How to Avoid Back Pain From Your 9 to 5
The majority of Americans with desk jobs spend upwards of 40 hours per week hunched over a computer. And, with 31 million Americans suffering from back pain at any given time, there is really no surprise that a large portion of our back problems stem from the physical toll our jobs have on us. Therefore, if you are one of those people who either occasionally or regularly suffers from back, shoulder, or neck pain, it may be time to monitor yourself more closely when you're at your desk. Here are a few things you can do in order to mitigate that crippling pain:
Monitor your posture
While you're working at your desk, it's a good idea to regularly stop what you're doing for a moment and go through a mental check-list, making sure that your are maintaining healthy posture. Make sure that your head is up, with your neck right above your shoulders. You shoulders should be back, and your spine should make a straight line from the base of your skull all the way down to your tailbone. You should have your feet planted firmly on the floor, without your legs or ankles crossed.
Take regular breaks
Sitting in a sedentary position for too long can reduce circulation and cause pressure to build on your spinal disks, potentially leading to back pain. In order to avoid this, aim to get up at least once an hour. No need to do laps around your office, either- just taking a walk to the water cooler or to the bathroom can help your body to realign itself, making for a much more comfortable remainder of the work day. You also get bonus points for taking a walk outdoors during your lunch break.
Seek out chiropractic care
Outside of the office, taking preventative measures can help your body to stay healthy and pain-free. One of the best ways to steer clear of back pain is to have regular chiropractic adjustments. Your chiropractic practitioner may be able to help you with regular spinal manipulations, which have the potential to relieve pressure from your spine and joints, and help your body to maintain proper alignment. If you don't quite know where to start, stop into The Joint for a consulation. With a knowledgeable staff, affordable prices, and convenient walk-in hours, you can feel good knowing that you're in great chiropractic hands!