Learn about Office Syndrome with Chula Pharmacy:

    As the year draws to a close, many individuals find themselves racing against time to complete their tasks, leading to prolonged hours spent at their desks. The consequence is a pervasive physical discomfort that lingers from the neck down to the shoulders, radiating into the back and thighs. This often prompts the desire for a prolonged massage session or, for many, a quick fix with painkillers or muscle relaxants to alleviate immediate symptoms. Occasional occurrences like this may not be cause for concern, but when such episodes become recurrent and symptoms progressively worsen, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate whether you are experiencing signs of what is commonly referred to as "office syndrome."

    The term "office syndrome" is typically used to describe a constellation of symptoms and health issues arising from extended hours spent in an office setting. While it is often misunderstood as stiffness in the neck and shoulders resulting from extended desk work or computer use, the reality is that office syndrome encompasses various symptoms, including numbness and pain in the thumb and index finger due to a pinched nerve (known as carpal tunnel syndrome). This can occur from continuous wrist usage, such as when operating a computer mouse. Additionally, individuals may experience symptoms like eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, and even headaches, largely due to prolonged eye strain and a lack of physical movement. The sedentary nature of desk work can lead to weight gain, heightened stress levels, and, in some cases, the development of anxiety disorders or depression.

    Quitting your job is not the solution to office syndrome. Instead, the root cause lies in working excessively long hours in an unsuitable environment. To address this issue, it is crucial to adjust the work environment appropriately and take regular breaks during work. Those who spend their days sitting at a desk typing on a computer must invest in ergonomic knowledge, optimize their workspace, adjust screen height and brightness, find suitable chair accessories, and consider ergonomic peripherals to prevent work-related health issues.

    Even when preventative measures are in place, neck and shoulder tension may still occur. In such cases, pain relief is a viable option. However, to minimize the risk of adverse drug reactions, such as liver toxicity from excessive paracetamol use or stomach ulcers from NSAIDs, topical pain relief options like creams or patches can be considered. These offer a more direct and safer alternative to oral medication. If topical solutions do not suffice, gradually transitioning to oral medications may be necessary. It is advisable to start with safer options like paracetamol or non-NSAID muscle relaxants. It is essential to be aware that muscle relaxants often induce drowsiness, which can impact work productivity, especially when tasks are time-sensitive. Additionally, muscle relaxants may lead to temporary muscle weakness, affecting activities requiring physical strength. Therefore, it is crucial to choose medications suitable for one's work and provide detailed information to a pharmacist for tailored recommendations.

    In summary, office syndrome stems from extended hours in an unsuitable work environment. When opting for medication to alleviate pain and stiffness, choosing safe and appropriate drugs that align with individual characteristics is imperative. Should symptoms persist and worsen over time, seeking professional medical advice is advisable. This will help uncover any hidden health issues and facilitate the identification of effective treatments that do not compromise one's ability to work and live comfortably.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University