There used to be a time when back pain was largely the result of lengthy hours of physical labor in which we were called upon to lift and twist throughout the duration of the day and the workweek. Now we have the opposite problem. As much of the American workforce has gotten cozy in office jobs, it’s a lack of activity that is wreaking havoc on our spines, creating the need for such procedures as a microdiscectomy for bulging disc.
This is because our backs simply aren’t used to remaining prone for such extended periods of time. Not helping matters is the fact that, even when we’re sitting down, so many of us fail to leave our backs in a position that wards off potential injuries. As you get sucked into work, the tendency is to hunch forward, taking your spine away from the straight line that can improve posture and stave off damage.
We also often fail to set our workspaces up in a way that will work for health rather than against it. Too many desks find a user reaching awkwardly for their keyboard and their mouse and extending their arms repeatedly to reach out-of-the-way office supplies. Chairs are kept at a level that further encourages unsafe practices.
Thankfully, something can be done. A new report out of the United Kingdom offers some insights on the environmental factors that play into back pain as well as what can be done to reduce the potential for future injuries. You should keep this information in mind as you go about your life.
First off, try not to put yourself at an immediate disadvantage by the way you sit. Invest in a chair that offers some kind of ergonomic support. When you’re sitting, be sure that you raise your chin and keep your back straight. Helping matters in this regard will be positioning your computer so that you don’t have to look down at it. If you can look straight on at the screen, you won’t feel the need to hunch forward and compromise your back. And don’t prop your feet up, as this will also impede good posture.
Even if you have the perfect setup, though, you’re still going to be in trouble if you’re forced to remain in one position for the duration of the day. Make sure that you get up and on your feet every couple of hours. Walk around for a little while, and during these shorts breaks, think about giving yourself the opportunity to stretch and even jog.
Finally, when you feel a twinge in your back that is undermining your enjoyment of the day, make sure to visit a spine specialist so that you can be certain you’re getting the care necessary to maintain good health now and into the future.