I see a lot of patients with headaches, and when I delve deeper it often is due to muscle strains in the back of the head (the occiput). Some people also have eye fatigue, or numbness and tingling in the fingers.

Fortunately, this is usually fairly straightforward and is often simply a problem of poor posture while seated at a computer workstation all day. The image below shows a good ergonomic workstation. Ergonomics is the science of designing workplaces and equipment to be used comfortably and safely by people. So, at the desk, the key parts are:

• Keep your computer screen at a slightly bent viewing angle
• Use a firm chair with lumbar support and elbow rests
• Wrist rests below the keyboard can help prevent carpal tunnel and hand aches and pains
• Keep a 90 degree elbow bend, and use your elbow rests, to take pressure off your upper back and neck

I think this issue is underappreciated, and most companies tend to ignore ergonomics and buy the cheapest chairs and desks. The chair is crucial, and if you feel that your chair or workstation isn’t appropriate, you have every right to talk to your managers and HR teams to get some assistance.

Sometimes, a few visits with physiotherapy can help a lot, as they can also teach you some basic exercises both during and after work. Here at IMC we have a good physiotherapist, Dr David Zhang, who also can perform acupuncture for the more adventurous types.

And don’t forget that pillows are important; too soft a pillow (or too hard) can cause a lot of neck and upper back problems. I really like the foam contoured pillows at Muji; my current favorite is a really cheap pillow filled with dried buckwheat seeds that I picked up at a local market.