Title: Management of musculoskeletal neck pain through physiotherapeutic intervention: a pre-post design analysis

Authors: S. Paul Silvian; A.T. Resmi; Arun Maiya; K. Ganesh

Addresses: Dr. Vyaghreswarudu Institute of Physical Medicine, Timmapuram Village, Vishakpatanam, Andhra Pradesh – 530009, India ' VIT-BS, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu – 632014, India ' College of Physiotherapy, Manipal University, Manipal – 576104, India ' Supply Chain Management – Center of Competence, McKinsey Knowledge Center, McKinsey & Company, 8th Floor, DLF City Phase 1, DLF Plaza Tower, Gurgaon 122022, Haryana, India

Abstract: Among computer operators, risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal neck pain, include the integration of biomechanical factors such as static muscular overload, repetitive motions, conditions related to the work station, work environment and issues related to the working organisation, as well as those associated with the psychosocial aspects of work. These problems if ignored can prove debilitating and can cause crippling injuries forcing one to change the profession itself. There is an urgent need to understand the dynamics of these problems and prevent it from assuming epidemic proportions. With more and more jobs available in IT sector today, it is all the more important to be aware of the problems and follow necessary preventive steps to check the progression of computer related health problems. This study provides evidences to the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in combating musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) neck pain.

Keywords: ergonomic stressors; physiological stressors; psychological stressors; musculoskeletal pain; interferential therapy; IFT; pain management; neck pain; physiotherapeutic intervention; computer operators; IT sector; information technology; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; physiotherapy; biomechanics; psycho-social aspects.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2013.054867

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2013 Vol.7 No.4, pp.414 - 428

Published online: 27 Dec 2013 *

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