4 Tips Chiropractic Patients Can Use While Working at a Desk
Seriously, while not really trying to commit murder, our computer, desk, office chair and keyboard are not our friends. We spend hours each day sitting, typing, staring at the computer screen, and this inactivity is wreaking havoc on our health in numerous ways.
First, most of us sit incorrectly
Goldilocks knew what she was doing when it came to carefully selecting the right bed. Similarly, most of us could benefit from her example by being choosy about our office chair. Often times, we cause excess stress and pressure on our neck, shoulders, and back from the way we sit in our inadequate, unfitting, and under-supportive office chairs.
According to OSHA, a person who spends time at their computer needs to choose an adjustable chair that supports the back, buttocks, legs, and arms. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day as well. An ergonomically adjusted chair minimizes the occurrences of awkward, strained positions that frequently cause injury.
Along with the way we sit, our office jobs are killing us because…
Our desks are laid out all wrong
Even with a great chair, a desk that is the wrong height can cause a person to repetitively move and bend awkwardly during the day and injure themselves or strain a muscle. Anyone who sits behind a desk needs to make certain it is the right height to comfortably reach the computer keyboard and all pertinent supplies are within a comfortable reach. Add a foot rest to decrease the stress on the lower back. Ergonomically positioning a desk offers greater comfort and less stress on a person's body.
We also type wrong
Using the keyboard incorrectly can cause tons of painful medical conditions from neck and back issues to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The keyboard should sit at elbow height. Reduce the strain on your hands by keeping them in as natural a position as possible, holding your wrists up even with the backs of your hands. Avoid banging the keys by typing softly, which alleviates the stress on your fingers.
A computer mouse should be situated close to the keyboard, and it's essential to keep the hand in a neutral position when using it. Avoid resting your hand on the mouse for an extended period of time.
Not taking breaks
According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting for long periods of time is linked to a variety of serious medical conditions from obesity to high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels. Sitting in the same position for hours can put pressure on the back and neck and result in acute to chronic pain in these regions.
Break up sitting every 30 minutes by standing and walking around and stretching, if possible. Even standing for a couple of minutes at a time lessens the impact of a sedentary job and its good for your waistline to not be seated all day long, so break up the monotony! If you need a doctor's note at work to do so, your doctor of chiropractic should not mind writing this sort of note--it's a very common type of patient request.
In addition to taking the initiative to build an ergonomic office space, choosing to participate in chiropractic care is a great way to help eliminate pain from back, shoulder, hip, and neck strain. Chiropractic treatment involves adjusting the spine, along with other techniques, offering better alignment in particular and a stronger, healthier body in general. One long-term benefit of chiropractic care is a body that enjoys greater mobility and fewer aches and pains.
An ergonomic office setup is critical in maintaining a good posture that minimizes strain and repetitive motion injuries. By investing in ergonomically tailored furniture and setting it up to suit your specific needs, you will lessen the harm an office job does to your body.
If you or a co-worker suffer from symptoms related to an improperly positioned workstation or unavailable equipment needs, give Millar Chiropractic a call. Our doctors can get your symptoms under control as well as guide you toward a healthier overall body with fewer pains and strains and more mobility. We can even give you tips on your new work environment! We're here to help. Call the Millar Chiropractic Appointment Center at (256) 830-0000 for an appointment near you.
Millar Chiropractic Clinics - Huntsville, AL
