The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many Americans to spend more time at home and thus lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. When you’re hanging around the house all day, your “daily commute” may consist of moving from your bed to your desk or couch, and little else.
Unfortunately, too much sitting can cause back pain. Find out what you can do to avoid it below.
Why Too Much Sitting Causes Back Pain
Prolonged periods of sitting stress the back and neck, and can increase pressure on the spinal discs as well as the muscles around the spine. The pressure becomes even greater if you are leaning forward while sitting. This may increase the likelihood of discs misaligning or sore muscles, two common causes of back pain.
3 Ways to Prevent Back Pain During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Don’t wait for pain to strike. Take these proactive steps to keep comfortable.
1. Adjust Your Posture
The spine has a unique curve to it that good posture preserves. When you slump your shoulders or slouch in your seat, you interfere with this healthy curve. A postural screening can identify problems in how you carry yourself.
If you are working from home, one way to adjust your posture is to revamp your workspace to make it more ergonomic. Your computer monitor should be positioned at an arm’s length away and at eye level directly in front of you. You should not have your head rotated or look up or down. Set the height of your chair so that you can sit with your feet flat and thighs parallel to the floor. Your wrists should be straight, and your hands at or below the level of your elbows.
2. Get Moving
When you stay hunched in one position for too long, your back muscles become tight. Get up twice every hour to move around. You might also consider investing in a standing desk, which requires you to shift your weight and move regularly.
The sedentary lifestyle that comes with too much sitting has other negative effects on your health as well. A lack of physical activity increases a person’s risk of obesity and thus their likelihood of obesity-linked diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
3. See a Chiropractor
If you find yourself experiencing discomfort despite taking the steps above, seek help at once. A chiropractor can offer cost-efficient solutions to alleviate your discomfort. Common treatment options include laser therapy and spinal decompression therapy.
These are non-invasive procedures that don’t require expensive surgery. Chiropractic care is also proven to be effective: spinal adjustment, for example, has been shown to be more efficient and less costly than traditional physical therapy.
Preserve Your Back Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
These tips will help you avoid back pain and stay in shape overall during COVID-19. The pandemic has been a reminder for many that health is a gift that should not be taken for granted. Take action to protect yours.
How Laser Therapy Can Improve Your Health