Physiotherapist Alexandre Bremer explains to 20 Minutes that many people experience musculoskeletal pain when returning to work after a break. This happens due to a sudden shift between two different lifestyles—such as moving from an active summer to a more sedentary routine, or from inactive holidays to a physically demanding job or sport. These transitions can affect areas like the neck, back, shoulders, and joints, whether the person has a desk job or works with physical labor. This type of pain is known as musculoskeletal disorders (TMS), which include a range of aches and injuries affecting muscles, tendons, and joints. The cause of these pains is not specific to any one type of job or activity. As Bremer notes, the risk depends on the balance between the physical demands of the work or activity, a person’s physical capabilities, and their ability to recover. Whether someone sits all day or lifts heavy objects, both can be at risk if their body isn’t gradually prepared for the change. The key issue is the sudden shift between two different ways of living without allowing the body time to adapt. To reduce the risk of these pains, Bremer recommends a few simple habits. First, moving regularly throughout the day is essential. Even if someone exercises for an hour daily, they should still get up and walk whenever possible. At work, it’s important to change positions and stretch to avoid long periods of sitting. Maintaining a consistent physical activity routine is also crucial. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or strength training can help keep the body in shape and ready for daily demands. When returning from a break, it's important to resume physical activity gradually. Trying to reach previous fitness levels immediately can be harmful. Instead, reintroduce physical activity slowly, considering recovery time, sleep, and any existing discomfort. Bremer also clarifies that while stretching can be beneficial in some cases, it is not a universal solution for work-related pain. For issues like neck or lower back pain, he suggests focusing on strengthening and movement control exercises. The goal is to build the body's ability to handle daily challenges rather than just trying to fix posture or relax tense muscles. Prevention, as Bremer emphasizes, is always better than waiting for pain to develop.