Unfortunately for those who suffer from chronic back pain, the workplace can often become an unavoidable source of our woes. There are a variety of daily activities a professional in any field must do that can lead to stiff joints and achy muscles.
Usually, construction or blue-collar work that requires lifting and operating heavy machinery can lead to this problem. However, long hours behind the desk and long daily commutes can also cause back pain. Work is not something that can be done away with, so the best way to deal with work-related back pain is to take certain steps to minimize and manage it.
Here’s what you can do:
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Correct your posture
The best thing you can do to protect and preserve your back is to correct your posture. If you are sitting for extended periods of time, make sure you are sitting in the correct position. Avoid spending too long working on your laptop, as this requires your neck to be bent. Find the right height of your chair and the monitor so that you don’t have to look up or down at it. Don’t lean forward while typing, and keep your mouse close to you so that your arm does not have to be extended. If the work you do requires standing for long hours at a time, you should learn about the proper distribution of weight in your body to avoid sore knees, backs, and joints.
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Attend regular therapy session
For those who have severe back pain, attending regular physiotherapy can be a godsend. There are many massage therapy options in Salt Lake City, Utah, who can help your stiff muscles relax after a particularly long day at work. Some people also try out other treatments, such as acupuncture or meditation to relax these muscles and deal with pain.
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Get ergonomic furniture
If at all possible, try to replace the furniture you use in the workplace. Some people even bring their own chairs from home. You can use a standing desk to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Choose a chair that has proper back support, and matches the curves of your spine. It should be able to recline backward to accommodate your body. As always, adjust the chair’s height so that your feet rest flat on the ground.
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Take regular breaks
The least you can do to give your back a very necessary break is to get up from your chair from time to time and walk around. While you go for a walk, get in some stretches and light workouts that are good for your back. If your office has a breakroom, make use of the space to do stretches. Simply standing up and moving around can also help.
Before you take any measures, it is always best to get in touch with a doctor who can help diagnose any underlying problems and give their professional advice. With proper care and patience, even severe back pain can be reduced to a mild ache. The most important thing to remember is to always keep moving.
