If you’re one of the many Americans who suffers from back pain, your desk job may be to blame. Sitting for several hours every day can place a lot of stress on your spine and cause significant issues with your posture. Learn why stationary jobs can cause pain and discomfort and what you can do to stay healthy inside and outside of the workplace.

Why Is Sitting Bad for Your Back?

When you sit for hours at a time, it’s natural to adjust your body to feel more comfortable. It’s common to slouch down in your chair or hunch over close to the computer screen. Unfortunately, doing this could shift your spine out of alignment and put pressure on your joints. Sometimes these joints can become inflamed, resulting in severe back pain.

Sitting for too long can also decrease muscle mass throughout your entire body. If your muscles are too weak, they can’t support the spine correctly. This can lead to chronic back pain as well as issues like low muscle tone in your legs.

How Do You Alleviate Back Pain?

While you might not be able to avoid sitting for long periods, you can take steps to alleviate some of the stress on your back.

Start by practicing good posture. Sit up straight with your shoulders pulled back to keep your spine in its natural position and avoid discomfort. If you have trouble maintaining good posture, put a lumbar support pad on your chair.

It’s also essential to get up and move around consistently throughout the day. Most workdays are eight to nine hours, and staying in one position that long with minimal breaks can lead to significant health issues, like stiff joints and carpal tunnel. Walk around the office for a few minutes to relieve stress from your body and get your heart pumping or incorporate small exercise into your day that can be done at your desk.

Exercising daily can also mitigate the effects of sitting throughout the day. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, biking, or dancing. Focus on cardio and toning, as a sedentary lifestyle significantly impacts your lungs, heart, and muscles.

If you’re still suffering from back pain, turn to the professionals at Back to Health Chiropractic in Florence, KY. These chiropractors have a mission to help their patients find safe and natural ways to relieve pain. They’ve helped their patients find relief from everything from lower back pain to neck pain and always use advanced technology in their treatments. For more information about their services, call (859) 746-2222 or visit their website.