In today’s digital age, where office work has become the norm for many, the role ergonomics plays in staying healthy cannot be overstated. Poor ergonomics can lead to various health issues, including nerve pain, which can be both debilitating and chronic. 

Read on as we explore the relationship between ergonomics and arm pain, explain what nerve pain feels like, discuss the connection between poor ergonomics and nerve pain, and detail preventive measures for office workers. We also explain how one secret weapon can play a pivotal role in both relieving arm pain and setting up ergonomic workspaces.

What Does Nerve Pain Feel Like?

Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is a sensation that can vary in intensity and quality. If you are experiencing sharp, shooting, burning, or electric shock-like sensations down your arm, you may have nerve pain. The area may also be sensitive to even light touches, making everyday activities painful.

This particular pain often sparks along the line of a nerve and can spread to different areas of the body, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact area that is injured. 

What is Radicular Pain?

Radicular pain is a specific type of nerve pain that results when a spinal nerve root is irritated or compressed. It is typically felt in the area of the body where the affected nerve is located. For example, if a nerve root in the neck is compressed, it can lead to radicular pain down the arm, often referred to as cervical radiculopathy. Radicular pain can also occur in the lower back, resulting in symptoms such as sciatica, which is characterized by pain radiating down the leg.

Radicular pain often follows a dermatomal pattern, meaning it affects a specific region of the body that is supplied by a single spinal nerve. The pain can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. To relieve the pain, it’s necessary to address the underlying cause of the radicular pain, which may include conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.

Can Poor Ergonomics Cause Nerve Pain?

In a word, yes. Poor ergonomics can cause nerve pain, including radicular pain. Repetitive activities that are done for long periods of time, particularly if they are performed in an ergonomically incorrect manner, can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances, nerve compression, and other issues that increase the risk of nerve pain. Some ways in which poor ergonomics can cause or worsen nerve pain include:

• Improper Posture: Slouching or hunching over a computer for extended periods can place pressure on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, potentially leading to radicular pain in the arms.
• Inadequate Workspace Setup: An improperly set up workstation with poorly adjusted chairs, desks, and monitors can result in awkward body positions, causing nerve compression and discomfort.
• Repetitive Movements: Performing repetitive tasks without proper ergonomic support can strain muscles and compress nerves over time, increasing the risk of nerve pain.
• Static Positions: Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods can restrict blood flow and irritate nerves, contributing to discomfort.
  
  

What Can Office Workers Do to Prevent Nerve Pain?

Preventing nerve pain in an office setting requires a proactive approach to ergonomics and workspace setup. Here are some helpful tips for office workers to prevent nerve pain:

• Ergonomic Workspace: Invest in ergonomic furniture and accessories, including adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and keyboard trays. Be sure that your workspace is set up to encourage proper posture.
• Monitor Placement: Position your computer monitor at eye level, about twenty inches away from your eyes, to reduce strain on your neck and upper back.
• Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks to stretch and move around. Sitting or standing for long periods of time can lead to muscle stiffness and nerve compression.
• Proper Keyboard and Mouse Placement: Maintain a neutral wrist position when typing or using a mouse. Use wrist supports to decrease strain.
• Correct Posture: Sit back in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your back well-supported by the back of the chair.
• Exercise and Stretching: Add regular stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily routine to maintain flexibility and muscle balance.
  
  

How Does Chiropractic Care Help with Ergonomics and Arm Pain?

Chiropractic care can be an effective approach to both relieving arm pain and optimizing ergonomic workspaces. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal issues, including those related to poor ergonomics. Here’s how chiropractic care can help:

• Pain Relief: Chiropractors use manual adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine and joints, reducing nerve compression and easing pain. This can be especially helpful for individuals with radicular pain.
• Correction of Posture: Chiropractors can provide assistance on proper posture and body mechanics, helping patients improve their ergonomics at work and home.
• Ergonomic Recommendations: Chiropractors can make recommendations for ergonomic changes to your workspace, such as chair and desk adjustments, to promote better alignment and reduce the risk of nerve pain.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors develop individualized treatment plans that may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and exercises to address the root causes of nerve pain.
• Preventive Care: Chiropractors emphasize preventive care, helping patients maintain the best possible musculoskeletal health and reducing the risk of future nerve pain.
  
  

Nerve Pain and Proper Ergonomics

Understanding nerve pain, particularly radicular pain, and its connection to poor ergonomics is important for office workers seeking to maintain their well-being in the digital age. By prioritizing ergonomic workspace setup, regular breaks, and proper posture, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing nerve pain. 

Additionally, chiropractic care offers a valuable resource for both easing any current arm pain and creating ergonomic conditions that will help with long-term musculoskeletal health. By combining these approaches, individuals can enjoy a pain-free and productive work environment.

To start your pain-free journey, schedule a chiropractic appointment online or call us today.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.