With so many jobs now dependent on sedentary office work, concerns are starting to be raised about the negative health effects of too much sitting. Indeed, around 50% of Australian office workers have a job that involves sitting at least some of the time, something that can have serious consequences for a person’s muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments.
So what should workers do to alleviate the aches and pains associated with prolonged sitting? Making a conscious effort to move around more is, of course, one solution. On top of this, however, office workers may benefit from a visit to a chiropractor.
How office work can damage the musculoskeletal system
Sitting at a work station for hours on end inhibits the movement of vital muscles and joints, something that may cause them to work less efficiently. Indeed, a healthy musculoskeletal system needs to be sustained with regular exercise.
Office work can also encourage hunching and slouching, particularly if employers fail to educate staff about the importance of good posture. Failing to sit straight has the potential to cause misalignment of the spine and can compound issues related to a lack of exercise.
Conditions frequently caused by slouching and lack of movement include:
– Neck stiffness and pain
– Shoulder pain
– Lower back pain and tightness
– Sciatic nerve pain
– Upper back pain
How chiropractic care may be able to help office workers
Chiropractors may be able to help office workers by working to resolve problems with misalignment and issues surrounding stiff joints. As well as performing procedures designed to fix the root of pain related to prolonged sitting, chiropractors may also teach patients about how to reduce the chances that the pain will come back with special self-care strategies.
What office workers should expect when visiting a chiropractor
During your appointment, your chiropractor is likely to ask a number of questions about your lifestyle and the way that you tend to position yourself at your desk. They may test variables such as muscle strength and flexibility to tailor their advice for your specific body type and capabilities.
Book an appointment today
If you’re an office worker that faces frequent pain as a result of your job, book a chiropractic appointment today.
Photo: Young startup team. Men and women working in loft – Credit to https://www.lyncconf.com/ by nodstrum licensed under Creative commons 4