Sitting at the computer for a long time, many people suffer from neck - shoulder - arm syndrome, having difficulty holding things.

Sitting in front of the computer for long periods of time, sleeping or exercising in the wrong posture, or carrying heavy objects incorrectly... can all cause pain in the neck and shoulders that spreads to the arms, affecting daily activities.

Sitting in the wrong posture or bending your head down for too long can easily lead to developing cervicobrachial syndrome - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

The pain recurs, making it difficult to drive and type.

Ms. Thuong (31 years old, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City) regularly sits at a computer for more than 10 hours a day. Recently, she has experienced neck and shoulder pain and numbness radiating down her arms, making even typing or riding a motorbike more difficult.

According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Luong from the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, cervicobrachial syndrome is a common ailment causing pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and arms. This discomfort can lead to challenges and disrupt daily activities.

This syndrome is common in adults, but children can also suffer from it, especially in certain cases such as children sitting in incorrect postures while studying, children who are inactive, obese, injured from accidents or sports ; children with congenital spinal diseases or infections.

The symptoms of cervicobrachial syndrome are not severe and may be manageable or tolerable. However, most sufferers experience persistent pain, affecting their quality of life.

Furthermore, reduced blood flow to the brain can cause frequent fatigue, dizziness, and even depression. Some people may experience numbness, fatigue, and decreased sensation in their hands, affecting their ability to grip objects or perform tasks, especially delicate movements.

One of the most serious consequences of this syndrome is cervical myelopathy, which causes weakness and quadriplegia. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation exercises are crucial to improve quality of life, daily activities, and work performance, prevent complications, and enhance recovery.

You must follow your doctor's instructions.

Regarding the causes of cervicobrachial syndrome, Dr. Luong stated that the main causes include mechanical factors, pathological conditions, and other factors.

Mechanical causes often include incorrect posture while sitting at a computer, improper bending or sleeping positions; occupations requiring prolonged sitting or standing; sitting in front of a fan or air conditioner for too long; showering at night; and exposure to rain and sun.

Overexertion or incorrect posture during exercise; soft tissue injuries, neck injuries due to sudden movements; improper lifting of heavy objects causing muscle strain, pain, and stiffness...

Regarding pathological causes, it may be a sign of underlying medical conditions, including cervical spondylosis, cervical disc herniation, spinal calcification, shoulder bursitis, shoulder and thoracic joint disorders, stable angina, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from cervicobrachial syndrome, seeking medical advice is essential to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

To support effective treatment, patients need to follow their doctor's instructions, avoid twisting or straining their necks excessively, change positions frequently, and perform gentle neck exercises.

At the same time, it is advisable to supplement with nutrients that are good for bones and joints (calcium, omega-3, vitamins C, D, E, B vitamins, glucosamine, chondroitin), and limit fatty foods, alcohol, tobacco, and stimulants.

Home remedies for neck-shoulder-arm pain relief can be applied.

- Cold therapy: Apply a cold gel pack or ice wrapped in a soft towel to the affected area for the first 3 days after the pain begins to reduce swelling and stiffness. This therapy should be applied for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time, 5 times a day.

- Heat therapy and massage: Following the initial cold therapy phase, applying warm compresses can improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Gentle massage can also help reduce discomfort.

XUAN MAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngoi-may-tinh-lau-nhieu-nguoi-mac-hoi-chung-co-vai-canh-tay-gap-kho-khi-cam-nam-20250907064911574.htm