sitting, forces muscles to stabilize a position that is unnatural to the body, which in turn creates muscle tension. If the tension becomes severe nerve impingement will follow.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another condition resulting from the compression of a nerve. Jobs that require repetitive motion are often to blame, typing included. The result is numbness, pain, weakness, and burning in the hand, wrist, and arm.

Less common, but still a possibility for anyone required to do a great deal of sitting are blood clots.

What can be done to offset the unexpected perils of office work? Get moving.

Exercise, that word nobody can escape when looking for long term solutions, is a must. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It's cheap and easily accessible. Take ten minutes out of your lunch break to walk, and don't forget to use the stairs whenever possible.

Stretching is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the health of your muscles. Take a moment, lean back in your chair and tilt you head back. You may have forgotten your neck could move in this direction. Keep going. Now

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