Does Your Desk Job Cause Back Pain?
Contrary to popular opinion, desk workers are also at risk for physical injuries and back pain that can rival the injuries experienced by construction workers, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators, among others. The ironic thing is that the injuries experienced by desk workers are caused by lack of physical activity.
This is because being a desk worker means more time spent indoors, more time spent being inactive, and more time spent in uncomfortable postures, which are contributory factors to a wide range of health issues. Keep in mind that lack of physical activity, such as regular walking, has been shown to increase the risks for chronic degenerative disorders including strokes, heart attacks, and diabetes.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that even with regular gym workouts, the body can still be subjected to the health risks associated with lack of physical activity due to a desk job.
Why? Your body will start healing its muscles, which have microscopic tears, after your workout. But when you have a poor posture – shoulders forward, hips collapsed, and curved spine – during your 8-hour shift at work, your body is literally healing its microscopic tears in a negative way. Your body is healing itself in a shortened muscular state, which means it remains static – and that’s not exactly the best way to keep your body healthy.
With that being said, here are a few ways that you reduce the risks of injuries resulting from your desk job.
- Take a few minutes for small physical movements every 30-45 minutes. You can, for example, stretch your entire body, walk to the office cooler, and perform small exercises, such as pushing against the wall and doing squats.
- Take advantage of the opportunities for exercise in the office. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk outside during your lunch break, when the weather allows.
Every small thing that you do in terms of physical activity will eventually add up.
But when you experience injuries on the job, you should let your employer know about it so that appropriate occupational therapy measures, if necessary, can be taken. Any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in La Mirada near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs, provides these services.
All of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at Long Beach near Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos, offer occupational therapy.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.