Ergonomics At Work
Do you ache after a hard days work, even if it’s behind a desk? The office environment may be conducive to working effectively, but it can have incredibly negative effects on your body. The average American sits at a desk for 40 hours a week, and while this is most likely unavoidable, there are things you can do to protect your posture and overall health.
Stretch Those Legs
Most of us don’t have the opportunity to have a standing desk at our office. But we don’t have to stay glued to our seats all day. One of the most effective ways to improve your health during your workday is to frequently stand.
During times of extended sitting, your hip flexors are tightened and shortened, while your hamstrings and glutes are extended and stretched. Our muscles naturally extend and contract, but they are not meant to sustain the same position for lengthy periods of time. Set a time every hour to get out of that chair just for a minute or two.
Mind Your Posture
Not only does poor posture cause pain, but some studies also show that it has contributed to feelings of depression, stress, and lower energy levels. Set an alarm on your smartphone daily to remind yourself to care for your posture. When you are seated, make sure your ears are in line with your shoulders. If you are leaning too far forward or backward, your posture is off balance. Avoid crossing your legs to help maintain correct balance. Keep your feet flat on the floor and keep those shoulder blades back!
Care About Your Chair
It doesn’t take much to protect your posture, and a good chair can make all the difference. I always remind my patients to sit all the way back in their chairs and to scoot your chair towards your desk. This keeps your posture correct and helps keep your shoulders from rounding, which can lead to pain. I recommend chairs with lumbar support. If you have a towel or small pillow, place that behind your back.
You may not know your posture is off until you begin to develop chronic pain. An occasional visit to an expert can help keep your body aligned and feeling great!
Our chiropractic team of doctors, Vasili Gatsinaris, James Kim, and Adam Abulghualya specialize in chiropractic and wellness care and are dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness objectives. We are located in Irvine, convenient for people living in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Santa Ana and other surrounding Orange County communities. Let our team make a plan and treat your injury so that you are not restricted from the active lifestyle you lead.
To learn more about our variety of services or to schedule an appointment, contact us or call
949-263-9003 today.