According to BS.CKII Lam Nguyen Thuy An, University Medical Center Hospital HCMC - Branch 3, if the situation of sitting for a long time, little exercise is prolonged, the pain may appear more often. Patients may experience stiff neck, difficulty turning the neck, tension in the shoulder and back area, back pain, in some cases, numbness spreads down to the hands or feet.
According to modern medicine, maintaining one posture for a long time, inappropriate working posture, lack of exercise, stress and lack of break time can all contribute to musculoskeletal problems.
From the perspective of traditional medicine, neck and shoulder pain and lower back pain can be within the scope of symptoms such as Ty, Kien ty, Yeu thống. Depending on symptoms and physical condition, doctors will assess relevant factors to choose appropriate treatment methods.
BS.CKII Lam Nguyen Thuy An said that treatment does not necessarily only use one method. After examination, doctors may consider combining traditional medicine methods such as:
Electric acupuncture, acupressure are chosen for acupoints depending on the location and cause of pain, supporting pain reduction, muscle stiffness reduction and improving movement.
Massage, acupressure: Acting on the tense muscle area and related acupoints, helping to relax muscles, reduce feelings of fatigue and support improving range of motion.
Warming, applying mugwort: Can be considered in cases suitable for cold constitutions, pain increases when cold and is more comfortable when warmed.
Thread lift: Creates prolonged stimulation at the acupoint, which may be prescribed by a doctor in some appropriate cases.
According to the doctor, both people have symptoms of neck and shoulder pain, but the causes and forms of the disease may be different. Therefore, traditional medicine should be prescribed after examination and diagnosis.
Some classic remedies that can be considered and reduced by the doctor depending on each case are Quyen ty thang, Doc Hoat parasite thang, Que chi gia Cat can thang or Than thong axis stasis thang.
Patients should not buy and use remedies themselves just because they notice similar symptoms. Drug selection needs to be based on pathology, physical condition, accompanying diseases and medications being used.
Besides treatment, changing work habits plays an important role in limiting pain recurrence. Office workers should regularly change their posture, get up and exercise after a period of working, adjust screens, tables and chairs appropriately and maintain regular physical activity.
BS.CKII Lam Nguyen Thuy An recommends that if neck or back pain is accompanied by weakness in limbs, gradually increasing numbness, walking disorders, urinary and bowel disorders, fever, weight loss of unknown cause or appearing after trauma, patients should see a doctor early to find the cause.
Neck, shoulder and back pain is quite common in office workers, but it should not be assumed that this is just a consequence of sitting a lot. Identifying the cause correctly, providing appropriate treatment and maintaining reasonable exercise are important factors to help control symptoms and limit recurrence.
