The Damaging Effects Sitting at Work Does To Your Spine
If you spend your workday sitting in a chair, you understand how important it is to be comfortable. At the same time, just because you are comfortable at work doesn’t mean that your spine is necessarily healthy. You might get used to a certain sitting posture after a while, but it can also lead to long-term health complications. What are some of the harmful impacts that sitting for prolonged periods of time can have on your spine? Take a look at a few important points below, and do not forget to reach out to a chiropractor who can help you take care of your spinal health.
The Stress on Your Spinal Ligaments and Discs
First, if you sit at a desk all day, you might be placing a significant amount of stress on your spinal ligaments and discs. If you sit at a desk, there is a good chance that you type on a computer or write in a notebook throughout the day. If that is the case, you might spend a lot of time hunched over.
This can put a significant amount of stress on your spinal ligaments, moving your vertebrae out of alignment. In addition, this can put added stress on your spinal discs, increasing your chances of suffering a nerve impingement. If you feel like your back is tight, or if you feel shooting pains traveling down your legs, this could be a sign of issues with your ligaments and spinal discs.
Muscle Knots and Tension
If you keep your body in a specific posture for a long period of time, the muscles on the side of your spinal column may begin to tighten up. This can lead to a lot of muscle knots and tension, which could cause you to feel stiff and sore when you stand up at the end of the day.
For example, you might have a difficult time bending over to adjust your shoes, or you could have a hard time rotating from side to side to loosen up your back. These muscle knots can lead to long-term tension issues, making it hard for you to flex and extend your back.
How Can You Take Care of Your Spine?
If you want to take care of your spinal health, there are several important tips you need to follow. First, try to avoid sitting in the same position for too long. You need to get up from your desk from time to time to stretch.
Next, you should exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way for you to increase your flexibility and range of motion while also providing your spinal column with more support.
Also, consider using a standup desk. A standup desk has many advantages and will compliment your health. Look for one that is adjustable like the ones you’ll find at UpDesk.
Finally, you also need to eat a healthy diet. Targeting foods that reduce inflammation throughout your body can help you take care of your spinal column.
Visit a Chiropractor Regularly To Take Care of Your Back
Even though it is important for you to eat a healthy diet, stretch from time to time, and exercise regularly, you also need to visit your local chiropractor who can help you take care of your spine. A chiropractor can take a look at your sitting posture and figure out what types of harmful impact it is having on your spinal health.
Then, a chiropractor can use manual therapy known as chiropractic adjustments to realign your spine. Most importantly, your chiropractor can also talk to you about changes you can make to your sitting posture to take care of your spinal column. If you visit a chiropractor, you may reduce your chances of developing chronic back complications down the road.
If you need further help with the aforementioned please give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is specifically trained to help keep your spine healthy and strong. So give us a call. We’re here to help!