How to Make Your Job Spine-Friendly
By Donna Stark
Of course, you need a job if you want to pay your bills on time, but you also need a spine-friendly workspace if you want to maintain optimal health and wellness. But what does it mean to have a spine-friendly job? Well, it means if you are sitting a lot or standing at work, you need to prioritize workplace ergonomics. Take a look at the following suggestions on how to do so from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.
Fix Your Chair and Your Posture
The best way to immediately fix your posture is to adjust the chair you use. Modify the height and armrests so that your arms can reach the desk and your legs can touch the floor while being bent at 90-degree angles. Make sure you are sitting straight and tall, and that the back of the chair supports your lower spine. If, after all the modifications are made you still can't reach the floor, grab a footrest to use.
Place Well-Used Objects Within Reach
The point of sitting in the right position is to keep your body from resting or moving awkwardly, so make sure all the equipment you use regularly is well within your reach. You shouldn't need to lean over your chair to use your phone or to reach over your shoulder to grab the files your coworkers want. Do your body a favor by keeping everything close by.
Keep Monitors at Eye Level
Are you presently sitting higher or lower than your computer monitor? And if so, are you constantly straining your neck and shoulders to see what is on the screen? You can reduce a lot of the pain and discomfort you are feeling by simply placing your monitors at eye level. Try to keep them from being too close to your face as well.
Stand With Ease
If you don't work at a desk and must stand for long periods of time, make sure you are implementing the suggestions below.
- Invest in a standing mat
- Wear shoes that offer plenty of support
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
- Soften your knees
- Take frequent breaks throughout the day
Visit The Joint Chiropractic
You may also want to consider getting a chiropractic adjustment at The Joint Chiropractic before you put the suggestions above in place because there is no better way to improve your sitting and standing posture than to start with a clean slate! So, come on in today! You'll not only feel better but your chiropractor may have more suggestions to share as well!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Temecula, Calif.