Regardless if you have a job that requires a lot of heavy lifting, or you spend most of your days at a desk, or do something in between, back injuries are something you always want to avoid. They can happen really easily from physical strains, and many people don\u2019t realize that they can happen just as easily under conditions that don\u2019t immediately appear as strenuous. It doesn\u2019t matter where you work or what you do, protecting your spine is a must.<\/p>\n
Five Ways to Protect Your Spine at Work<\/strong><\/p>\n Sitting all day has been linked to an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a catch-all term for problems that include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure<\/a>. [1<\/a>]<\/sup> Not only that, prolonged sitting can put your spine in a vulnerable position and lead to problems. It\u2019s a good idea to get up and move around, stretch, and be mindful of your posture. Let\u2019s look at five ways to reduce your risk for back injuries at work.<\/p>\n While the extra movement may provide a slight boost in metabolic rate<\/a>, some research has found that fidgeting and moving throughout the day might also provide benefit for reducing spine injury. Doing back stretches and small twists at your desk can help your spine\u2019s flexibility and strength. [2<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n Some times it just feels good to stand up. Why? Because standing can help reduce lower back pain by reducing the pressure placed on the spine following a sitting position. If this describes you, investing in a standing desk may be helpful. We actually have a team member at Global Healing Center who uses a standing workstation. He\u2019s said that the ability to move around in his area helps his creativity.<\/p>\n The old school marm was right, sit up! Whether you\u2019re walking or sitting, always be conscious of how you are positioning your spine! Are you slumped over and leaning toward your computer to see your work? Your chair is shaped the way it\u2019s shaped for a reason. Your back should be rested against your chair\u2019s back support, and your computer should be above your waist but not over your head. [3<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n A lot of experts agree, when it comes to heavy lifting, make sure that you push instead of pull. Pulling puts a lot of tension on your the spine, with pushing allows you to use more arm and leg strength. Whether you are arranging office furniture or simply decorating, always push large, heavy objects to avoid unnecessary strain.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve already had back pain on the job, foot orthotics are a tool that can dramatically improve the quality if your day, especially after an injury. They\u2019ve been found to be helpful for reducing symptoms associated with back pain and just making your spine feel more at ease and less tense. [4<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n One Final Thought<\/strong><\/p>\n These are just a few best practices you can be mindful of to help keep your spine in a good spot. A lot of people find that visiting a chiropractor<\/a> or massage therapist helps them maintain good spine and back health too. [5<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n ____________________________<\/p>\n\n
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