Back Pain Prevention At The Office

Back pain prevention is the key to healthy living and overall health.

There are dangers in everyday life, from slipping in the shower to getting mowed down by the next-door neighbor's teenage driver. The risk doesn't end once we are safely behind our desks. Basically, sitting is literally hurting us!

 While not actually trying to cause ourselves harm, our computer, desk, office chair, and keyboard are not our friends. We spend hours each day sitting, typing, staring at the computer screen. This inactivity is wreaking havoc on our health in a variety of ways.

Most of us sit incorrectly.

Goldilocks knew what she was doing when it came to carefully selecting the right chair. Most of us cause excess stress and pressure on our neck, shoulders, and back just by the way we sit in our inadequate office chairs.

According to OSHA, a person who spends time at their computer needs to choose an adjustable chair that supports the back, buttocks, legs, and arms. An ergonomically adjusted chair aids proper posture and eases back pain. Therefore, this will minimize the occurrences of awkward, strained positions that frequently cause injury. However, be mindful of your posture throughout the day as well.

Our desks are laid out wrong.

Even with a great chair, a desk that is the wrong height can cause a person to move and bend awkwardly throughout the day. Thus, injure themselves and set up a lifetime of chronic back pain. Anyone who sits behind a desk needs to make certain it is the right height to comfortably reach the computer keyboard. Also, all pertinent supplies should be within a comfortable reach. When possible, keep your feet flat on the floor. Or, if needed, add a footrest to decrease the stress on the lower back. Ergonomically positioning a desk offers greater comfort and less stress on a person's body.

We do not type correctly.

Using the keyboard incorrectly can cause a ton of painful medical conditions, including neck and back issues and carpal tunnel syndrome. The keyboard should sit at elbow height. Reduce the strain on your hands by keeping them in as natural a position as possible. Also, try holding your wrists up even with the backs of your hands. Finally, avoid banging the keys by typing softly, which alleviates the stress on your fingers.

A computer mouse should be situated close to the keyboard. It is essential to keep the hand in a neutral position when using it. And avoid resting your hand on the mouse for an extended period of time.

We do not take enough breaks.

According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting for long periods of time is linked to a variety of serious medical conditions. Obesity, high blood sugar and cholesterol levels are just a few examples. In addition, sitting in the same position for hours can put pressure on your body, which leads to back and neck pain.

If you are constantly at a desk, try a few minutes of light physical activity every 30 minutes throughout your day. Walking around and stretching will work wonders! Even standing for a couple of minutes at a time lessens the impact of a stationary job.

Incorporate Chiropractic Care

In addition to taking the initiative to build an ergonomic office space, choosing to participate in chiropractic care is a great way to help eliminate pain from your back, shoulder, and neck. Chiropractic treatment involves adjusting the joints. Along with other techniques, chiropractic care specifically offers a better alignment and a stronger, healthier body in general. A long-term benefit of chiropractic care is a body that enjoys greater mobility and fewer aches and pains.

Ergonomic office setup is critical in maintaining a good posture that minimizes strain and repetitive motion injuries. By investing in ergonomically tailored furniture and setting it up to suit your specific needs, you will lessen the harm an office job does to your body.

If you, family or friends suffer from symptoms related to an improperly positioned workstation, give us a call. Our Fargo Chiropractors can help get the symptoms under control as well as guide you toward healthier joints and a healthier working environment.

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