Too Much Sitting Targets You for Back Pain
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us have work grooves that seem perfectly natural, but they involve a lot of sitting. As deadlines roll ahead, it’s easy to rack up 8 to 12 hours per day, hunched over a desk. In the process, you may slouch down or lean forward for hours at a time, putting way too much pressure on your spine.
If you notice stiffness in the morning and twinges of back pain at the end of the day, your spine may be sending you warning signals.
According to Harvard Health, 54 percent of Americans with lower back pain spend most of their workday sitting. In 2016, American adults accumulated $213 billion in costs for treatment and lost work time that involved back or related joint issues, according to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative Report.
Finding Answers to Avoid Pain
Taking steps to avoid back pain can be as simple as seeing The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint doctors of chiropractic are well equipped to help you keep your back healthy.
Our spines house the central nervous system that makes everything we do possible. Keeping the spine healthy keeps us healthy, too. A gentle, targeted spinal adjustment may bring you pain relief and an overall sense of well-being. Many people also report sleeping better, feeling more energetic, and thinking more clearly.
As you evaluate your results, you may find weekly 15-minute adjustments keep you at your peak and help you protect your back with your chiropractor's help.
Harvard Health suggests some key steps
Rethink sitting – Researchers say the best sitting position is one that keeps changing, reducing the pressure on the same parts of the spine, and spreading it out. Consider using an alternate standing position for part of your work, and post reminders for hourly breaks. Then break up sitting sessions. When you are on the phone, move around, when you are in a discussion, stand up. When you have a break, head outside and take a walk.
Fix your posture – Check a three-way mirror to see where you are slouching. Your chiropractor can supply good posture exercises and evaluate your workplace and workspace. Make sure your chair provides good back support and sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your monitor at eye level, and your knees slightly higher than your hips.
Pull everything together – As you learn how to protect your spine, eat healthy to stay trim, don’t smoke, and stay active in the evenings and on the weekends.
Start now to protect your back. Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Learn more about the affordable healthcare plans that require no insurance, and the flexible weekend and evening hours. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractici in Atlanta, Ga.