No matter where you work, chances are you’ve come home after a long day with some aches and pains — even if you spend most of your time at a desk, work station or behind the wheel.
While most jobs these days aren’t hazardous, repetitive stress injuries are common amongst even the most sedentary of workers.
While your day at work is unavoidable, the resulting aches and pains in your neck, back or hands are not. Changing your telephone and computer habits, giving your work station an ergonomic tune-up, and taking breaks for stretching can go a long way to prevent injury and reduce discomfort.
“Our bodies are made to move — not to maintain the same position or posture for long periods of time or to repeat the same motions endlessly.” says Dr. Rick McMichael, president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
By following these tips from the experts at the ACA you can keep your days relatively pain-free:
At Your Computer
Do you slouch when you read? Don’t break your back when you can break a bad habit instead. Work on maintaining proper posture at your desk and remember to get up and move around regularly.
If your wrist is sore, you may be relying on it too much to move your mouse. Use your entire arm and shoulder instead. When typing, keep your wrists straight, your shoulders perpendicular to the floor and your forearms parallel to the floor.
Using Your Mobile Device
Your texting addiction could be the cause of major pain, as our thumbs were not made for constant tapping, flicking and clicking. Damaged soft tissue in your thumbs is nothing to LOL about.
Abbreviate where possible, and learn to take a day off from checking messages. If you must text, alternate using your thumb, index finger and a stylus, if available.
Even talkers can fall into bad habits, such as pinching the phone between the ear and shoulder, and leaning on a flexed elbow. Invest in a headset and be mindful of your telephone posture.
Get Checked
If you’re experiencing any painful symptoms, get help. Doctors of chiropractic can counsel you on modifications to your work station that improve your posture and work habits. DCs also use a variety of non-drug, non-surgical approaches to help with common aches and pains.
Keep an eye on your kids, as well. At least 70 percent of America’s 30 million elementary school students now use computers. As a result, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children.
For more tips on using technology safely, visit www.technohealthy.com.
Remember, your body has a lifetime of learning and fun to experience. By using technology safely, you’ll be able to continue enjoying it years into the future.
Courtesy of State Point Media, Inc.
