Keeping back pain at bay is relatively simple task when you are at home. Just laying down, taking a hot shower, or relaxing can stop back pain in its tracks. The challenge is, what do you do to make it through the day at work? Here are a few quick tricks to help.
1. Computer Monitor Height
Most people slouch at the computer due to poor ergonomic setup. If you have to hunch over to view your computer screen, it may be too low. Make sure your screen is at eye level. This is particularly important if you use a laptop and have neck pain.
2. Chair selection
Chairs that are built more like a recliner have a tendency to allow you to round your lower back when you sit in them. Relying on lumbar cushions or kneeling varieties of chairs usually just contribute to making you lazy. Just like wearing contacts eases the tension on your eye muscles, thus making them weaker over time, not sitting upright can cause weakness in your lower back muscles too.
3. Movement Intervals
Sitting for long periods of time decreases blood flow into your lower back. Getting up every hour to move around, even if its for a short trip to the water fountain and a few light stretches can do wonders. This short break will allow you to decompress your spinal discs, improve hydration, and get blood flowing through your lower back muscles.
These simple tricks are very easy to do, require very little to remember, but are VERY effective at helping you in keeping your back pain at bay at work.
