| How do you feel after a long day of sitting behind | | | | should raise your arms just slightly at the shoulder |
| your computer? Do you experience headaches or | | | | to take pressure off the shoulders and neck area. |
| neck and back pain ? If you do, you are not | | | | Stretching |
| alone. Many people with desk jobs find that the | | | | The other important component to preventing |
| mere act of sitting all day sends them home with | | | | back pain while working at your computer all day |
| discomfort that can keep them from enjoying | | | | is to ake frequent breaks for stretching. Take a |
| their favorite leisure time activities. Sitting places | | | | minute or two every half hour to stand, walk or |
| pressure on the back and neck, and improper | | | | stretch your muscles that are becoming strained |
| posture from slouching or hunching over the | | | | from a single position. Even a brief stroll to the |
| keyboard exacerbates the problem. If your | | | | water cooler or bathroom will give your back the |
| computer is causing back pain , there are some | | | | break it needs during the day and help prevent |
| steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort | | | | back pain . If possible, take a longer walk at |
| and prevent further pain. | | | | lunchtime that will increase your circulation and |
| Ergonomics | | | | nourish the spine and surrounding muscles. By |
| The first step in easing back pain is to find an | | | | sticking with a regular exercise program every |
| ergonomic chair that will help you maximize | | | | day that includes core strengthening, such as |
| support to your back and encourage better | | | | weight training or yoga, you can also do much to |
| posture. Once you have found the ergonomic | | | | prevent future back pain from occurring. |
| chair that is most comfortable to you, the next | | | | Back pain is a common problem with those who |
| step will be to adjust it so that it conforms | | | | sit in front of a computer screen all day, but the |
| perfectly to your unique body proportions. This will | | | | good news is that there are steps you can take |
| relieve pressure to your back while you are sitting | | | | to alleviate the problem. Find an ergonomic desk |
| and keep your spine aligned properly throughout | | | | chair and adjust it to fit your individual body |
| the day. There are many measurements you can | | | | proportions. Take frequent breaks during the day |
| check to ensure that your chair is properly | | | | to stand, walk and stretch. Finally, stick with a |
| adjusted, but the main rules are to make sure | | | | regular exercise program that will strengthen the |
| your elbows are at a 90% angle and your | | | | back and prevent problems before they occur. |
| computer screen is at eye level. Another | | | | Your back will be less painful for it and your days |
| important adjustment is to the armrest, which | | | | will be more productive. |