| Back pain and neck pain have definitely earned | | | | One such helpful and commonly used piece is the |
| their reputation as the hallmark pain associated | | | | small foot rest which can help to elevate the legs, |
| with having a desk job. The reason for the | | | | so that the body is at more of a perfect ninety |
| common problem is that it simply is not natural | | | | degree angle, which can help to relieve back pain |
| for humans to sit in the same position for | | | | and prevent it from starting. |
| prolonged periods of time, let alone having to look | | | | I've actually found this piece to be quite helpful if |
| at a computer monitor and typing on a keyboard | | | | the shoes I'm wearing that day do not have heels |
| all day. | | | | on them, and I find that I need something to put |
| Think about it, our ancestors didn't do this, they | | | | my feet on to "balance out" my posture. |
| were out and about all day, scavenging for food, | | | | Also of vital importance, not so much to your |
| and actively on foot much of the day instead of | | | | back, but to your neck, is the position of your |
| sitting in chairs of variable quality, with their hands | | | | computer monitor. I've recently found that my |
| out in front of them. That brings us to our first | | | | computer monitor was pushed up to close to the |
| point about maintaining back and neck comfort | | | | edge of my desk by my keyboard. This caused |
| throughout the long days at your desk job. | | | | me to "look up" more than I needed to, which |
| Your chair is of vital importance to your back and | | | | caused severe neck tension by the end of the |
| neck health since it provides the foundation for | | | | day. |
| body support that will carry you throughout the | | | | The solution? I simply pushed my monitor back as |
| day, and it also is responsible for the position of | | | | far as I could without having to squint to read it, |
| your neck and head when looking at your | | | | and my neck pain was virtually eliminated. It's |
| computer screen, or reading printouts, since many | | | | actually better to have to angle your eyes slightly |
| times they have arms where your elbows rest, | | | | downward than upward, since it is a strain to your |
| which help to support (or throw off) your neck. | | | | neck to constantly be in a pinched position all day |
| Most big corporations will have an ergonomics | | | | looking upward, no matter how undetectable the |
| person that can visit with you and help to ensure | | | | incline is. |
| your chair and computer monitor are set up at | | | | Get up and walk around periodically throughout |
| ideal angles and levels so that you can mitigate | | | | the day. Many people do not realize just how |
| the strain and stress on your neck muscles, eyes, | | | | important this small thing is to their back and neck |
| and back. | | | | comfort, and they will sit for hours without |
| Also, most companies now will offer special | | | | getting up. Getting up helps to readjust your |
| ergonomic chairs for people with special needs | | | | body, and gives a break to the constancy of |
| who may have a history of back and neck | | | | sitting in the same rigid position all day long. |
| problems. Usually they may require proof of need, | | | | You can also go into the bathroom and do small |
| or at least a written request for this special | | | | stretches for your back. This can be a great way |
| equipment, as they usually are not cheap for | | | | to rejuvenate your back, oxygenate your |
| companies to purchase. | | | | muscles, and release stiffness. Neck rolls and neck |
| Other special equipment available to help mimimize | | | | stretches thankfully can be done right at your |
| back and neck pain and strain on the job can be | | | | desk, and these also help to periodically iron out |
| obtained as well by contacting your health | | | | the muscle tension. |
| services or ergonomics contact on the job. | | | | |