Almost everyone on Earth is familiar with the technology. Computers, mobile phones, and tablets are the most widely used tech items in a person’s everyday life. Working in an environment where it is necessary to work long hours sitting in a static state, at some point, most people will develop a backache. Spine related issues are usually caused by more than five to six hours of sitting and affect the spine, neck, shoulders, and eyes. Generally, some dull pain appears first, and then it aggravates into sharp spinal discomfort accompanied by pain and irritation.
Sometimes people face difficulties in day-to-day movements due or while maintaining a straight posture. One study says that half the people who have computer-bound jobs face these symptoms.
Here are some simple precautionary measures to avoid spine-related problems.
Don’t Stay Static
Staying in a static position for long hours is the root cause of the spinal pain faced by regular computer users. The best technique one can follow is to get up periodically. Every 30 minutes, stand up and gently stretch your limbs for five minutes. This simple motion improves blood flow in the whole body.
Cut Mobile Usage
One should not add further burden to the neck by bending downwards to view mobile screens. This head position indirectly hurts the spine adding to the load already experienced by long work hours.
Workstation Modifications
Don’t stretch too far to reach a mouse or keyboard, nor sit in a slouchy manner. Using lumbar supports help a lot for people with lower spine problems. Adjust the chair height keeping eye level in line with the computer screen. When seated, retract the shoulder blades and have the whole back in comfortable contact with the chair. With these adjustments, one can effectively work for long hours without the risk of pain or spinal injury.
Take Breaks – Go Walk
Pain starts with immobility. One should take regular breaks from work and utilize that time to walk. Use stairs instead of an elevator to move around the workplace. This movement will have a positive impact on overall health, and the body will readjust itself, eventually restoring spine health.
What to do if You Have Spine Pain?
First, review all the ergonomic features of the work conditions, including the chair, screen, back support, lumbar support, footrest, workspace ventilation, lighting conditions, etc.
Next, seek pain relief from a doctor or through alternative methods like chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, or medical-massage.
If you are experiencing spine, shoulder, or lower-back related problems, contact Preston Chiropractic and Acupuncture for a consultation. Call 919-238-5040 to schedule an appointment.