Working from home can hurt – here’s how to fix it!

If you’re reading this, you or someone you know likely works remotely from home. 43% of U.S. employees were already working remotely at least partially prior to 2020 according to Gallup’s most recent State of the Workplace report. Since the COVID-19 pandemic rearranged life as we knew it, the number of remote workers has only increased. 

Even before the rise of working from home, employees everywhere knew what it was like to sit at a desk in front of a computer for 8 hours a day. Today, more employees do the same thing, but now it’s from the comfort of their own couch, bed, desk, or wherever they choose to make their office for the day. Businesses used to spend a lot of money and resources on ergonomics – the science of making your work environment safe, comfortable and efficient – that isn’t readily available to most remote employees in their homes. 

Neck pain and stiffness can be a common pain point, even if you’re not glued to a laptop all day. High stress levels, keeping your jaw clenched for long periods of time, and repetitive neck motions can also be factors contributing to experiencing discomfort in your neck. Individuals who work in trades that require extended time in awkward postures, such as electricians or mechanics, may also find themselves experiencing neck stiffness. 

You’ve come to the right place – at Body Dynamics, Inc. we are well-versed in the intricacies of aches and pains. Through the use of physical therapy, massage, and regular stretching, it is possible to relieve stiffness and pain in your neck. You may even find that in time, you don’t have any pain at all!

Keep on reading for a series of stretches and exercises that will help you start feeling better in no time!

Try these three stretches to tame your neck stiffness after a long day: **Hold each for 15-30 seconds**

Chin Tucks

Head Turns 

Side Bends

We hope the exercises and stretches we have compiled will help you! If pain persists, we encourage you to seek an evaluation with one of our physical therapists. In addition to these exercises and physical therapy, you may also benefit from clinical massage therapy. Massages are more than just relaxing — many people include massage as part of their larger healthcare plan. Our Body Dynamics clinical massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques and work closely with our physical therapists to address the root cause of your pain and help you get back to living your best life!