A Pain-Free Workplace

By Donna Stark

It would be easy to blame your boss, clients, and coworkers for all of those headaches you deal with on a daily basis, but deep down, you know they aren't the cause. Because it's not just headaches you are dealing with, is it? You are also experiencing more muscle tension, stiff joints, and pain in your neck, shoulders, and back than ever before and you know it has to do with the amount of sitting your job requires. The bad news is that you can't just get up and quit, but the good news is that there are several things you can do that will dramatically improve the way you feel. Take a look.

Stretch

Stretching throughout the day can help reduce the risk of pain caused by issues such as lower back strains and repetitive motion injuries. It can also help improve your productivity by promoting healthy circulation and increasing muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion. Ask your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic for suggestions on how you can stretch your neck, shoulders, back, forearms, and hands in the most effective way possible.

Proper Screen Placement

The question isn't whether you have heard about ergonomics, but rather if you practice it correctly? Many people still have their computer or laptop screens too low on their desks, which means they are usually hunched over while working. It is critical for the long-term health of your spine that you move your screen where you can keep both your back and head in a neutral position.

Balance Your Body

Even when you are sitting with good posture, favoring one side of your body more than the other can still cause a lot of damage to your body. So, if you are on a handheld phone a lot, opt for a headset instead. Or if your screen is off to one side, change the angle or direction every few weeks. The more balance you bring to your body, the less likely you are to develop pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Stay Hydrated

It's not the people you work with who are causing you pain. You could just be dehydrated. Drinking the recommended amount of water has been shown to relieve headache symptoms when dehydration is the culprit, so fill that water bottle and keep it sitting next to you! Proper hydration also helps to keep your brain functioning and your joints lubricated, so in addition to being able to think more clearly, your body may also be less stiff than it normally is when you get up from that chair!

No Need to Quit

The good news is that you can continue to stay at your job as long as you wish! With just a few modifications to your daily routine, those aches and pains will be long gone and you can get back to work pain-free!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Citrus Heights, Calif.