Set Up Your Office for a Healthy Back
By Paul Rothbart
Whether at home or in a building someplace, thanks to the computer age, more people than ever work in an office. This generally involves spending long periods of time sitting at a desk in front of a monitor and using a keyboard. It can be a very good way to make a living. Many people find it pleasant. Although you are safely inside and out of the elements and you generally don't have to do any heavy lifting, there are still many ways to injure yourself and cause pain. From poor posture to repetitive strain injuries, office workers are at risk. The risk can be reduced by setting up your workspace properly and seeing a chiropractor.
Set Up Your Workspace
Much of the pain suffered by office workers is due to awkward neck and back angles as well as improper placement of the hands and wrists while typing. You can avoid this by setting up a proper workspace. Set your monitor at a height where you are looking at the top when viewing straight ahead. This will keep your head up and neck straight, avoiding strain. A quality office chair with good lumbar support is a great asset to protect your back. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can reduce strain on your wrists and lessen the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Keep your chair adjusted along with your monitor. You want your feet flat on the floor and your wrists straight when using the keyboard.
Practice Good Posture
A proper office setup will help you maintain good posture which is essential to avoiding injury and pain. Sitting with your back straight, head up, and shoulders back can reduce the risk of compressed discs and subluxations that can be very painful. Keep your wrists on the edge of the desk while typing and don't bend them up or down. Get up and move around frequently. Continue to practice good posture while standing and walking. It will eventually become automatic.
See a Chiropractor
One of the best things an office worker can do to relieve pain and lessen the risk of injury is to make regular chiropractic visits. An examination will reveal any subluxations or other problems in the neck, back, and joints. The chiropractor can make adjustments to fix the issues and relieve any pain. Many people also find that they sleep better and manage stress more easily, both of which can also improve health.
Working in an office all day can cause injuries that may be painful. Proper posture and a well-setup workplace can help lessen that risk. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed and you may find that seeing a chiropractor regularly is an asset in avoiding office injuries and pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carrollton, Ga.