Pain mechanisms in computer and smartphone users

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent an increasingly important problem globally and pose a huge economic burden. Nowadays, most occupations involve prolonged sitting and use of visual display units, which has been linked with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, especially in the neck-shoulder and the low-back. The first part of the chapter addresses the origin and mechanisms of pain in the neck-shoulder and low-back regions. Then, we focus on the individual and work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors commonly associated with the onset of pain in computer and smartphones users. The last section is devoted to the most recent evidence-based approaches for prevention and management of pain within this population. Strengthening exercise programs are cost effective and recommended, with compliance as one of the main barriers for implementation, whereas ergonomic interventions have shown to reduce pain intensity, with some conflicting evidence.