Distance Learning and Neck Problems During Pandemic Period

Distance Learning and Neck Disability Among Academic Staff During COVID-19 Period

For people who use computers a lot, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck are a common problem . It is generally agreed that the etiology of work-related neck disorders is multidimensional which is associated with, and influenced by, a complex array of individual, physical and psychosocial factors.

Academic staff work involves diverse activities, both in and out of lecture-rooms, designing course curricula, developing lecture and tutorial plans and materials, providing students with information in an interesting and understandable manner, setting questions, and marking examinations .These activities usually involve long periods of sitting and standing, placing a physical demand on the lower back, cervical spine and the vertebral column in general, thus contributing to neck and shoulder discomfort .Lecturers use computers extensively and are thus exposed to many of the same risk factors to which 'office workers' are exposed. Using a computer is associated with poor neck posture most often in a forward head position, which is thought to be one of the most common causes of neck, head and shoulder tension and pain .

Neck pain is costly in terms of treatment, individual suffering, and time lost due to work absenteeism . Effective performance of academic staff of the university is very important as the key factors to a successful day to day running of any university system .

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least one year of work experience in the current position as academic stuff.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Spinal deformities or specific medical condition affecting the cervical spine (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, radiculopathy, tumors, infection and disc prolapse)
• History of spinal surgery
• Previous head or neck trauma