Is My Job Causing Frequent Back Pain?
You notice that your back is killing you at the end of the workday, but you can’t quite pinpoint what’s causing it. Could your job be at the root of it? We look into that question here.
When you think of workplace injuries, you might think of more dangerous occupations like construction or any job that requires operating heavy machinery. But did you know that simply sitting at your desk and typing can lead to debilitating back and neck injuries?
Here are five tips for optimizing your workspace for long-term back and neck health from our team of experts at AllCare Chiropractic.
Prolonged sitting and poor posture can strain your body’s muscles, tendons, joints, spine, and nerves. Ergonomic chairs offer customizable options to support your back, arms, wrists, and hips to help prevent injuries from occurring.
Make the most of your ergonomic chair by sitting so your hips are as far back in the chair as possible. Adjust your armrests and keep your feet flat on the floor when seated. To maintain proper alignment, remove the armrests if they’re in the way or use a footstool if you’re short.
Staring at a computer screen all day can make your eyes tired, but having your screen at an incorrect height can also cause pain in your neck and back. To prevent neck or back injuries, adjust your screen to align properly with your line of sight.
If your office or desk space is a bit cramped, clear out some room to move around if possible. Removing items from under or around your desk can help you sit comfortably, unobstructed.
Your focus and determination while on the clock are commendable, but you may be doing yourself more harm than good if you work through your breaks.
Remaining in one position for too long can wreak havoc on your musculoskeletal system, so give yourself opportunities to get up and move. Setting reminders and scheduling time to stretch your legs can help prevent injuries from developing.
Repetitive movements, such as typing or clicking a mouse, can cause a common condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. If you find yourself wincing in pain when you grab objects, or if pain shoots through your forearm as you type, you may have this painful problem.
Place your keyboard below your desk to better align with your body to prevent pain from developing, or lessen existing pain, in your wrists and hands.
No matter if you work from your home or at the office, creating an ergonomic workspace should be at the top of your to-do list. Give yourself the best possible gift of health by optimizing the place you spend a big chunk of your time.
If you’d like more tips for workspace optimization, call us or use our handy online tool to schedule an appointment with AllCare Chiropractic today.
