Introduction
Physical inactivity is among the most common contributing factors for poor health in individuals, both those studying and those working (Ryu & Lee, 2013). One of the most affected regions of the body is the neck. According to Kim (2015), this is especially true judging from the effects of the weight impact of the head on the neck muscles coupled with prolonged periods of inactivity. Such long periods of inactivity may include time spent sitting, staring into a mobile phone or computer monitor (Kim, 2015). The head is maintained steady for long periods with minimal to no head movement during such times. This paper focuses on the impact of inactivity levels due to prolonged inactivity for students in Hong Kong, the impact on a healthy lifestyle, and possible remedies for controlling and preventing body posture-related health conditions on the neck region.
Reflection on learning experience (CBL group project)
The CBL group project has helped me understand the association between health surveys and neck pains by demonstrating the prevalence of neck pains within a population group. The project has also taught me several factors contributing to neck pains. As a nurse, one must become aware of neck pains symptoms and potential factors contributing to its development. Consequently, I have learned that neck pain problems are dependent on the group of affected individuals and the factors the group is predisposed to. This is especially the case for students in university who spend more time studying. I have learned that university students’ regular sitting positions may be the major contributing factors for the development of neck pains. Spending more time in such positions during online studying due to the ongoing pandemic leads to more complications associated with neck pains. Judging from the level of persistence in such complications, it becomes clear how neck pains result in further complications such as reducing lifestyle quality and overall productivity. As a nurse, other more common consequences for diagnosis include regional body discomfort, muscle pain, and reduced mobility and functionality. As a result, physical activity practices and orientations are crucial in alleviating this problem. Such remedies involve neck and shoulder exercises and proper ergonomic practices in study sessions among Hong Kong students. As a future nurse, I will educate my patients on the need to practice upright sitting positions with straightened backs, knees positioned slightly lower, and reading material at eye level. I will also emphasize ensuring physical movement from a seat every hour to provide exercise to the muscles and avoiding smartphone use for long periods at neck flexion positions to avoid straining the neck. Reducing pain is one of the primary treatments for neck pains. I have learned that this can be done using non-pharmacological and pharmacological pain management. I will combine pharmacological pain management treatments with non-pharmacological treatments such as physiotherapy and massage therapy as a nurse. Where necessary, I will provide referrals to qualified therapists for physical sessions in neck pain management. Additionally, it is vital that medical practitioners, such as nurses attending Hong Kong student patients, educate them on proper sitting positions and the importance of regular exercise that focuses on affected areas.
Impact of prolonged physical inactivity on the wellness of individuals within the society
Physical activity levels have been shown to reflect on aspects of society such as health and overall well-being. According to Ryu and Lee (2013), a study conducted in Korea on physical activity levels of adult Koreans concerning demographic, physical, and psychological variables during the country’s 2017 national health survey revealed associations between physical activity and overall well-being of Korean citizens. Physical activity was related to varying socio-economic and environmental factors such as health inequality-related factors. During the study, individuals who were found to be the most susceptible to mental health and chronic diseases also demonstrated the lowest physical activity levels. This suggests that a lack of physical activity among individuals, especially those at risk of suffering from chronic and mental illnesses, is a major contributing factor to deteriorating physical and mental health. According to the study, older females who form part of the minority group with low income also demonstrated lower than average levels of participation in physical activity. This also suggests that both socio-economic factors and physiological factors play a part in altering the healthy lifestyle of individuals (Han, 2009).
Additionally, it is thought that the difference in levels of physical activity within populations due to socio-economic factors may result in a trend of health inequality among the citizens of a given country. Given the above statistics, one may conclude that high levels of inactivity can contribute to weakened physical and mental health (Kim, 2015) along with chronic diseases. On the other hand, these lead to lowered socio-economic activities due to having a larger population of sick individuals. Medical costs are also bound to increase following an increase in unhealthy individuals. The result is an increase in the strain on the mental health of the caregivers (Han, 2009), the sick, and the country’s economic health.
