Professionals often get lost in their work while in the zone working on a project. It’s better to take steps before getting into this zone to prevent future back aches. Here is a short list of tips to avoid a bad back around the office:
- Move your key board and mouse closer to you, The further your elbows are away from your body the more strain it puts on your upper back and shoulders. While it seems like that small amount of strain wouldn’t cause issues, doing it for 8 hours every day adds up.
- Take a walk. Sitting for extended amounts of time is not good for blood flow or your back. Try every 30mins to change position or take a small walk.
- Hold your phone to your ear. Often we type while talking, resting the phone on our shoulder. This is extremely hard on your neck, if you have to type while talking look for hands free talking options.
- Picking a chair that is not to high or to low is also important, as well as the support. You do not want your wrist to be flexed (palm towards wrist) too much or it closes down on the carpal tunnel. You want to find a chair that is comfortable when your lower back is all the way against the back of the chair. Do not slouch into it.
- Switching from sitting to standing is also a good strategy. If your work allows a standing desk this could be a good option to rotate between sitting and standing.
Coming in for an adjustment and to discuss more home/office tips is one of the best things you can do to help your back stay pain free.
