The Low Back and Neck Pain Pandemic

First off, It's been awhile since my last blog post. Almost 5 months to be exact. I apologize and am committed to getting back on track with my monthly blogs. I really have no excuse other than some mild disruption in my everyday life that occurred beginning in March. Like most of you, the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant shift in my work and home life for upwards of 3 months and is continuing today. 

One of the main things I have noticed in my personal stay-at home experience is that I have been spending abnormally long durations of time on my computer and phone. This certainly was the case early on as I attempted to move my practice to telehealth and digital service offerings. This required a commitment to computer time that I knew would have a negative effect on my body, specifically on my spine and shoulders. Like most of you who were required to shift your work to the digital world, I began experiencing increased aches and pains through my low back and neck/shoulders and even at times began experiencing headaches, something I don't have a history of. This was obviously concerning to me, and as a physical therapist concerning for my patients and the general public.

Now as things have started to open up, and I am able to start seeing people again in the clinic, I am seeing a rapidly rising trend of low back pain and neck pain patients. Talking with many of these patients, the theme remains the same... "I began experiencing more back and neck pain as I have been working longer hours at home, in poor postural positions, with my laptop and phone, etc.." 
I have no idea why??? Does this look familiar?? 

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