The importance of Ergonomics (Good desk set up) for back pain.

A large majority of our JS Chiropractic clients are often desk based/sedentary workers. This often involves long periods of the day sat on chairs staring at screens. Oftentimes, this is usually contributing towards their low back pains, neck pains etc.

Whilst it is impossible to completely reserve the sedentary nature of most of our patients professions, there are multiple changes and small investments that can be made to assist and improve their working environment.

1.       Lumbar support cushions. By using a cushion or a purpose built lumbar support, it helps support our lumbar spine from excess slouching and promotes us to sit properly In the chair instead of leaning forward in to our computer.

2.       Standing desks. Having a standing desk or mobile desk is much more convenient for our spine with the constant changing of positions from sitting and standing preventing us from applying lots of excess load on our spines that can usually cause back pains when in one position (sitting) for too long).

3.       Books under the laptop. When working at desks, it is usual that our screen is lower than our eyes forcing us the lean over through our neck and midback increasing the tension in the joints and muscles of our spine. By using a couple of big heavy books we can raise our screens to become level with our eyes, reducing the stress and strain on our neck and shoulders.

4.       Frequent mini breaks: We know when we are in the same position for too long we apply excess stress on our body. For those who are unable to acquire a standing desk we can often take a mini work break to get out of the sitting habit. This could involve using the bathroom, making a cup of tea or even taking a work call out of the chair. It is recommended that we move for two minutes each hour and that this can help undo the negative effects of sitting.

By applying even one of these four strategies to your desk based set up, I am confident that it will result in less back pains and aches in your body and if you are undergoing Chiropractic care, by applying these principles will accelerate your healing getting you to #movewellstaywelbewell quicker and better than ever.