Neck and Shoulder Pain in Office Workers (VDT Syndrome)

What is VDT syndrome (cervico-brachial syndrome)

VDT (Visual Display Terminal) syndrome is the collective term for musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, shoulders, and arms caused by prolonged use of visual display devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. It is also called cervico-brachial syndrome (頸肩腕症候群) and is an occupation-related condition experienced by approximately 60–70% of modern office workers. In Korean medicine, it is interpreted as gujwasanggeun (久坐傷筋) — a state in which prolonged sitting causes stagnation of qi and blood circulation and obstruction of the meridians.

Main symptoms

• Cervical pain: Persistent stiff and heavy pain at the back of the neck, often progressing to headache.
• Shoulder stiffness: The trapezius and levator scapulae become rock-hard, and trigger points (myofascial knots) can be palpated when pressed.
• Arm and hand symptoms: Pain may radiate from the elbow to the wrist, or finger numbness may occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome may develop concurrently.
• Eye fatigue: Dryness, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing accompany the pain and worsen the headache.

Korean medicine treatment

• Acupuncture: Jianjing (GB21), Jianyu (LI15), and Tianzong (SI11) are the core treatment points for shoulder pain. Jianjing, located on the trapezius, directly relieves shoulder stiffness, while Tianzong is effective for infraspinatus pain in the center of the scapula.
• Cupping and myofascial release: Cupping is applied to the trapezius and rhomboids to release fascial tension and increase local blood flow.
• Chuna manipulation: Correction of the upper thoracic spine and the cervicothoracic junction improves rounded shoulders.
• Herbal medicine: Pueraria (葛根) and Paeonia (芍藥) are mainly used to release muscle tension in the neck and nape and to promote circulation of qi and blood.

Workplace ergonomics and stretching

Correcting the work environment along with treatment is key to preventing recurrence.

• Monitor height: Set the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Maintain a viewing distance of about an arm's length (50–70 cm).
• Chair and armrest: Adjust the height so that the elbows are bent at 90 degrees and the forearms rest naturally on the desk.
• 50 minutes of work, 10 minutes of rest: Perform neck and shoulder stretches every hour. Scapular retraction, lateral neck stretches, and chest-opening movements are effective.