Overcoming Your Desk Job for Spinal Health
By Sara Butler
So many jobs require working at a computer, which requires working at a desk. It’s so easy to get caught up in a project that -- before you know it -- hours have passed and you’ve been sitting in the same position the entire time. That’s not good for you back, your neck, your shoulders, your spinal health, and your overall health. Here are suggestions from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic to help you overcome your desk job and improve your spinal health.
What Happens When You Sit All Day?
Sitting all day may not seem like it’s difficult for you, but it is. Not getting up at least every once in a while to move around and stretch can have some serious side effects on your health, such as:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Weak abdominal muscles
- Poor posture
- Strained neck muscles
- Tight hip muscles
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer
- Poor circulation
Sitting all day has been referred to as the new smoking and judging by these side effects, it’s easy to see how it earned that title.
Getting Active at Work
To combat the impact of sitting all day to keep yourself healthy, you need to get up and move. But it’s also important to think about your spine in the process. After all, your central nervous system -- of which your spine is a large part -- is essential to normal functioning and health. When you’re sitting you should:
- Keep your shoulders relaxed
- Resist the urge to lean forward
- Keep your feet flat on the floor
- Keep your arms in a neutral position, not spread out too far
You may want to consider using a standing desk for at least part of your work day and get an ergonomic expert in to take a look at your setup and make sure it’s working to support your health.
See the Chiropractor
The chiropractors at The Joint can help to keep you free from joint restriction and dysfunction, helping your body to work optimally, keeping you healthy in the process. Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, and effective way to help combat the effects of sitting all day at work on your body. The chiropractors at The Joint can assess your posture and overall health, give you tips on corrections to make throughout the day, and even offer you simple exercises and stretches to help keep you at your very best.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mukilteo, Wash.