How to Relieve Back Pain after Sitting at a Desk All Day
The Work Happy Guy on Apr 25th 2008
My back would usually become sore and tired around the same time every day. I would get so caught up in my work that I wouldn’t make time to stay aware of my slowly tightening muscles. 3pm would arrive and I would always complain to my co-worker. When she pointed out my routine I knew I needed to make an adjustment. I began by watching my habits throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Now that I was paying attention to my posture and back I noticed that the tightening would begin an hour after I was back from lunch. I knew that I needed to circumvent this pain by being proactive, so I created a little schedule.
I stretched at the top of every hour for two minutes. I would stand up and gently twist back and forth, touch my toes, lean from side to side and reach my arms in the air. Some of my co-workers made some snide remarks, but I pushed on. After a few weeks I noticed a big difference. The stretching reduced my back ache by at least 50%. There are some days I don’t have any back pain at all.
If you have back pain because you sit in the same position all day long, try a little stretching at the top of every hour. You’ll probably notice that stretching also relaxes you. Taking the time to relax at work will help you relieve the stress that builds throughout the day.
Do you have a regular routine that helps keep you healthy and happy at your job?
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Filed in Relax and Enjoy, Stress Relief | 6 responses so far
billywest Apr 25th 2008 at 07:26 am 1
I know it’s not the best thing for my physical health, but for my mental health, taking an extended coffee break really helps; I’m really happy if I can slowly enjoy a good cup of jo.
billywest’s last blog post..The Tokyo Traveler - Off The Beaten Path
Frederik Apr 25th 2008 at 01:38 pm 2
Joining a gym did the trick for me. I haven’t had a sore back for a long time .. and I sit quite a lot. I know working out in a gym 2-3 times a week is sometimes really difficult to fit into a busy schedule but then it’s your health we’re talking about here.
( the effect of getting a really good chair is also underestimated )
The Work Happy Guy Apr 25th 2008 at 01:52 pm 3
Hey Billywest, a good cup of coffee can really ease the stress. If we grab ourselves a cup of coffee then go right back to work we stop paying attention to the coffee and we focus on our work. Taking the time to enjoy the coffee with an extended break can really help keep us relaxed.
The Work Happy Guy Apr 25th 2008 at 01:56 pm 4
Hey Frederik, I know sit-ups really helped me stabilize my torso, which helped with my back ache as well.
My friend also came to visit me last summer and made a comment about my crappy chair, so I made a point to find a new one. I found one that reclines back so I’m not hunched over my keyboard all day long.
Thanks for the extra tips. I should have mentioned these as well. I guess that’s what blogs are all about, adding some good thoughts to help the idea.
Shilpan @ successsoul.com Apr 25th 2008 at 07:59 pm 5
I’ve noticed that by standing up and moving body around for few mins every hour, increases my energy and focus tremendously. Great tip. Please visit my blog when you can @ successsoul.com/blog/
I just subscribed to your blog. I like your blog design and content.
Thanks
Shilpan
Shilpan @ successsoul.com’s last blog post..4 Fallacies of Myth about Wealth
The Work Happy Guy Apr 26th 2008 at 12:41 pm 6
Hey Shilpan, thanks for checking in and adding me to your feed. I’ll planned on checking your blog today, so you’ll hear from me in a little bit.