Scapulohumeral Periarthritis Related to Office Chairs

Scapulohumeral periarthritis related to office chairs can be alleviated through rest and adjustment, physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and medication, with daily attention to prevention and timely medical attention.

Office workers, due to prolonged sitting and lack of exercise, have a threefold higher incidence of scapulohumeral periarthritis compared to those who exercise regularly, and the condition is showing a trend of becoming more prevalent among younger individuals, with an increasing number of patients in their 30s. The onset is often related to long-term poor posture and overexertion, such as improper monitor positioning and keyboard placement, leading to compensatory muscle exertion in the shoulders and resulting in muscle tension and inflammatory stimulation.

Treatment methods include:

1. Rest and posture adjustment: Take regular breaks to avoid prolonged periods in the same position. Adjust the height of the chair and computer so that the elbow joint is at a 90-degree angle, the center of the screen is level with the eyes, and use ergonomic lumbar supports and armrests to reduce shoulder load. Improper monitor height or keyboard placement can force continuous shoulder muscle exertion; adjustments can relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammatory stimulation, and promote recovery of damaged tissues.
2. Physical therapy: Promote shoulder blood circulation through heat application, massage, acupuncture, and other methods. Heat application dilates blood vessels and accelerates the excretion of metabolic waste; massage loosens adherent tissues; acupuncture stimulates acupoints to regulate qi and blood flow, thereby relieving pain and muscle spasms.
3. Rehabilitation exercises: Perform wall-climbing exercises, circle-drawing exercises, pendulum exercises, etc., to increase shoulder range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and improve joint flexibility. Prolonged desk work can easily lead to shoulder muscle atrophy and joint stiffness; rehabilitation exercises can effectively address these issues.
4. Medication: Follow medical advice to use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, Huoxue Zhitong Gao (a traditional Chinese medicine plaster for promoting blood circulation and relieving pain), and celecoxib capsules. Ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and reduce inflammatory responses; Huoxue Zhitong Gao promotes local blood circulation and reduces swelling and pain.

Daily prevention precautions:
Maintain good sitting posture and work habits, avoid overexertion and exposure to cold in the shoulders. Take appropriate shoulder activities and simple stretching exercises during work breaks. Regularly undergo shoulder examinations; if pain persists for more than 2 weeks without relief or if arm numbness occurs, seek medical attention promptly at an orthopedic or rehabilitation department.