Back pain is a common ailment among office workers, as a chiropractor Rockville MD trusts can explain. Sitting at a desk for hours at a time can take a toll on a person’s back. If you work in an office environment, here are a few things you can do to avoid back pain:
1. Eat a Nutritious Diet
What you eat can affect your back more than you think, so it’s important to eat a healthy diet. Certain foods, like fatty fish, olive oil, nuts and leafy green vegetables, can decrease inflammation in your lower back. Focus on eating these types of foods and limiting foods that have been shown to increase inflammation, like fried foods, soda, red meats and refined carbohydrates.
2. Move Frequently
If you are like most office workers, you might stay sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Unfortunately, this can contribute to back pain. The human body just is not designed to sit all day long. That’s why it’s important to get up and move every 20 to 30 minutes. Try taking a short walk around the block or stretching at your desk.
You might also want to consider getting a standing desk. Being able to stand can strengthen your lower back and prevent discomfort. Standing at work may feel strange at first, but you should get used to it in no time.
3. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is also important for a healthy and strong back. When you exercise regularly, you build can build strength in your lower back, reducing pain and discomfort. Beginning an exercise program can be difficult at first, but it is so worth it in the long run. If you include both cardiovascular and strength training exercises in your routine, you should gain a stronger back in no time. If you are new to a particular exercise, don’t hesitate to work with a personal trainer. He or she can show you how to do the exercise correctly so that you avoid injury.
While there are steps you can take to avoiding back pain at the office, it is still possible to experience back issues if your employer has been negligent. If you are in this situation, contacting a respected personal injury lawyer may be the right choice. He or she may help you build a case against your employer and obtain the compensation you deserve for your back pain.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Pain and Arthritis Relief Center for their insight into avoiding back pain at work.