Valuing Spine Health In The Workplace

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People who spend most of their time sitting and staring at the computer are not excused from non-accidental back injuries. Long hours spent slouching in the office chair may eventually take its toll on the body. It is most likely that office chairs are not the best and comfiest to work in from morning until afternoon. Breaks are too short to take long walks to relax the back muscles.

Below are two ways to take care of your spine health in the workplace.

Keep moving

Prolonged static posture is what gets everyone in the office at risk of non-accidental back injuries. Identifying this as the main problem suggests that standing up and stretching from time to time may prevent it from happening. A body that is healthy can only stay in the same position for 20 minutes. Being static for more than 20 minutes is the enemy. Moving the arms and legs even when seated may bring comfort as well.

When standing, avoid slouching. A good standing posture is when a person maintains the natural curve of the spine. Tightening the core muscles and keeping the head directly over the shoulders are just some guidelines how to keep a healthy posture. Maintain this even when walking.

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Sit comfortably

An office chair that mirrors the natural curve of the spine and keeps one sitting straight is an ergonomic office chair. Placing the feet flat to the ground and maintaining the 90-degree angle position of the knees, hips, and elbows is the proper sitting position. Keeping the head in neutral position provides a better view and reach of one’s desk and prevents possible neck problems.

Workplaces must be made safe and comfortable for employees and employers alike. Ergonomic offices keep workers inspired and healthy.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi is an accomplished neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS, or SCS) in selected patients. Dr. Yazdi holds clinic at Tesson Heights Orthopaedic & Arthroscopic Associates, P.C. For similar updates, subscribe to this

Keeping It Straight: Adopting a Good Posture To Alleviate Back Pain

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Back pain doesn’t spare any one based on gender, age, or occupation. While its instant causes, such as an accident, a condition like scoliosis, or a sport-related injury, can be obvious, routine daily activities can also set it off.

Tasks like sitting on a chair in front of a computer or desk for a long period, and lifting and carrying heavy bags repeatedly can produce muscle tightness and tension, leading to back pain. However, the condition can be prevented through exercise and proper posture.

Posture is not exclusive to standing—it is the way a person holds the body in other positions and activities such as sitting, walking, and performing tasks like bending and reaching. Good posture aligns the bones of the spine, preventing. Proper posture also alleviates pain in other body parts like the shoulders, hips, and knees.

Here’s how to practice good posture:

Standing

Stand straight and tall with the shoulders on the back, stomach in, and knees unlocked. Weight must be on the balls of the feet, and the hands must naturally hang on the sides.

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Sitting

The height of the chair must allow the feet to rest flat on the floor. The thighs must also be parallel to the floor. The upper back and neck must be comfortably straight, and the shoulders should be relaxed. Leg crossing should also be avoided.

Practicing good posture might feel unnatural at first, but it will improve and feel second nature over time. Good posture improves appearace and relieves back and body pain.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi, MD is an accomplished neurosurgeon who currently holds clinic at Tesson Heights Orthopaedic & Arthroscopic Associates, P.C. Learn more about his professional work by visiting this LinkedIn page.