Three Ways to Care for Your Back When You Have a Sit-Down Job

If you are like many people today then you probably have a job that keeps you sitting in a chair for the better part of the work day.  Some people prefer a sit-down job to a job that keeps them on their feet all day.

While it may seem relaxing and restful to be able to sit while you do your work if you remain in the same position for too long a period of time this can lead to stress, strain and injury to your joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. When you sit for a sustained period of time it can cause additional pressure to be placed upon your lower back and your neck. In fact steady compression upon the spinal discs is a contributing factor to premature degeneration.

If you have a job where you sit down you cannot just rush out and quit your job! You can however take less drastic measures to keep yourself comfortable and as pain and injury free as possible. Read on to find out three ways to protect your back, your neck and all of the bones in your spinal column.

One.  Take breaks more often. Frequent breaks are a must when you sit for many hours at a job. Push back your chair and step away from your desk. Do some stretching exercises, go for a short walk outdoors or in your office building. Take a few minutes to go have a sip of water, to chat with a co-worker or to glance out the window. Not only is this healthy for your back but it is also good for your mental state as well. Now if you’re in a call center then you’re going to have to “negotiate” this with your supervisor but most companies build breaks into schedule.

Two. Pay close attention to your posture. Incorrect posture can lead to excessive strain on your lower back. When you sit in an improper fashion the blood flow to your muscles is reduced which can lead to fatigue setting in very quickly. What you need to do to get posture perfect is to practice what is known as “active sitting.” What this means is that your feet are planted flatly on the floor in front of you.

You also have to make sure that your back is straight in your chair, your shoulders are squared and you chin is parallel with the floor. If you can maintain this posture then it will go a long way in preventing strain on your spine and your sides. It also helps to strengthen the core muscles found in your abdomen. Strong core muscles will contribute tremendously to having good posture, which in turn is good for your skeletal system in general.

Three. Select the right office chair. If you must sit throughout your workday then vary the positions you sit in. This helps to prevent stress and strain from being exerted on your spine. One of the things that can help this a great deal is to invest in the right type of office chair. Look for an office chair that is adjustable for your size and will support your spine regardless of what position you choose to sit in.

You should also select a chair that features a backrest that will give your lower back the support it requires. Chairs with arm rests are also useful. You should look for an office chair that has a front edge that curves in a downward manner. This helps you to maintain the good posture that you need to promote a healthy back.

Samantha