Dr. Raymond Olaseinde, a physiotherapist, emphasized the prevalence of poor posture awareness, a primary contributor to neck and back pain in communities.
Speaking at University College Hospital’s grand round, themed “Physiotherapy: Imparting the Life of a Community,” Olaseinde addressed the ergonomic causes of neck pain among hospital staff.
“Poor posture is not good for the body, particularly the back, neck, and legs,” he warned. Olaseinde highlighted the risks associated with daily activities, especially for those with desk jobs, where inadequate ergonomic setups can lead to 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 further cautioned 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 noted.
According to Dr. (Mrs.) Muibat Akintayo, Director and Head of Physiotherapy at the hospital, physiotherapy has a profound impact across various life stages. She explained in her lecture that physiotherapists utilize diverse techniques and approaches to enhance physical function, alleviate pain, and significantly improve overall quality of life for individuals.
“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, highlighted the hospital’s grand round is to enlightened 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.”
