How do you feel after sitting at your desk?

If you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk, you are susceptible to a number of desk-related injuries. Back and neck pain and repetitive strain injury are just a few of the problems commonly experienced by office workers. So here are some tips for looking after yourself at work.

Arrange your workspace

Getting everything right, from the height of your seat and your desk to the position of your screen and keyboard, will make a huge difference to the wellbeing of your back and neck. The equipment you use - such as the type of keyboard and mouse - can help avoid repetitive strain injury. Chiropractors can help by providing you with an assessment of your workspace, giving recommendations on how it could be improved to suit your needs. If you are interested in this, please let us know!

Take regular breaks

Sitting still for long periods weakens your leg muscles and glutes, shortening your hip flexors and compressing the discs in your spine. Sedentary lifestyles also limit the number of calories you burn, leading to weight gain. Taking regular breaks throughout the day to get up and move around help to work the muscles and stimulate your metabolism. Getting away from your computer at frequent intervals also helps to avoid eye strain and just help you feel better!

Think about your posture

Your mother always told you not to slouch, and the way you sit is important for avoiding injury. Sitting up straight, with your feet flat on the floor and your hips and elbows at a comfortable angle helps to prevent injuries. Standing desks are also growing in popularity, as they allow you to stand tall – avoiding the ‘slumped’ position that you tend to adopt when relaxing at your regular desk. Sitting on a fit ball is also a great way to add movement into your office!

Look for opportunities to be active

There may be no getting away from the fact that you have to be at your desk for long periods in order to do your job, but you can still find ways to be more active when you’re not working. You might get off the bus one stop early, or cycle to work instead of driving. You could take the stairs instead of the lift. Maybe you could get up and walk around while you’re on the phone instead of staying in your seat. Every little bit helps.

If you’re concerned that sitting too much might be affecting your health, give us a call on 0439481686 or email hello@bespokechiropracticmanning.com and we’ll assess your situation and guide you in the right direction.

Our aim is to facilitate relief and recovery, while helping you to prevent future injuries occurring altogether!