Working from home has become the new normal for many professionals across the globe. While it offers flexibility, comfort, and convenience, it also brings its own set of physical challenges — one of the most common being neck pain. Spending long hours in front of a computer, slouching on the couch, or using an improperly set-up workstation can gradually strain your neck muscles and spine.

What starts as mild discomfort can slowly turn into chronic pain, stiffness, or even headaches if left unaddressed, explains Dr Karthik Gudaru, an eminent orthopaedic surgeon in Hyderabad and a specialist in spondylitis and back pain treatment, in this health feed.

Why Does Neck Pain Happen?

Neck pain, also known as cervical pain, often results from poor posture and prolonged sitting — two habits that are unfortunately common in the work-from-home culture. The human neck is designed to hold the head upright, which weighs roughly 4–5 kilograms. When you lean forward or look down for long periods, the pressure on the cervical spine multiplies. Over time, this leads to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and joint strain. Here are the most common reasons why neck pain occurs while working from home:

Poor Ergonomics: Working on a laptop that’s placed too low or sitting on a bed without back support forces your neck into an awkward position. This continuous strain compresses the neck muscles and can even cause spinal misalignment.

Forward Head Posture: Constantly looking down at your screen or phone leads to a posture called “tech neck.” Every inch your head tilts forward increases the stress on your cervical spine, resulting in muscle tension and pain.

Lack of Movement: When you sit for hours without taking breaks, your muscles become stiff. The neck and shoulder areas are particularly prone to reduced blood circulation and muscle tightness.

Stress and Tension: Emotional stress often manifests physically. Tightening your shoulders or clenching your jaw during stressful situations can cause pain that radiates through the neck and upper back.

Improper Sleep Posture: Even after a long day, using too many pillows or sleeping in an awkward position can worsen neck pain and stiffness the next morning......

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