How’s your posture? If you have a desk job, chances are, it’s not so great. When you have poor posture, you’re more likely to suffer from back and neck pain. Millions of Americans visit their doctors or chiropractors in Naples, FL to complain about posture-related pain, but making a few adjustments can make a world of difference. Paying attention to ergonomics at work will not only improve your posture, but also reduce your pain.
How slouching causes back pain
Slouching, slumping and awkwardly leaning over puts a lot of strain on your back. When you sit in a chair for long periods of time, it can stretch the neck, strain the ligaments and put pressure on your spinal discs, which eventually results in stiffness and pain. If your office chair feels more like a torture device, there’s a good chance you can improve it with ergonomics (and a visit to the chiropractor).
Making ergonomic adjustments
Here are some changes you can make to improve your workplace ergonomics:
- Get up and move: If you sit in your chair all day without getting up, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of pain. Sedentary desk jobs can lead to serious health issues, such as obesity and high cholesterol. Plus, your back never gets a break from the pressure and strain. Try to get up from your desk every 30 minutes and take a short walk or stretch. The more movement you engage in, the better your circulation and posture will be.
- Get the right chair: Having the right chair makes a big difference in ergonomics. Look for a chair that comfortably supports your back, legs and arms—try a foot rest if you need additional support. Some people find that chairs with lumbar support cut down on their back pain.
- Adjust your desk: Finally, make sure your desk doesn’t require you to lean over or lunge for things at an awkward angle. When typing, your wrists should be level with your hands, and your arms should be supported by the chair. Keep everything you need within easy reach, and make sure to adjust your chair height if you’re uncomfortable.
Visit a chiropractor
Of course, sometimes the damage is already done, and even an ergonomic workspace can’t eliminate all your back and neck pain. In that case, visiting a chiropractor can help. Chiropractors work to eliminate pain at its root cause, rather than prescribing painkillers or surgery.
When you book a chiropractic appointment in Naples, FL, your doctor will take down your medical history and listen to your concerns—this is a good time to mention the ergonomic situation at work. Then they’ll take x-rays to evaluate your current condition, and decide which treatments or adjustments will be best for your specific situation.
Finally, they’ll perform some same-day treatments, which may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue manipulation or other physical therapies. Some patients feel instant relief, while others may require more appointments.
To learn more about Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology and book your first visit, call us today.
No matter whether you’ve been going to a chiropractor for years or you’re getting ready to book your first appointment, there are probably a lot of chiropractic facts you didn’t know. Working with a chiropractor in Naples, FL can help treat the root cause of your back, neck and shoulder pain, improve your mobility and function and help you live a healthier life.
Here are some fun facts about chiropractors:
- The NFL loves chiropractors: Did you know that all 32 NFL teams have a chiropractor on staff? These doctors help players maintain mobility, treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries and improve their physical performance. The next time your favorite player hurdles over a linebacker to catch that winning touchdown, you can thank a chiropractor.
- Baby’s first chiropractic appointment: Even babies can benefit from visiting a chiropractor. It’s safe and effective, and can greatly improve their comfort and wellbeing. After all, birth is a pretty difficult experience for them as well as their mothers!
- You can stave off spinal surgery: Studies have shown that if an injured worker visits a chiropractor, they’re 28 times less likely to need spinal surgery. No one wants the pain, suffering and extended recovery time that comes with an invasive surgery—visit a chiropractor as soon as you sustain an injury for best results.
- Root words: The term “chiropractic” comes from two Greek words: “cheir,” which means hand, and “praktos,” which means done. “Chiropractic” literally means “done by hand.” (Remember this for your Jeopardy! audition.)
- A million in one: Every single day, over one million adjustments are performed across the world. That’s a lot of cracking and popping—and even more relief.
- Taking over the world: Chiropractors are recognized and licensed in 49 countries, including all 50 United States. Wherever you go, there’s probably a great chiropractor available to help you.
- Established in 1895: The very first chiropractic adjustment was performed in 1895, when Daniel David Palmer helped a janitor with a spinal adjustment. The janitor, Henry Lillard, had suffered a back injury 17 years prior, which impacted his hearing. After the adjustment, his hearing was restored.
- School days: Doctors of Chiropractic undergo a minimum of 4,200 hours of study. This includes labs, classroom time and clinical internships. Their graduate program takes four years to complete and is equivalent to 175 entire days of study.
- A growing field: There are approximately 100,000 licensed chiropractors actively working, with another 10,000 enrolled in study.
- Save some money: If you’ve experienced a lower back injury, you can save up to 20 percent on your medical bills if you visit a chiropractor first. Why? Chiropractors address the root cause of the problem—misaligned muscles and discs, which can press on nerves—instead of prescribing painkillers or other temporary solutions.
Now that you know these fun facts about chiropractic care in Naples, FL, why not book your next appointment? Get in touch with Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment today. We look forward to working with you.
