When we ponder on things that could possibly threaten or damage our daily lives, we very rarely think of our desk chair. According to researchers our desk chairs are actually one of the considerable threats to our health. Research has shown that you can reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes, back pain and cardiovascular disease, all with one simple and modest lifestyle change: sit less, okay maybe not that simple.
The CDC reported that 1 in 4 adults in the United States remains seated for more than 8 hours every day. So what can we do to change this? We can’t just up and quit our daily jobs because they involve sitting. In this blog post we will examine tips to improve your workspace and promote a more healthy spine.
Desk & Chair
A spine conscious and friendly work space begins with your desk. The desk should be solid with enough space to house a computer and extra surface for various tasks. The desk also needs to be of proper height. For most adults 28”-31” above the floor. An ergonomic chair is a great place to start when searching for a workplace chair. It helps aid in reduction of fatigue and discomfort and increases blood flow. These chairs also reduce the risk of injury to spine and neck.
Office chair should: Have good lumbar support, allow feet to be flat on the floor, rotate or swivel to allow daily tasks to be performed with ease.
Computer
If you are sitting for 8 plus hours a day at your job good chance you are doing computer work. Place monitor directly in front of you. Eye Level is a great start when adjusting computer screen as to not strain neck. Try tilting your keyboard down and away from for better wrist posture. Make sure the mouse is close enough to not strain and allow the arm to be relaxed when using.
Take Breaks & Protect
Take breaks and often. Aim to stand up and stretch twice and hour, this will help in getting your blood flowing and take excess pressure off your spine. Try walking around your office space. We may not be able to avoid sitting at our desk but we can optimize the experience. Creating a healthy workspace along with implementing sitting techniques can help aid in lessening the impact sitting has on our spine. If you experience back pain it may be time to reach out to a chiropractor. Chiropractors treat the pain from the source. If you live in the Chattanooga valley or North Georgia area, we are not far away. The best Chattanooga chiropractors are only a phone call away, why wait? Call today 423-517-7000.