Welcome back to the Connected Chiropractic blog. If you work at an office and sit in front of a computer screen all day, this can have serious implications on the health of your neck and back. It is extremely easy to fall into the habit of sitting hunched over in your chair while you squint at the computer screen for eight hours or more every single day. As your trusted local chiropractor in Johnstown, we have some tips that you can apply to your daily routine to help improve the health of your back while working at the office. Please continue reading below to learn more.
Take Breaks To Stretch
Working at a computer all day can really do a number on your back. As people type, they don’t always think about their posture, and will often sit in awkward positions that may feel comfortable at the time, but will become painful later on. What’s more, as the stresses of the day build up, your shoulders may be squished up under your lobes by the time five o’clock rolls around. This can lead to intense neck and shoulder pain and may contribute to painful tension headaches or migraines that start at the base of the skull due to tense muscles. Try to make time to stretch your neck and shoulders throughout the day. One stretch to try is to move your chin towards your neck slowly, and then gently roll your head from the center to the right, back to center, and then to the left. You should feel a stretch down your neck and into your shoulders and upper back. This will help ease muscle tension.
Get Up And Walk
Nobody will ever fault someone for wanting to work continuously throughout the day to reach their goals. However, all work and no movement can lead to back discomfort that will follow you home. Getting your blood flowing can help replenish your muscles with oxygen and nutrients, so get up every hour or so and take a short walk. Whether you walk to get water, to get a snack, or to take a few laps around the office, your back will thank you! What’s more, taking a step away from your desk and getting the circulation going can improve focus, creativity, and brain function, which can make your work even better!
Drink Plenty Of Water
Hydration is essential for improving your back health. The human body is made up of about 60 percent water, which means it needs to be replenished regularly to function properly. While it may not seem possible for you to become dehydrated while working at your desk, you absolutely can. Without the replenishment of oxygen and nutrients that water provides the tissues in your body, there is nothing to flush out the airborne toxins that are prevalent in the environment. These toxins can make their way into your system and latch on to your muscles. Staying hydrated at work helps the body flush toxins that can tire your muscles, weaken your immune system, and contribute to back pain.
Schedule Regular Chiropractic Care
One way you can reduce back pain caused by working at your desk is to schedule regular chiropractic treatments with your local chiropractor in Johnstown. Your chiropractor can adjust your spine to maintain proper nerve function to encourage your body to heal from back pain. If you would like to schedule an appointment for chiropractic care, call Connected Chiropractic today.
Tune in for part two as we continue looking at more ways to improve your back health while at work.