Chiropractic Care and Quality of Life Among Office Workers With Nonspecific Pain

Office workers commonly experience neck pain, back discomfort, headaches, and muscle tension as a result of prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive movements, and daily stress. These symptoms are often classified as nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, meaning pain that is not linked to a specific injury or disease but still significantly affects daily comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. As desk-based work continues to dominate modern life, understanding effective, non-invasive ways to manage this type of pain has become increasingly important.

A cross-sectional research study titled “Chiropractic Care and Quality of Life Among Office Workers With Nonspecific Pain” examined the relationship between chiropractic care, pain levels, and quality of life in office workers. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether individuals who received chiropractic care experienced differences in physical function, mental well-being, and overall quality of life compared to those who did not receive chiropractic treatment.

The findings of the study indicated that office workers who received chiropractic care reported lower levels of musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. These individuals also demonstrated improved physical function, including greater ease of movement and reduced limitations in daily activities. Importantly, the study found that reduced pain was associated with improvements in mental well-being, including lower stress levels, better mood, and increased ability to focus at work.

Beyond pain reduction, participants receiving chiropractic care reported a higher overall quality of life. Improvements were noted in areas such as sleep quality, work performance, and daily comfort. These findings suggest that addressing spinal function and musculoskeletal health may have benefits that extend beyond symptom relief, positively influencing both physical and psychological aspects of health.

Office-related pain often develops gradually as the spine and nervous system adapt to prolonged sitting, forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and limited movement. Over time, these patterns can lead to joint restriction, muscle imbalance, spinal stress, and nervous system irritation. Chiropractic care aims to address these underlying issues by improving spinal mobility, restoring proper joint function, reducing muscle tension, and supporting healthy nervous system communication.

This study reinforces what many office workers experience clinically: when spinal health improves, overall quality of life improves as well. Rather than relying solely on medications to manage symptoms, chiropractic care offers a conservative, drug-free approach that focuses on addressing contributing factors such as posture, movement patterns, and spinal function. For individuals experiencing everyday office-related pain, chiropractic care may serve as both a therapeutic and preventive strategy to support long-term health and well-being.

Citation

Salik, E., Ozden, A. V., & Alptekin, H. K. (2022). Chiropractic care and Quality of life among office workers with Nonspecific Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 21(3), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2022.03.006