While it is common (and obvious) when you get hurt running, lifting weights, or playing in that weekend softball game (“I knew I shouldn’t have tried to steal home!”) – people that work in a business setting are just as prone to injury, but the tricky part is the issues can develop over years and may be “invisible” until all of a sudden your neck starts hurting, or your back starts aching. Whether you sit at a desk all day or rack up hundreds of thousands of airline miles, there are plenty of things that you should be cognizant of to avoid long term detrimental health issues.
Here are some common issues that you may face:
- Degeneration of the muscles
- Chronic fatigue and stress
- Neck Pain
- Early onset of sciatica
- Arthritis
- Shoulder Pain
- Back Pain
- Overall body stiffness
The good news is, there are ways to put yourself in the best position possible to avoid these issues.
- Make sure your computer monitor, keyboard, chair, and desk are at the correct height.
- Invest in an ergonomically sound chair.
- Get up and walk around every 30 minutes, even if it’s to get a glass of water or use the restroom.
- Put an extra emphasis on stretching throughout the day.
- When you get the opportunity, stand up at your desk….especially good for people that are on the phone a lot.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Last but not least, visit a physical therapist once a year to ensure there is nothing major building up. Often times these issues are not real issues until it is too late.
