Our Phoenix back pain chiropractor, Dr. Chance Moore, is very familiar with how office environments can affect a person’s body. Notably, the way we sit at our desks all day can create or exacerbate lower back pain or neck pain issues. If you’re looking for relief from either of these conditions–or other workplace-related pain conditions like carpal tunnel or hip pain–let’s look at some simple changes you can make to your office ergonomics today to help reduce muscle strain and tension.

Dr. Chance Moore, a back pain chiropractor in Phoenix, explains proper office posture

To get started, you’ll want to focus on your posture at the office. As our back pain chiropractor, Dr. Moore explains, there are three areas to focus on when improving your office ergonomics: your eyes, your head, and your thighs.

As this back pain chiropractor explains, in just five minutes you can make small changes to help improve your office experience. And, making these changes can help you improve your overall efficiency, while reducing your pain levels and muscular tension. Now that you’ve had this quick overview, let’s go more in-depth into how office ergonomics can reduce your lower back pain.

What are common back pain causes?

Since back pain is the most common condition associated with work-related pain, it makes sense to focus on the anatomy of the back.

The spine has a big job. It not only supports the entire body, but also gives us the flexibility for movement. When the spine and surrounding muscles are healthy and pain-free, most of us give little thought to the intricate network of bones and supporting components that give us so much freedom. But when we suffer from back pain, we notice every movement.

Although the spine has the ability to move in a variety of ways, holding the back in unnatural alignment for long periods of time in unhealthy. It may lead to back pain, particularly in the lumbar spine, which is the curved area in the lower back.

Repetitive movements like hunching over a computer during the day, lifting heavy objects on a job site, or slouching on the couch at night could contribute to or directly cause back pain. Fortunately, taking some precautions and staying aware of how you hold your spine can greatly reduce or eliminate back pain.

This video explains more of the science behind back pain.

How do I make sure my desk setup is ergonomic?

The stereotype of a desk-bound worker hunched over a computer has come to exemplify the modern workforce. Unfortunately, this unnatural position leads nowhere but back pain and suffering. The word “ergonomic” may bring to mind images of funny-shaped keyboards and a ramrod-straight posture, but using these tools and techniques helps to reduce the side effects of long hours spent sitting.

As our back pain chiropractor explained, a desk setup that encourages healthy posture starts at the head, making sure the computer screen rests at eye level. When your eyes are able to gaze straight ahead without tilting downward to peer at the screen, it ensures the head falls in line with the neck. This, in turn, helps keep the back straight.

When the computer screen rests below eye level, the eyes gaze down and the neck likely gets pushed forward, as our back pain chiropractor demonstrated in the video. The back might then hunch over to help the eyes move closer to the screen. This is a very unhealthy setup in terms of posture, and it easily leads to back or neck pain.

Reducing carpal tunnel pain and neck pain

After making sure the computer screen rests at eye level, you then must make sure the keyboard is at the appropriate level for ergonomics. The arms should have at least a 90-degree bend, with the wrists able to stay straight while typing. If you work on a laptop, you may want to invest in a second keyboard specifically for typing. That allows you to elevate the computer screen to eye level while having a second keyboard that lines up with your wrists.

You may also want to explore special equipment that reduces the repetitive tasks you engage in. For example, those who talk on the phone a lot may want to use a headset or add a shoulder rest to the handset. This eliminates the awkward neck position that comes from resting your head on your shoulder.

Next comes the feet, which should stay flat on the ground. Many people may be used to crossing their legs while sitting. This takes the body out of optimal alignment and could increase the risk for back pain. When it comes to ergonomics, every angle counts because the entire body is connected.

Finding a better chair 

The chair you sit in is also very important, as our back pain chiropractor explained. The chair must be at an adequate height to allow for the wrists to reach the keyboard while keeping them straight. If the arms rest at an angle less than 90 degrees, switching chairs may be necessary.

Although most chairs are adjustable, some of them won’t go high enough to achieve optimal alignment. This varies from person to person and also depends on the height of your desk, so you may need to try several chairs before finding the right one.

The chair should also follow the one-inch rule. When sitting in the chair, a one-inch gap should remain between the backs of your knees and the edge of the seat. Also, there should be a one-inch border around your thighs and hips. The thighs should also extend at 90-degree or larger angle. Make sure you have plenty of room to move around so that you don’t feel constricted. Another thing to keep in mind is finding a chair that has lumbar support to cushion the lower spine.

