Office Chairs and Chiropractic for Back Pain
By Paul Rothbart
When you work in an office, you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. While this may seem like it beats lifting cement blocks for a living, all that sitting can be hard on your back. Maintaining good posture is helpful but the chair you choose has a major impact. Many office chairs have all the fun features, they spin, they're on wheels, they go up and down. But how much lumbar support do they have? You need a chair that supports and suits your unique physiology and back. There are some unusual office furniture choices that may help ease your pain. A chiropractor can also help.
A Kneeling Chair
Kneeling chairs don't have a back and the seat is tilted slightly forward. You sit in a semi-kneeling position with your knees bent and your toes on the floor behind you. It may sound like a strange way to sit, but a kneeling chair takes the pressure off your lower back by putting your spine in a neutral position. They take some time to get used to, so you may want to alternate with a regular chair for a few weeks at first.
An Exercise Ball
You might look like you belong in a gym rather than an office but there are benefits for your back by sitting on an exercise ball. Staying balanced requires the use of the core muscles and lower back to continually make minor adjustments. These key muscles will grow stronger over time which is a great way to relieve back pain. Because they don't have a back, an exercise ball also ensures you sit with proper posture.
No Chair at All
Many people with back pain have tried not sitting but rather using a standing desk. Standing engages the core muscles and keeps them strong. If you adjust the desk properly, you will naturally practice good posture in order to reach the desk and work. Standing desks are easy to adjust up and down in case you like to spend part of the day sitting.
See a Chiropractor
No matter how you sit (or stand) while working, seeing a chiropractor can be one of the most effective ways to deal with back pain. A chiropractor is trained to examine your spine and find compressed discs or subluxations that may be causing your pain. Once the problem is found, it can be fixed with an adjustment and your pain relieved.
Working in an office with back pain can be difficult. Choosing a better way to sit can be very helpful. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. With the right chair and regular treatment, your back may feel as good as new.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif.