Stop suffering lower back pain
Performing daily work activities such as sitting at a desk, doing manual labor, or standing for long periods of time can lead to bad posture. Habitual bad posture in the workplace can lead to severe back and neck pain and could potentially damage spinal structures. According to recent studies by the American Chiropractic Center, 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain at any given time and it is the most common reason for missed work. Along with physical effects, studies have also shown that unaddressed bad posture can lead to depression, lack of energy, and increased stress. Here are three tips to help improve your posture at work.
- Be aware of your posture
Self-awareness is the first and most important tip on this list. For most of us when we are doing our day-to-day activities we are not aware of our posture because we have become accustomed to hunching over our desks or bending our heads over our handheld devices. So at work, if you catch yourself slouching in your chair, be mindful to sit up straight and to keep your body aligned by aligning your ears, shoulders, and hips in one vertical line. If you have a job where you stand for long periods on end make sure you wear supportive footwear that supports the arch of your feet; make sure you stand on your whole foot rather than just your heels.
- Set up your work area properly
Position your desktop or laptop where the view angle is raised so that you don’t have to hunch over. You can do this by adjusting the height of your monitor or purchasing a stand for your laptop. Adjust the height of your office chair to a position where you can comfortably set your feet on the floor and use a cushion for extra support for your back if needed.
- Move your body often
Remaining stagnant in the same position for several hours is straining the body. Take time to get up, walk around and stretch your legs. Do some shoulder shrugs and neck rolls to release tension and keep your body loose. Incorporating motion in your work schedule helps increase blood flow and also improves efficiency and concentration.
Try to implement some or all of these tips into your work life. Gradually making these changes to improve your posture at work can have benefits for your overall health and can increase your work productivity. You might also like to read: How to Stay Active at Work, All About Workers Compensation, and 4 Work Environment Changes That Will Increase Productivity in the Office.
