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How To Deal With Back Pain At The Office

5th October, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Back pain is one of the most common complaints in the office. When one considers the dynamics of the human body, this should come as no surprise. The lower back hold up to about 400 pounds of pressure on an average person who is sitting in an office chair. When one sits in the wrong kind of chair or in the wrong position for hours on end, he or she is going to have back pain. The only way to correct this is to make corrections in the way one sits, the type of chair being used, and how practicing good health habits.

The way a person sits can prevent or cause back injuries. Correct posture is the key here. In order to provide the necessary support, a person needs to have the low part of their back against the back of the chair to give it the support it needs. A lumbar roll or rolled up towel can help keep the spine aligned while one is sitting. The back of the head needs to be lifted up, along with the breastbone to give the back even more support. An ergonomic chair can help provide options for moving things to give the body the most support.

Even the position of the arms, hands and wrists can cause extra pressure on the back if one is forced to reach to type or do other office duties. Hands and forearms should be parallel to the floor while the arms should be relaxed. Undue stress and strain can be caused if the wrist is extended or flexed, rather than in a neutral, relaxed position.

Thighs should remain at a right angle in proportion to the rest of one’s torso, while the knees should be at a right angle to the thighs. Investing in an ergonomic office desk will guarantee more space for the legs to be able to be comfortable and give the person more room to move as needed. Muscle tension and tightness can be avoided by changing your position and moving around frequently. The body can only tolerate one position for about twenty to thirty minutes before it will begin to feel stressed.

Back pain can also be caused by sitting in the wrong kind of chair. Because every person is built differently, it’s important to find a chair that is most comfortable and supportive. The entire body will receive the very best support by an ergonomic chair. This is because of the many options that are available, which makes it easy for the user to find a position that is both comfortable and healthy.

It’s important to find a chair that is neither too hard nor too soft, as both of these can cause extra stress to the back. The best option is a soft cushioned chair padding that provides some support. Most ergonomic chairs have arm rests as an option. Some people really like them because they help support the arms, while other people feel that they just get in the way. Feet should always touch the floor and there should be room under the desk to allow them to move as needed.

Last, but not least, it’s important to keep things well within reach at the desk. Constant stretching and bending can cause the back muscles to become strained. If this becomes a problem, a desk extender can help give more usable and accessible space at the desk. These amazing products fit onto the corner of the desk, providing room for documents, computer mouse, and even the keyboard.

Preventing back pain in the office can be accomplished by following a few simple steps. Even if there is already back pain, one can get feeling better by making some simple changes. Trips to the doctor and medication can be avoided by following some simple principles for better health.