As a full-time, working adult, you probably spend most of your waking hours at your job. For many professionals, that entails working in an office and sitting at a desk for eight or more hours a day.
If you’re an office worker, you can attest that hours spent in the same spot can be tough on the body, especially your neck and back. The key to fighting this strain is to work to maintain good posture—and we’ve got some tips to help you do it!
Start With an Optimal Workstation Setup
First, you must arrange your workstation to encourage good posture naturally. For example, positioning your computer monitor at eye level will help you avoid neck strain by minimizing your need to tilt your head. You should also keep your most-used items (keyboard, mouse, pen, paper, phone) within easy reach to maintain a neutral hand and arm position. A desk chair set to the proper height and with good lumbar support is also crucial.
Get Up and Move Around
When you’re sitting in the same spot all day, it’s important to give yourself regular movement breaks. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to get up and walk around every hour or two. This will allow you to stretch out your muscles, boost circulation, and keep your energy levels up throughout the day. These movement breaks are a good time to check in with yourself to ensure you’re also maintaining good posture.
Exercise Regularly
Routine exercise will keep your body strong, flexible, and at a healthy weight, making it easier for you to hold yourself up properly throughout the workday. Focus on your core and back muscles during workouts for maximum upper-body support. It would also help if you worked in a few regular cardio sessions to maintain your aerobic health.
Invest in Ergonomic Accessories
Products that help keep your neck and back aligned for long periods will alleviate strain in those areas as you work at your desk. Most of these accessories can be worn under or over clothing and, over time, will help to improve your posture and health. For example, a posture-control shoulder brace is ideal for those who tend to slouch at the shoulders. Or, for lower to mid-back pain, a lumbar-sacral support brace can be helpful.
At BEK Medical, we carry a wide range of orthopedic accessories and other useful medical products to help you improve your posture at the office. Whether you’re suffering from neck, back, shoulder, or any other type of pain, we’ve got the supplies you need to relieve and prevent it.
Check out our supply of helpful mobility products online today, and feel free to contact our knowledgeable team with any questions!
