According to a report in The Times Of India A survey of 1,000-odd employees working in the IT sector carried out in Ahmedabad, in India has thrown up alarming results – nearly half suffer from neck and back pain. What’s more, over 20% complained of stress and headaches.
Director of Mision Health Dr Alaap Shah said that 970 employees of IT companies in the age-group of 23 to 36 years were studied. “We were surprised to find that of the IT executives, 46.15% suffered from neck pain and 58.97% complained of back pain. Also, 21% suffered from stress, while 23% complained of regular headaches,” said Dr Shah.
Dr Shah said that neck and back pain have almost become an occupational hazard of sorts for corporate employees, especially those working in the IT sector, who spend most of the day at a desk, working on a computer. “What is alarming is that some professionals exhibited severe spine problems at a young age when their problem becomes so severe that it affects their quality of life,” said Dr Shah.
Rahul Sharma, a software engineer, is a glaring instance. Sharma said that within two years of beginning his career in the IT sector, he suffered from severe back pain. “I underwent spine surgery at the age of 26,” says Sharma.
Sarthak Mehta, 28, an IT professional, underwent spine surgery six months ago. “I had no idea how the constant sitting was ruining my spine. Even after undergoing surgery, I still have back pain,” said Mehta.
Mitali Shah, a 27-year old professional working in a pharmacy laboratory, is battling severe neck pain because of long hours of research at a microscope which requires her to keep her neck bent at a certain angle. “Despite my complaints, the HR department did not look into the ergonomics and even refused to grant me leave,” complains Mitali.