Common challenges in managing neck and upper limb pain in office workers.

BACKGROUND

Upper limb, cervical and thoracic pain is a common and burdensome problem in Australia. Office workers report high rates of upper body musculoskeletal complaints when compared with workers in other occupations.

OBJECTIVE

This article highlights challenges to providing comprehensive biopsychosocial care for neck, thoracic and related arm pain in office workers, and details the role of active, patient-centred therapies in management.

DISCUSSION: Cervical, thoracic and upper limb pain is common in office workers. Optimal management comprises a biopsychosocial patient-centred approach that includes education, reassurance and exercise. Best-evidence treatment of office workers with upper body pain involves an active approach that facilitates self-efficacy and physical activity and reflects a modern understanding of pain.