The modern workplace requires you to sit for long periods, facing nothing but your computer screen. This is further exacerbated by never-ending to-do lists, making walking around to stretch impossible. You likely only have enough time for lunch and bathroom breaks, just to get things done. While sitting around all day may seem like you’re far from the chances of suffering from any form of physical injury, a sedentary lifestyle ups your risk for a number of physical problems.
Sitting around all day is never good for your overall health, especially since you’ll likely be sitting in a rather unsupported chair, where your back is forced into awkward positions of slumping. In turn, your spine is always placed at odd positions, further affected by how you hold your head and arms to type, read, and essentially accomplish tasks. You may be unaware, but these occurrences will likely be the culprits behind your aches and pains—ignoring them will result in serious injuries.
To learn more about stressed-induced office injuries, here is a quick guide for you. A little knowledge goes a long way, particularly when it comes to knowing how to prevent them from happening:
Office Injury #1: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is a common office injury, which develops due to excessive typing on a computer. It happens due to excessive pressure placed on the wrist, especially if it is used in a way that repeatedly and aggravates the pressure demand. Using your wrists at certain angles can also add to the development, making it common for office workers. Here are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Burning and tingling on the palms and fingers
- Numbness and tingling in the morning, felt from the hand up to the shoulder
- Fingers numbing in the middle of the night
Office Injury #2: Lower back pain
Excessive and repetitive sit-down jobs place individuals at risk of developing recurring back pain. Sitting all day places too much pressure on the spine, back, and buttocks, essentially compelling your muscles to work harder for support. You’ll also likely be slumping and slouching, which then places pressure on the spine’s alignment. All these pressures combined causes your muscles and ligaments to overwork, leaving you with lower back pain and discomfort that won’t seem to go away.
Office Injury #3: Neck and shoulder pain
Neck and shoulder pains are closely tied to lower back pains, as it often results from improper postures. Sitting too long and in an uncomfortable chair not only affects your back but causes office injuries surrounding your neck and shoulder. It can also happen as a result of placing your keyboard and documents far away, as this prompts you to lean inward to get a good look at your work.
What can you do?
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: In an effort to alleviate the symptoms, it’s best to create a workstation that will accommodate your wrist. You need to be as comfortable as possible, where your typing cannot interfere with the condition any further. Decrease the slope of your keyboard, and if possible, invest in a thinner one.
- Lower back pain: Maintain a properly supported workstation by investing in a lumbar support chair, which should come with arm support for the best results. A lumbar pillow can also help, as this helps relieve the pressure in the lumbar spine, thereby impeding the development of aches and pains.
- Neck and shoulder pain: Good posture is paramount to alleviating neck and shoulder pain, as with ensuring that your chair height is proportional to your desk. Take some time off to complete neck and shoulder stretches throughout the day, but if it gets worse, opt to take over the counter pain medications.
Seeking Help from Professional Chiropractors
The solutions listed above can only do so much, especially if you’re working a job that requires sitting for hours on end, juggling words and numbers. The most stressful days will likely cause you to forget about engaging with the necessary postures and support, but what can you do to enjoy a long-lasting relief? The answer is simple—enlist the help of a chiropractor!
If you’re on the hunt for the best chiropractor for back pain and other office-related injuries, Keystone Chiropractic is the place to go. We have been voted as the no.1 Best chiropractic clinic in Plano and Frisco, so we’ll help ensure that you only get the best results. Book an appointment today!
