Lower back pain is now the second most common reason (behind the common cold) for absenteeism at work. With the current number of computer based jobs these days, neck pain and carpal tunnel syndrome have also become far too common in the work place.
What all three of these conditions and many other spinal related problems have in common is that they are often brought on by poor ergonomics at home, on the job, or both. Often times an essential part of getting rid of these conditions involves improving the things that we do on a regular basis. We spend 6-8 hours sleeping seven days per week, another 40 plus at work. If your body position during these times is less than optimal, overtime this can adversely affect the health of your back and neck.
There is a normal alignment that the spinal column should have, just like there is a normal range for blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, etc. When to spine moves too far from its normal range of alignment, the body often develops conditions secondary to these structural deviations. Conditions such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, numbness and tingling... just to name a few. While there is a certainly a genetic component to the overall condition of the human spine, there is also a large environmental influence. Good ergonomic habits can minimize structural stress and strain, while poor ergonomic habits can create structural problems and the secondary conditions that go with them.
So you can literally sit, stand, and sleep your way to a healthier (or unhealthier spine).
A few tips to get you started...
You spend a third of your life sleeping. If your mattress is 10 years old (or older) consider replacing it, if it looks worn out.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you sit for several hours a day schedule regular hourly breaks to get up an move around, this will greatly reduce stress and strain.
If possible when using a laptop/notebook computer raise the screen to eye level so you're not looking down at it (an external keyboard is a relatively inexpensive way to accomplish this).
When bending and lifting, always bend form the knees and avoid twisting from the waist if possible.
So you can literally sit, stand, and sleep your way to a healthier (or unhealthier) spine. While the above tips may seem simple or obvious, when applied to your life overtime they can make a big difference.
For more information and tips on spinal health please visit our website http://gotstructure.biz.
What all three of these conditions and many other spinal related problems have in common is that they are often brought on by poor ergonomics at home, on the job, or both. Often times an essential part of getting rid of these conditions involves improving the things that we do on a regular basis. We spend 6-8 hours sleeping seven days per week, another 40 plus at work. If your body position during these times is less than optimal, overtime this can adversely affect the health of your back and neck.
There is a normal alignment that the spinal column should have, just like there is a normal range for blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, etc. When to spine moves too far from its normal range of alignment, the body often develops conditions secondary to these structural deviations. Conditions such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, numbness and tingling... just to name a few. While there is a certainly a genetic component to the overall condition of the human spine, there is also a large environmental influence. Good ergonomic habits can minimize structural stress and strain, while poor ergonomic habits can create structural problems and the secondary conditions that go with them.
So you can literally sit, stand, and sleep your way to a healthier (or unhealthier spine).
A few tips to get you started...
You spend a third of your life sleeping. If your mattress is 10 years old (or older) consider replacing it, if it looks worn out.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you sit for several hours a day schedule regular hourly breaks to get up an move around, this will greatly reduce stress and strain.
If possible when using a laptop/notebook computer raise the screen to eye level so you're not looking down at it (an external keyboard is a relatively inexpensive way to accomplish this).
When bending and lifting, always bend form the knees and avoid twisting from the waist if possible.
So you can literally sit, stand, and sleep your way to a healthier (or unhealthier) spine. While the above tips may seem simple or obvious, when applied to your life overtime they can make a big difference.
For more information and tips on spinal health please visit our website http://gotstructure.biz.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Legnola is the Clinic Director Community Chiropractic Center in Blue Bell, PA. He is a graduate of University of Richmond (1992), and did his chiropractic training at Life University (1996). He is 2004 graduate the Spine Research Institute of San Diego's motor vehicle crash forensics and whiplash/brain traumatology programs. Currently he serves as the chiropractor for Hershey's Tour de Pink.
Dr. Mark Legnola is the Clinic Director Community Chiropractic Center in Blue Bell, PA. He is a graduate of University of Richmond (1992), and did his chiropractic training at Life University (1996). He is 2004 graduate the Spine Research Institute of San Diego's motor vehicle crash forensics and whiplash/brain traumatology programs. Currently he serves as the chiropractor for Hershey's Tour de Pink.
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