Fresh graduates and job seekers alike dream of landing a sweet gig in a swanky office. Not only do they get to bask in a cool work environment with a great team, but they also get to decorate their own little piece of paradise – their workstation.
But let’s be real, most office jobs require sitting at a desk for around 8 hours a day, and while you’re hustling hard to get your work done, you’re probably not thinking about the toll it’s taking on your health. It’s easy to neglect the threat of office syndrome when you’re caught up in the daily grind. In this article, we will take you a little bit down on what really is office syndrome and a really good way to get rid of it, acupuncture.
What is office syndrome?
Office Syndrome, also known as “Computer Fatigue Syndrome” or “Occupational Overuse Syndrome”, is a condition that affects individuals who spend long hours sitting at a computer or desk without proper posture or regular breaks. This condition is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s modern workplace, where many jobs require employees to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Office syndrome symptoms
The symptoms of office syndrome can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can include;
- headaches
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- back pain
- numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
These symptoms are often caused by poor posture, repetitive strain injuries, and lack of movement, which can lead to muscle tension, joint stiffness, reduced blood flow to the affected areas and worsening your lower back.
According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health, office syndrome affects up to 60% of office workers, with the highest prevalence among those who spend more than six hours a day using a computer. The study also found that office syndrome is more common among women than men and that the risk of developing this condition increases with age.
Other studies have shown that prolonged sitting and poor posture can have negative effects on overall health, including an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. This is because sitting for long periods of time can lead to a decrease in metabolism and a reduction in the number of calories burned throughout the day.
To prevent and manage office syndrome, it is important to take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch and move the body, maintain proper posture while sitting, and ensure that the workstation is set up ergonomically. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity into the daily routine can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient alternative therapy that originated in China, the traditional Chinese medicine involves using needles to stimulate specific points on the body to promote overall health and wellness. It’s effective in treating a variety of ailments, including muscle pain, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Acupuncture has been increasingly recognised as a safe and effective therapy for treating various conditions, including office syndrome. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. It is believed that the needles stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers, and improve the function of the immune system.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including neck and shoulder pain, which are common symptoms of office syndrome. In a study published in the Journal of Public Health and Development, researchers investigated the effects of acupuncture on neck and shoulder pain in office workers. The study involved 40 participants with chronic neck and shoulder pain for at least three months,
each volunteer was acupunctured once a day in a 30-minute session for five consecutive days. The results showed that five acupuncture sessions for five consecutive days can reduce chronic neck and shoulder pain from a level of 5 to 1 on the VAS (Visual Analogue Pain Scale). Additionally, volunteers were able to perform CROM (Cervical Range of Motion) in all directions more efficiently than the pre-treatment.
In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture has also been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being. These benefits can be particularly useful for office workers who often experience high levels of stress and fatigue.
Don’t let office syndrome sneak up on you! Take care of your body and mind by treating yourself to an acupuncture session. Who knows, you might just be the next employee of the month with your newfound energy and focus!
