People who work long hours driving, sitting at a desk, or hunching over a workbench often suffer from neck and back pain. This may be the result of muscle imbalances from incorrect posture. Muscle imbalances occur due to inactivity in some areas and over activity in the areas that are required to hold you in that same position for long periods of time. The areas that are over active have an increased risk of muscle tension and spasm, which may lead to neck or back pain.

Set an alarm to get up regularly and walk around, even if it’s just a lap of your desk. This allows your body to have a break from the position it has been in as well as encouraging movement through areas that otherwise remain stationary and increase the risk of muscle tension.

Keeping up a regular exercise program can assist with keeping muscles and joints in peak condition. Posture correcting exercises that re-educate the body, like Pilates, can also help prevent neck and back

Massage treatment is effective for relieving muscle tension and spasm, as well as helping loosen up stiff joints. Your therapist can provide stretches for you to do at home or work and advise on posture correcting techniques that can assist with reducing muscle tension to help prevent neck and back pain.