Literature Research
To gain deeper knowledge and understanding about our case owner’s problems, we conducted literature research. By formulating a research question and defining our research purpose, we aimed to get meaningful conclusions and use the gained information in our design process.
The final research question we formulated for this research is as follows:
''How does the posture affect neck pain while looking down in a seated position?''
To answer the research question, we divided the research into three main categories:
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The specific medical conditions that our case owner has (osteophytes, hernia and hypermobility),
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Posture and its relation to neck pain
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Potential solutions, preventions and management for neck pain.
Research Goal
The main goal of our research is to gain a deeper knowledge of osteophyte and hernia on the cervical spine and hypermobility in the lower back. The goal is to learn how it relates to (sitting/working) posture, in order to design a product that helps relieve neck pain for the (specific) user when they are working (with a laptop). This knowledge will help understand the factors that we need to take into account to create a product that minimizes neck pain and improves the comfort of the user.
Methods
We conducted this research through a systematic literature review. We began with a preliminary search report, defining our search criteria, tools, and techniques. Using both keyword-based searching and backward searching, we identified the most relevant and accurate papers by gathering key terms to formulate our search queries.
Feedback
For our research, we initially formulated our research question as: How can the posture while working with a laptop minimize the neck pain of the user? Since our case owner specifically wanted a solution for the laptop related discomfort, we focused on posture while using a laptop. However, after discussions with our teacher and getting feedback, we realized that the research question might be too narrow. Finding relevant research on such a specific topic could be difficult and posture extends beyond just laptop use. Additionally, getting information from different fields could also provide new perspectives.
To make our research broader, we formulated our research question to: How does the posture affect neck pain while looking downward in a seated position? This change allows us to research posture-related pain more generally, rather than only focusing on laptop use. It is still narrow and thus difficult, but since our case owner has a very specific situation, the teacher said it was alright.
Although our search criteria included only scientific sources like Scopus and Google Scholar, we found that additional literary sources were needed to get information beyond research papers. That is why we also used websites from trustworthy institutions, such as hospitals. However, it was important to verify the reliability of these sources by checking what their information was based on, when it was created, and its overall credibility.
Furthermore, there was some feedback regarding the key concepts used to search Scopus. For our key concept, we used some terms that are not in the research questions. However, this should be prevented because by using terms that are in the research question you can immediately check whether the scope of the question is right. Then, using synonyms and narrower/broader terms, you can search for more specific information. This, and the previous feedback, was kept in mind as we continued our research.
Key Insights
Medical Conditions
First, the three medical conditions were explored. Osteophytes, or bone spurs, result from damaged tissue and can cause pain and nerve compression. Cervical disc herniation, due to disc degeneration or trauma, leads to pressure on the spinal cord and radiating pain from the neck. Hypermobility causes excessive joint movement, leading to pain and injury. These conditions can make an individual more vulnerable to the effects of poor posture.
Posture and Neck Pain
Good posture is very important to relieve neck pain, as it maintains musculoskeletal balance. Poor posture, such as forward head position (FHP), places excessive strain on the neck, leading to muscle imbalances, spinal degeneration and reduced mobility. Additionally, prolonged sitting, improper workstation ergonomics and the use of small screens contribute to neck pain even more by encouraging poor posture.
Pain Relief
It is important to think about posture awareness, ergonomic interventions and physical therapy to help with the neck pain. A proper workstation setup, such as adjusting screen height and chair positioning can significantly reduce the strain on the cervical spine. Strengthening and stretching the muscles that are important for the neck can also help correcting the posture and relieve the pain.
Key Insights
First, the three medical conditions were explored. Osteophytes, or bone spurs, result from damaged tissue and can cause pain and nerve compression. Cervical disc herniation, due to disc degeneration or trauma, leads to pressure on the spinal cord and radiating pain from the neck. Hypermobility causes excessive joint movement, leading to pain and injury. These conditions can make an individual more vulnerable to the effects of poor posture.
Medical Conditions
Good posture is very important to relieve neck pain, as it maintains musculoskeletal balance. Poor posture, such as forward head position (FHP), places excessive strain on the neck, leading to muscle imbalances, spinal degeneration and reduced mobility. Additionally, prolonged sitting, improper workstation ergonomics and the use of small screens contribute to neck pain even more by encouraging poor posture.
Posture and Neck Pain
It is important to think about posture awareness, ergonomic interventions and physical therapy to help with the neck pain. A proper workstation setup, such as adjusting screen height and chair positioning can significantly reduce the strain on the cervical spine. Strengthening and stretching the muscles that are important for the neck can also help correcting the posture and relieve the pain.
Pain Relief
Since our case owner has a very specific and complex condition, one single solution might not completely relieve their pain. However, by integrating the insights gained from the research in our design process, we can design a product that will help with reducing their neck pain by promoting a better posture and this way improving their comfort and quality of life.
The full research document with more in-depth details can be found via the link below.
During our process, we realized that we needed more information from the case owner to further broaden our perspective. That is why we conducted a second interview with the case owner.