We’ve all been there. Working at a computer for too long is bound to cause a backache. One of the reasons could be that computer tasks are rarely a quick ordeal and it’s easy to sit at one for hours on end.
Most people are working at a computer for their job or find themselves completing a lot of daily tasks on a computer, whether it’s paying bills, working on the budget, or shopping for a gift for a loved one. There are already enough things in life trying to work against your back health, so don’t let your computer work be one of them. Here is a look at how to avoid back pain from your desk job in the future.
Facing the facts
You may be tempted to believe that you can avoid back pain because you’ve purchased a really great chair or that the pain you have is related to your mattress or fitness routine. Back pain from computer pain is common and not going anywhere, but you can lessen the damage and even prevent it all together.
Start with an ergonomics assessment of your current setup to see how badly you are being affected and be willing to accept the fact that computer work and desk jobs are going to cause you back pain unless you go out of your way to avoid.
Complete an assessment to see if that is the cause of the back pain by simply checking to see if you have to reach your elbow more than 90 degrees to use your mouse and keyboard. Leaning forward in the chair towards the screen or using a chair that isn’t adjustable could be the main source of your problems.
Why it’s hard to avoid
The main reason that people struggle to avoid back pain when working at a computer or a desk job is that it’s easy to forget to take breaks. Unless you are aware of your fitness needs day in and out, you are likely sitting at a computer for hours on end, only stopping for a restroom break or lunch. For some, even their desk chair lacks an arm rest to allow for any kind of break and rest. It’s important to take breaks not only for your back, but also for your eyes that are staring at a screen, your skin that craves sunlight, and your hands that type and click.
How to prevent this problem
If you’re ready to make a change and avoid back pain in the future at your desk job or during computer work, start by getting the proper chair that will help with you ergonomically. Start sitting up straighter at your desk and change your muscle activation patterns. Make sure you are working on good joint function in the spine using your nervous system, so that you can avoid spasms or flaccidity when your spine is in need of support.
The best thing you can do is to see your chiropractor regularly for an adjustment. Your adjustments will make sure your spine is moving better, the tension is lessened on your nervous system, and to find out if you are damaging your back without realizing it. Your chiropractor can adjust you in order to allow you to sit up with better posture for longer periods of time without becoming tired as quickly.
You can’t avoid back pain with your desk job, but you can make a huge difference by becoming aware of what harms your back and taking the steps to prevent and treat pain. Use this guide to make sure you are staying safe in front of the computer.
