Is Your Computer Causing Your Back Problems?

By Stepy Kamei

If you've ever had back pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. It's bad enough to experience an occasional bout of back pain, let alone have it turn into a chronic condition. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence for many people, and it's one of the top causes of visits to the doctor every year. Back pain can strike you regardless of your age, health history, or lifestyle. However, there are certain factors that increase, or decrease, the likelihood of developing back pain. For one thing, healthcare professionals such as chiropractors are noticing a connection between certain habits and how they seem to link to increased back problems. Specifically, patients who spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer are often more likely to report issues with back discomfort.

How Does Computer Time Equal Back Pain?

If you start to think about it, this shouldn't be very surprising. Have you ever had to stop what you were doing on the computer to roll your shoulders or your neck? This is the result and natural response of your neck and back muscles stiffening up. After all, the hunched up position we take in front of computers isn't natural. It actually strains the muscles in your body in order to continue supporting your head in such an unnatural position. Even after just a few minutes, this pressure can really start to strain the muscles uncomfortably. Therefore, you can imagine what kind of damage this can do as a result of regularly sitting in front of a computer for hours on end. Over time, more and more areas of your body need to work hard to help support your already-strained muscles -- including your lower back.

Given the fact that many people work in front of a computer five days a week, it's easy to see why this is a problem that can't be ignored. It also doesn't help that sitting in front of a TV can have similar effects on the body.

Chiropractic Can Help

This may sound like dire news, especially for those who work in an office setting, but there are ways to combat this issue. There are simple strategies you can work into your everyday routine in order to minimize damage to your muscles and spine. Stretching, taking frequent breaks, and staying hydrated are all easy ways to help prevent muscle strain from too much screen time.

Seeing a doctor of chiropractic on a regular basis can also be a great way to improve your defenses against muscle strain and back pain. Chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic understand how to help the body function in a natural and holistic manner. Our chiropractors use manual manipulation techniques to help encourage proper alignment of the spine and body. This can bring safe and natural relief from back pain.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gahanna, Ohio.