How to Eliminate Neck Pain at Work
By Sara Butler
A lot of people make a living sitting behind a desk. If you’re one of them, then you’ve probably experienced neck pain at some point. When you sit in front of a computer screen all day, shoulders hunched forward and deadlines looming, it can do a number on your shoulders and neck. The chiropractors at The Joint can help you to eliminate neck pain at work, just follow a few of these tips!
Sit Up
The longer you sit in one position, the more likely you are to slump forward, craning your head toward the monitor of your computer. The more your head moves forward, the more stress and strain is placed on your shoulders and neck from the weight of your head. This is a huge source of discomfort for people who work at desks, so make sure you’re keeping your ears over your shoulders and attempting to sit up straight.
Stretch
Once in a while, you have to get up and move around. Try to set a reminder on your computer or your phone at least once an hour to remind you to get up, stretch, and maybe walk to the bathroom or the drinking fountain. This will help to break you out of the posture you’ve been sitting in for a while. Stretch your arms, your chest, your back, and your legs. It only takes a couple of minutes and you’ll feel much better for it. If you need some stretches to do at your desk, ask the chiropractors at The Joint the next time you’re in for an adjustment.
Consider Standing
Many offices now offer workstations where you can sit and stand throughout the course of the day. This isn’t a bad idea since standing helps you to keep your body moving and blood flowing. Talk to your chiropractor about how to set up your standing workstation for postural success.
Keep Your Elbows In
If you use a computer at work, make sure to keep your elbows in close to your body. This helps to keep your shoulders relaxed since your arms can hang at your sides. It helps to make a big difference in how your shoulders and neck feel at the end of the day.
If you don’t use a computer at work, make sure to arrange the things you use at your desk close to your body to minimize the amount of reaching you do during the day. This helps to take the stress and strain off your upper back and shoulders.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Magnolia, Tex.