Use of Resistance Training to Reduce Chronic Neck Pain in Practicing Ophthalmologists

Purpose of Review: Ophthalmologists and allied healthcare professionals unfortunately suffer from a plethora of musculoskeletal disorders that are associated with chronic pain. Poor ergonomics and overuse of neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments all contribute to these musculoskeletal disorders. Recent Findings: The normal anatomic position of the spine is compromised in many activities ophthalmologists must perform such as using a slit lamp, subjecting the neck to hours in strained positions which can result in debilitating injury. Fortunately, resistance training can be used to help mitigate injury from chronic muscle overuse. Resistance training is a form of exercise with progressive overload where muscles exert a force against an external load. Summary: In this article, we suggest numerous resistance training exercises that can be used to improve skeletal muscle deficits. In addition, we also discuss how new medical equipment used in the field of Ophthalmology can help improve ergonomics and mitigate injury among practicing clinicians.