Save Your Back As You Commute and Compute!
By Sara Butler
If you spend time in traffic every morning on your way to work and then sit at your computer working all day, you’re effectively handing your back a one-two punch! It doesn’t matter if you get driven to work or drive yourself, if you spend time sitting in your car and then even more time sitting at your desk, it can lead to some serious problems for your back. Here are a few simple chiropractic suggestions from The Joint to help keep your back healthy on your way to work and when you’re there!
Proper Positioning
How do you sit in your car when driving or riding? Are you slumped forward, clutching the wheel or are you sitting back and feeling like you belong right in the middle of a Snoop Dogg video? Well, if one of those positions sounds like you then you’re doing it wrong! When driving you should:
- Make sure your seat is the right height – Do this by making sure your knees aren’t above your hips.
- Align your shoulders with your ears – Your shoulders should be a straight line down from your ears. You don’t want you head to be too far forward or too far back.
- Stretch out before and after – Take a few minutes before you leave to do some gentle stretches and do the same once you get to work. This helps to reduce muscle tension and helps to curb any anxiety you may feel after a commute that might have contained some colorful language.
- Reduce stress when stuck in traffic – When you’re stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and feeling stressed you should try to reduce the tension and stress you’re feeling. Shrug your shoulders when you’re stopped to help shake off tension and think about a lumbar support if your car seat isn’t giving you enough back support.
- Be nice to your back when you sit – You can accomplish this through finding a work chair that provides excellent support for your lower back. Also, keep your feet flat on the ground and check that your computer monitor is at eye level.
- Stand up – At least once an hour when you’re working you should make sure to get up and walk around. Do this more, if you can.
Don't Forget Chiropractic Care!
Another great way to help your spine deal with the stress and strain of your workday is to go see your chiropractor! Regular adjustments at The Joint Chiropractic help to ensure spine health and will help your back to stay strong in the face of all that computing and commuting!