Current efforts in primary healthcare and nursing community service
The most common cases of neck pains as witnessed by health practitioners do not stem from serious diseases and are often associated with bad postures and minor sprains. These neck pains are often referred to as ‘non-specific neck pains’ or ‘simple neck pains’ (Liu, 2016). Diagnostic procedures often entail checking for restricted neck movement where the pain worsens as the neck moves. For non-chronic neck pains, diagnosis entails checking for pains that come and go from time to time. No medical tests are required for simple neck pains associated with minor strains and poor posture. Treatment procedures often entail administering anti-inflammatory painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen (Liu, 2016).
In some cases, strong painkillers such as codeine and muscle relaxants such as diazepam may also be administered to deal with neck pains that are not responsive to other painkiller treatments. An exception is given for those with asthma, high blood pressure, heart failure or renal impairments. Patients may also be advised to purchase firm supporting pillows for sleeping and keep the neck active and upright. A practitioner may refer the patient to a physiotherapist for acute and chronic neck pains that don’t seem to respond well to pharmaceutical treatments. According to Verhagen (2014), a physiotherapist may advise on or administer various treatments such as traction, heat and manipulation practices. The physiotherapist may also advise on exercises that can be done at home to improve the patient’s condition. Additionally, relatively uncommon non-invasive treatment therapies such as low-level laser therapy may are offered in some hospitals. Other such less common treatments include acupuncture and massage therapies. Other hospitals may offer pain management programs (Verhagen, 2014) for patients with chronic pains to help control the pain.
Recommendations for improving physical activities and bridging service gaps
Initiatives need to be undertaken to bridge service gaps in addressing health and socio-economic challenges associated with high inactivity levels to ensure the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle within the population. The majority of patients have not been adequately educated on the importance of physical activity and the effects of physical inactivity on health (Verhagen, 2014). This presents a significant service gap in mass education. Additionally, some patients do not have access to resources and amenities that allow them to participate in physical activities, creating a service gap in resource allocation. Initiatives to educate may include media-based campaigns to promote the general population’s participation in physical activity (Joseph, 2014). The government should also provide free physical activity education within health centers and schools to encourage participation (Yahia, 2016).
Additionally, medical practitioners should emphasize the importance of the physical activity to patients to encourage their participation. Such emphasis should also include recommendations on desirable levels of engagement and methods to use during exercising. Individuals should also be encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and avoid extreme weight-reducing diets (Yahia, 2016). Such encouragement is essential because a good balance between diet and physical activity is required to maintain good health.
Conclusion
A combined effort is required from the educational sector, medical centers, government input, and individual initiative towards increasing participation in physical activity and generating improvement in healthy living (Yoo & Kim, 2017) to achieve the best results. More resources also need to be allocated to develop amenities and programs associated with physical activities in universities and health centers.
References
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Kim, S. E., Kim, J. W., & Jee, Y. S. (2015). Relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity in Chinese international students in Korea. Journal of behavioral addictions, 4(3), 200-205.
Liu, S. F., Wang, M. H., Lee, Y. L., & Cheng, Y. R. (2016, December). Applying Kano’s Model and QFD in User Interface Research of Shoulder and Neck Pains Examining Software. In 2016 8th International Conference on Information Technology in Medicine and Education (ITME) (pp. 94-98). IEEE.
Ryu, M., Jo, J., Lee, Y., Chung, Y. S., Kim, K. M., & Baek, W. C. (2013). Association of physical activity with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older adults: the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Age and ageing, 42(6), 734-740.
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Yahia, N., Wang, D., Rapley, M., & Dey, R. (2016). Assessment of weight status, dietary habits and beliefs, physical activity, and nutritional knowledge among university students. Perspectives in public health, 136(4), 231-244.
Joseph, R. P., Royse, K. E., Benitez, T. J., & Pekmezi, D. W. (2014). Physical activity and quality of life among university students: exploring self-efficacy, self-esteem, and affect as potential mediators. Quality of life research, 23(2), 659-667.
Verhagen, A. P. (2021). Physiotherapy management of neck pain. Journal of physiotherapy.
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