Avoiding Back Problems from Office Chairs

Here at Sea Spine Orthopedic Institute One of the most common problems we see in our patients comes form sitting lengthy periods of time in their office chairs. Most office workers spend more time in an office chair than any other piece of furniture, except their bed. Sitting in an office chair can definitely cause low back pain or worsen an existing back or neck problem.

Studies have proven a relationship between job tasks and repetitive stress injuries, as the cause for stress in the back, neck, shoulders, arms legs, and pressure in the spinal discs. With time, poor sitting posture and workplace ergonomics can damage spinal structures and contribute to serious back problems.

There is no single type of office chair that is optimal for all people; everyone has different preferences for comfort. The office chair industry does however attempt to address some of the structural issues associated with prolonged sitting, and introduced office chairs that provide support for the lumbar and neck areas.

Any person who spends a lot of time sitting can prevent or reduce unnecessary lower back problems and muscle pain with a little care and caution. Something as simple as rearranging your desk or answering your phone can set off back pain.

At Sea Spine Orthopedic Institute we suggest the following when it comes to Office chair posture:

• Sit upright in the chair with the low back against the backrest and the shoulders touching the backrest.
• Give your back a chance by adjusting the height of the chair's backrest to support the natural inward curvature of your lower back and by using a lumbar pad.
• Dynamic sitting during the day, that's an elaborate way of saying don't stay in one position for a long time, your circulation and muscles will thank you.

Make sure that your office chair and work area are as comfortable as possible and will cause the least amount of stress to your spine.

No matter how comfortable one is in an office chair, a prolonged static position is not good for your back, and it’s a common source to muscle strain. To avoid keeping the back in one position for a long period, remember to: stand, stretch and walk for at least a minute or two every 45 minutes. Even a quick walk to the water cooler or bathroom will do. It is advisable to stand and stretch your muscles lightly whenever you have been sitting at the same spot for a long duration. This helps in enhancing the blood circulation. Also, ensure that you do some sort of physical activity, get up to stretch and walk around, even consider playing sports outside of work. 

It is easy to keep lower back problems away and if you or anyone you know is experiencing problems caused from poor posture, and sitting to long in your work place, please contact one of our many offices to set up an appointment.  Our highly qualified staff of nurses and surgeons would be more than happy to help you get back to a healthy active work lifestyle. 

If you're looking for professional and experienced high-rated Florida orthopedic surgeons, contact SeaSpine Orthopedic Institute today at    

(http://www.seaspineortho.com/) or call  866-816-ORTHO.

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Sea Spine Orthopedic Institute Sports Injury Prevention

Now that school is back in session it’s also that time of the year when many people start practicing sports. If you’re getting back into a healthy exercise routine or your children are joining a sports team, precautions should be taken in order to avoid injuries.

According to statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) around this time last year approximately 1.2 million sustained football-related injuries in the US and more than 581,400 treated for injuries related to soccer.

Exercising and practicing sports are ideal for building strong muscles,  healthy bones and keeping in shape. But, before you go out and start training, here are some safety tips from Sea Spine orthopedic Institute you should consider:

• Stretch - Before starting any exercise don’t forget to stretch and incorporate strength training. A good stretch should be held for 10-12 seconds and not go beyond the point of resistance. This helps muscle flexibility and avoids cramping.

• Hydrate – Drink liquids to keep energized and minimize cramps. 

• Know your limits - Be aware of any health issues you may have and consider your age when determining your abilities before practicing a sport. Don’t rush into it, start at a beginner’s level and work your way up.

• Mix-it–up - If you practice a certain sport, try playing multiple positions. During the off-season, try different sports to minimize injuries that can be caused from overuse of a certain muscle or joint.

• Don’t over do it - Listen to your body, if pain or discomfort develops reduce training time and intensity. This will decrease the risk of injury and help avoid exhaustion. Studies suggest that reducing the number of consecutive days of exercising can lower the risk of injury. Recovery time gives muscles and joints an opportunity to rest and repair themselves between workouts.

• Don't play through the pain -  If you start to feel discomfort, pain or you have any concerns about injuries, speak with an orthopedic sports medicine specialist.

Not all injuries can be prevented, however many can be avoided. Experts suggest that injury rates could be reduced by 25% if people took appropriate preventative action.

Proper chiropractic care is a very effective way to avoid and treat any sports related injuries. If you or someone you know is experiencing pains or discomfort from a injury, it may be a good time to get checked by a local chiropractor. If you're looking for professional and experienced high-rated Florida orthopedic surgeons, contact Sea Spine Orthopedic Institute today at (http://www.seaspineortho.com/) or call  866-816-ORTHO.

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