Chiropractic Tips for Working at a Desk
By Paul Rothbart
Desk work has been around since, well, since the invention of desks. We've come a long way since monks painstakingly inscribed texts on parchment with a quill. With the advent of computer technology and the internet, many more desk jobs were created. There are a huge number of people who work from an office or at home while sitting at a desk. It's nice to be comfortable indoors and not have to deal with weather or physical labor. You can do damage to your body, generally the back and neck, while working at a desk. This often causes pain and can lead to more serious problems. You need to take the necessary steps to avoid this.
Align Your Monitor
One of the most important aspects of setting up a desk workspace is the alignment of your monitor. If you have to tilt your head up, down, or to the side to view it, it can place a curve in your neck that over time, can create problems that lead to pain. Your monitor should be set at eye level so that you can view it with your head up and eyes straight forward. Get a monitor stand or find some books or a piece of wood to place it on if you need to elevate it. This also works for a laptop.
Choose a Good Chair
Your back is also vulnerable when sitting at a desk for long periods. Leaning forward can put an unnatural curve in the spine causing the same types of problems that can occur in your neck. It's difficult to sit with a perfectly straight back for hours. This is why you need a chair that provides lumbar support and can keep you in a proper position with good posture. Adjust the height of your chair so that you sit with your knees bent at 90-degree angles and both feet flat on the floor. Use a lumbar pillow if you need one to support your lower back. No matter how well set up your workspace is, take frequent breaks where you get up and move around and even do some stretching.
See a Chiropractor
To make sure your properly set up workstation is doing its job, try seeing a chiropractor. If you do have any subluxations or other problems in your neck or back, they will be discovered in an examination. The chiropractor can then make adjustments to relieve any pain you may be experiencing and prevent further damage. Anyone who works at a desk for a living may be able to benefit from regular chiropractic care.
There are more desk jobs than ever out there and they suit many people perfectly. It's important to protect your back and neck. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. You may find that regularly seeing a chiropractor, combined with a proper workspace helps prevent back and neck pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.