A physiotherapist, Dr Raymond Olaseinde, says that lack of awareness of poor posture, a reason for neck and back pain in the community, is very common.
Dr Olaseinde, speaking on “Ergonomic Causes of Neck Pain among Staff of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan” at the hospital’s grand round with the theme “Physiotherapy: Imparting the Life of a Community,” stated that poor posture is not good for the body, particularly the back, neck, and legs.
He said in daily activities, especially for people working desk jobs, poor ergonomic setups can lead to issues like neck pain, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries.
“What causes neck pain, back pain, or musculoskeletal conditions is poor ergonomics. By optimising posture, workstations, and equipment placement, ergonomics helps prevent discomfort and long-term health problems.
“Health workers are particularly susceptible to neck pain due to the physically demanding nature of their jobs because of frequent bending and lifting. People assume awkward postures without knowing the kind of posture they are assuming, which can cause problems. When you stand for too long or you walk for too long, it can also cause problems.”
Dr Olaseinde also warned against maintaining static postures like sitting or standing for long, saying it is important to avoid common ergonomic mistakes like sitting for long, slouching, and having the computer monitor at the wrong height.
“Good ergonomics offer a range of substantial benefits that impact both physical health and work performance, including reducing discomfort, preventing chronic pain, boosting productivity, enhancing comfort and wellbeing, improving health, and reducing absenteeism, as well as ensuring higher job satisfaction and retention,” he added.
Director and head of the physiotherapy department at the hospital, Dr (Mrs.) Muibat Akintayo, said in her lecture that physiotherapy impacts through life stages, being able to use a variety of techniques and approaches to help individuals improve or reduce physical function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life.
“It is from birth till death; we want to prevent injury, illness, surgery, and some cancers. We are pain management experts. It is not all pain that you need to take drugs. We can relieve pain without taking drugs.
“We help individuals maintain, restore, or improve their physical function, mobility, and quality of life. So, we add life to years and years to life, including quality of life.”
Earlier, UCH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, said the hospital’s grand round is to educate the staff on different issues.
“I think it came from the staff clinic that a number of the staff are taking sick off because of occupational hazards they are having. So it has taken some time for us to get to physiotherapy having this ground round, and I know that it is going to benefit all of us if we pay particular attention to it.”