Pain and physical discomfort linked to work are not confined to hauling heavy loads and heavy labour. It is not only builders and removal men who suffer from them, but also people who spend their working hours at a computer or in an office. Studies prove that a forced posture, repetitive movements and poor posture cause or aggravate disorders of the musculoskeletal system (the spine and the joints).
Muscle blocks that we build up every day, especially while sitting at a desk, lead to discomfort and health problems, among them:
- pain in the neck and shoulders
- headaches
- obesity
- a stoop and pain between the shoulder blades
- chronic stress
- lower back pain
- carpal tunnel syndrome and pain in the hands.
There is good news as well!
A short warm-up at your workplace, for example:
- increases the range (extent) of movement;
- improves your posture;
- relieves physical and mental tension;
- reduces chronic pain by 70%;
- lifts your mood and
- makes you more resilient to stress.
How can you be more physically active during the working day?
Take phone calls and have lunch standing up rather than sitting down.
Use a height-adjustable desk.
Take the stairs, not the lift.
Get up from your seat every hour and walk around the office (you can set a reminder on your phone so that you definitely do not forget to move).
Do a minimum set of exercises at your workplace.
And to anyone who leaves a comment under this post I will send a set of exercises designed specially for office workers. Take care and stay healthy!
