The effect that sitting at a 9-5 desk job has on a person’s spine has more recently become a hot topic of discussion. So, while companies continue to roll out specially designed chairs for their employees, featuring exciting extras such as ‘sacrum and lumbar support’ and ‘ergonomic head rests’, do we really understand the need for them? Or do we actually appreciate how important they really are in terms of our overall health and subsequent spinal issues?
There are countless reasons as to why those chairs are more important than you might think, and why if you haven’t been given a new chair at work, you should definitely be asking for one!
Being hunched up or stooped over is never a good thing, whether you are at home pottering in the garden, peering over your phone to text or tweet, or cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder. However, when you are doing something for long periods of time, the ill effects of your poor posture will surely start to become more obvious.
It is overly simple to say that poor posture causes back pain, because we all know this to be true. In fact, it would be fair to say that most of us have accepted that back pain has unfortunately, become a rite of passage and something we have come to expect. This sad perception is unfortunately resulting in the fact that we are starting to ignore the vital signs regarding the overall health of our spines.
According to the image above, it is easy to see how we can injure our spine doing ever day activities, like sitting, if we don’t look after it properly. Poor posture can lead to a number of extremely uncomfortable conditions, including desiccation of spinal discs, annular tears in spinal discs or the more commonly spoken about herniated discs. The deterioration of the discs in your back are often manageable with the help Chiropractic treatment. In some more extreme cases, lumbar disc herniation can cause sciatica, which is the compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica causes searing pain to run along a person’s back, through their hips and down one of their legs.
Taking care of your spine is key in protecting the part of your body that essentially holds you together. An injury or spinal concern can be debilitating. Ongoing pain is dangerous for a human being and the health risks that are associated with living a pain inflicted sedentary lifestyle are shocking. Sedentary lifestyles are heavily associated with obesity, cardiovascular diseases and the heightened risk of diabetes for example.
It is a common belief amongst Chiropractors that poor spinal health or ongoing pressure on the spinal segments can also lead to a whole range of other issues, not just those associated with soft tissue or joint injury. Because the spinal column contains the vast majority of your nervous system it is extremely important to enhance its welfare. This is done by implementing strategies day to day that include regular moderate exercise, stretching, taking micro-breaks at work, taking vitamin supplements such as magnesium and zinc and listening to your body when symptoms of the spine arise. A poorly functioning spine can have flow on effects into your greater health. Check out this article for information about the spine; https://www.huffpost.com/entry/body-positions-affecting_b_12008446
Knowing exactly how to keep your spine in a good condition is a key factor in maintaining an overall fit and healthy lifestyle. Poor posture should be dealt with properly and whenever you find yourself slouching remind yourself of why you should be sitting or standing up straight!
In the modern workplace, many of us find ourselves glued to our desks for prolonged periods, often neglecting proper posture. The habit of sitting hunched over a computer can have significant adverse effects on our spinal health, particularly increasing the risk of lumbar disc herniations.
While the demands of modern work can often keep you desk-bound, it is crucial to remain mindful of your posture and take active steps to protect your spinal health. Adjusting your workspace, practising good posture, taking regular breaks, and maintaining physical fitness can all help mitigate the risk of lumbar disc herniations and other related spinal issues. If you suspect that you might be suffering from a spinal issue, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional promptly for appropriate advice and treatment. Early access to a diagnosis and treatment is often paramount.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can also play a crucial role in managing and preventing recurrence of lumbar disc herniations. Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders and can offer treatments such as spinal adjustments and manipulations. These techniques help improve spinal motion and alignment, reduce nerve irritability, and enhance spinal function.
Chiropractic treatments often include:
- Spinal Adjustments: Manual manipulation of the spine to reduce pressure and improve mobility.
- Exercise Recommendations: Tailored exercises to strengthen core muscles and reduce the strain on the spine.
- Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities to prevent further spinal issues.
Waterloo Chiropractic offers a range of services that aim to empower you to live a healthy lifestyle free of back or neck pain. We strive to find the problem, correct it and equip you with the tools to help yourself from preventing it from returning.
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