5 Ways to Avoid Injury and Pain from Poor Posture

Anyone who spends much time behind a desk, needs to consider how their posture may be affecting their back health. People who sit for long periods of time are at greater risk of pain from poor posture and a back injury.

Now, many companies are beginning to recognize spinal health as a new area of safety management. This not only shows concern for employee’s welfare, an ergonomically designed work space can be a cost saving measure as well. In many cases, the employer will reap immediate rewards by employees taking fewer sick days and incurring less work related injuries.

Making your work environment safer

If you’d like to make your own workstation better for your back health, follow the tips offered by Garland chiropractor, Dr. James Mixon:

Avoid slumping or slouching forward in your office chair – This type of posture can add stress to the discs in the spine and may create problems over time. As you grow tired, the natural tendency is to slouch. The best way to avoid this is to adjust the lumbar support on the back of your chair, so that your lower back is arched forward slightly and your rear touches the back of the chair.
Adjust the armrest – If your office chair has an armrest, use it. To help take strain off of your shoulders and neck, raise the armrest so that it barely lifts your arms at the shoulder.
Adjust your computer monitor – Your computer monitor should be positioned so that your gaze rests comfortably on the middle of the monitor. If you find that you must look up or down at the screen, it should be adjusted to prevent neck strain.
Let your feet touch the floor – Adjust your chair so that you feet touch the floor and your thighs are positioned at a 45 degree angle (or slightly lower) to your hips.
Get up and stretch – Even if you have a comfortable, ergonomically designed work station, you should not remain seated in one position for a long period of time. As a rule of thumb, try to get up every 30 minutes. Stretch for a minute or so, take a a restroom break or a walk to the water cooler. Even a small amount of movement will in increase blood flow and help you avoid muscle strain.

If, after a long day at the office you find yourself trying to work out stiff, achy muscles or a throbbing backache, consider this… Pain from poor posture is a warning indicator. It’s your body’s way of alerting you to a situation that should be addressed.

Over-the counter medications camouflage the problem

Many people camouflage the body’s symptoms by taking OTC pain relievers or by using over the counter analgesic creams or patches. Others look for relief through exercise or massage. However, if the underlying spinal joints are not working properly, it can be like driving a truck with misaligned wheels.

It is important to get to the root cause of neck and back pain. In many cases this can be as simple as realigning the spinal vertebrae. This is where chiropractic treatment can be extremely effective. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve spinal functions. This natural treatment option is safe and gentle and is used by millions of people each year.

Safe treatment for pain from poor posture

Even with the best prevention, there are times when many of us will find ourselves experiencing neck, shoulder, knee or back pain and in need of a Garland chiropractor. So if you find yourself in this position, don’t just mask the symptoms. Instead, consult a local chiropractor. Garland residents can turn to the team at Texas Spine & Wellness.

Each day, Garland chiropractor, Dr. Mixon, along with his staff members, help people get swift relief from pain from poor posture, neck pain, back pain, and joint paint, as well as headaches and migraines.

The advanced therapies offered through Texas Spine & Wellness ensure that you’ll also have access to specialized treatments such as spinal decompression therapy, laser therapy and therapeutic massage.