If you work in an office and suffer from chronic pain, you understand how challenging everyday tasks can be. Chronic pain can affect a person’s work performance and job satisfaction, which is why you must find ways to deal with your pain in the office. Here are a few ways you can manage your workday with a little more ease and less pain.
Be aware of your body position
The main reason people experience back pain while in the office is due to their posture and desk setup. If you are looking down at your computer all day and slouching forward, you are bound to experience neck and back pain. Previous research has shown associations between spinal pain and posture, especially around chronic low back pain. Studies indicate that “improving habitual postural patterns may lead to improvements in musculoskeletal pain conditions and prevent chronification or further deterioration.”
It is essential to be aware of your ergonomic desk setup. This means that your monitor should be at eye-level, both your knees and elbows should be at a 90-degree angle, and your feet should rest flat on the floor. If you cannot adjust your desk height, place wood blocks under the legs to bring your desk to a comfortable height.
Take breaks
Sitting in the same position for 8+ hours a day can be taxing on the body. In fact, remaining in the same position for hours a day can contribute to long-term health issues, including:
- Low back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Obesity
Taking regular breaks throughout the workday allows your body to stay in motion while giving your muscles time to move. Doing this can also prevent your muscles from tightening. If your job requires you to sit at a desk for extended periods of time, get up and stretch for five minutes every hour to reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries and joint pain. Stretching can also help realign your posture and reduce overall muscle fatigue.
Get treatment
There is only so much you can do when it comes to at-home remedies to treat your chronic pain. From ice/heat therapy to daily stretching, the pain you are dealing with may only subside for a few hours and then begin shortly after.
There are several ways to treat your chronic pain, including oral and topical therapies, physical therapy, acupuncture, and interventional techniques such as injections. We also utilize other approaches besides specialized procedures such as myofascial therapy, biofeedback, counseling and lifestyle changes.
If you are suffering from immense or chronic pain at work, our team of compassionate clinical professionals can help you find pain relief through consultation, education and on-going care. Schedule an appointment with one of the Center for Interventional Pain & Spine’s specialized providers! We offer advanced interventional and minimally invasive techniques to help treat chronic complex pain. Schedule your appointment today!
