Back pain is a significant hindrance, and it’s one of the leading causes of disability in the United States, according to the American Chiropractic Association. And while you might think that only blue-collar workers are affected by back pain and spinal health issues, office workers are at risk as well. Sitting for hours on end can lead to poor posture, which can trigger back pain.
Here is how to stop it.
- Seek treatment immediately. SmartCells recently released a blog noting how physical therapists can help improve the pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries. If you hurt your back, do not wait to get help. The sooner you receive treatment, the faster you can get back to work and life.
- Take a collagen supplement. Collagen – and specifically collagen peptides – are powerhouse proteins that play a role in joint health. As Penn Medicine explains, collagen can reduce lower back pain, help you build muscle mass, and ease osteoarthritis symptoms. Add a collagen supplement to your daily routine, and you may be able to prevent premature muscle atrophy and reduce future joint damage.
- Understand ergonomics. Ergonomics is the practice of creating a healthy and functional workspace. Part of this is to ensure that your desk, chair, monitor, and surroundings are in perfect alignment. This can help reduce strain on your spine and keep you more comfortable, both of which will improve productivity and efficiency. To create an ergonomic environment, watch your posture, invest in back support, and, most importantly, choose the right chair, desk, and monitor position.
- Visit the chiropractor. Chiropractors are health professionals that focus not on medicine but on prevention. The vast majority believe that many health conditions, including migraines and blurred vision, are related directly to the health of your spine. A chiropractor can adjust your spine regularly to ensure it stays in the right position. Chiropractic center Arizona Pain acknowledges, however, that chiropractic care is not without risks, so do your research and choose a reputable provider.
- Stretch. Most people stretch first thing upon waking. This is a natural instinct, and the body knows that stretching has many benefits. These include increased blood flow, joint lubrication, and improved range of motion. All of these work together to keep your back, spine, and other moving parts healthy and pain-free. Make stretching a part of your exercise routine, which may also include yoga to further enhance flexibility.
The Reality Of Back Pain
Back pain, contrary to popular belief, is not always caused by trauma. In fact, even healthy and active individuals can experience spinal discomfort. Back problems affect approximately 80% of the population at some point. In the United States, it’s the second most common reason people visit their doctors.
Back pain cannot only make it more difficult to concentrate on work, but it can also disrupt your entire lifestyle. People with chronic upper or lower back pain are often depressed and experience low self-esteem. Chronic pain can also have a negative impact on family and romantic relationships, and it can keep you from enjoying a Sunday drive, an afternoon playing ball with your kids, or even sitting down for a nice dinner. Pain is a quality-of-life issue that you have to address before it upends your entire existence.
Working from the comfort of home does not preclude you from the potential for spinal injuries. Office workers are just as at risk as those who deal with heavy loads. And, when you are working outside of a professional environment, you won’t have HR or your health and safety staff looking over your shoulder to make sure that you’re being safe. It’s up to you, and the above tips, including prioritizing ergonomics and indulging in regular chiropractic adjustments, can help you protect one of your body’s most important features.
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SmartCells: Solutions for Life’s Painful Problems.