Buying a chair with wheels is helpful for simplifying small movements. If you have back pain, try to stay aware of moving suddenly, especially without a straight spine. Leaning over to grab a piece of paper or pick up the phone may seem innocent enough. A back weakened from time or poor posture, though, may send out pangs of pain. Using the chair’s wheels to move closer to the object you need, or getting up from the chair, helps to protect the lower back.

Trying out a stability ball

Another option is to replace your chair with a stability ball for a few periods each day. Using a stability ball encourages the muscles in your core and lower back to engage, ultimately strengthening them and potentially reducing back pain. This was shown in a report in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Make sure to select a stability ball that allows your feet to comfortably rest flat on the floor. For proper ergonomics, the hips should ideally rest above the knees. When first starting to use the stability ball, take care to begin in small amounts of time. The Canadian researchers suggest sitting on the ball for 20 minutes each day, although you may need to work up to that. Never sit on the ball for longer than it is comfortable for you.

Once you’re comfortable with sitting on the stability ball, stay as long as you wish, as long as there is no pain.

Have you considered a standing desk?

Our back pain chiropractor, Dr. Moore, didn’t touch on this in the video, but a standing desk can be another great option for relieving lower back pain. Many of the same rules of paying attention to the head and neck apply when using a standing desk, however.

Benefits of standing desks

According to recent research, one of the worst things you can do for your health is something that we all do, every day. It’s not eating too much fat or sugar; it’s not smoking or misusing prescription medications. Chances are, you are doing it right now.

The one bad health habit we all have is sitting too much.

Because of this, many people are gravitating toward standing desks. Even alternating between the two, spending much of the day seated with intervals spent standing, can have a marked impact on lower back pain. Standing desks help to strengthen leg and back muscles, and they also help encourage optimal blood flow. When seated, the body’s major muscles begin to contract and the entire metabolism slows down, which can harm your health.

Sitting has been called the new smoking because of its health risks. Experts now recommend that people stand for at least two hours each day, preferably working their way up to four, reports The Washington Post. The average office worker sits for ten hours a day. Many health experts say this increases the risk for heart disease, obesity, cancer, and depression, not to mention back pain.

The research on sitting 

The dangers of such sedentary activity are well-documented. The average person sits for six hours a day, and this does not include sitting at work. Even if you increase your activity outside of work, many of us still have jobs that require work at a desk. Many back pain chiropractors see patients specifically because of how much they sit.

Stand-up desks are getting more attention as the push for more physical activity increases. A study by the University of Iowa looked at the effects of sit/stand-up desks on employee activity. Using data from a small study group of mostly female office workers, researchers found that having the option to stand and work caused workers to stand up more often during the course of their day. This occurred even after the novelty of the desk wore off.

Employees with sit/stand-up desks stood up 60 minutes more a day than their counterparts without that option. This resulted in the burning of 87 extra calories daily, just by standing up.

Even though the study is small-scale, this is an important finding. Dr. Lucas Carr is an assistant professor in the department of health and human physiology and member of the Obesity Research and Education Initiative at the UI. He pointed out the dramatic change in the workforce that has corresponded with a rise in obesity in the U.S., saying:

“Studies suggest American workers today burn roughly 100 calories-less each day while at work compared to American workers in 1960. This decline in occupational energy expenditure is thought to play a substantial role in the rising obesity epidemic we have observed over that same time period.”

Before you make the switch to standing 

There are a few things to consider when making the switch to a stand-up desk.

• You will be tired: Switching from sitting all day to standing for most of the day is definitely going to cause you to feel more physically fatigued at the end of the day. That is, at least until you get used to it. You don’t have to spend your entire workday on your feet. Aim for 15 minutes of standing every hour, gradually increasing as you feel stronger.
• Posture matters: If you are standing with poor posture, your back is going to let you know. Paying attention to the ergonomics of your desk is crucial, but it is also important to stand correctly. This is right in line with the advice our back pain chiropractor gave. Office ergonomics come down to paying attention to where your head, neck, and thighs are at all times.
• Wear the proper footwear: A stand-up desk requires supportive footwear. Standing all day in three-inch heels is not doing your body any favors. If you wear heels at work, keep them at one inch or lower or switch to flats when you stand up. You can also lay down an ergonomic mat to protect your feet.

Finding a standing desk that works for you

If you’d like to try a stand-up desk, make sure that whichever one you buy or create runs along the same ergonomic principles outlined for sitting. That means the eyes should be level with the computer screen, the elbows should rest at a 90-degree angle, and the wrists should reach the keyboard in a straight line. No matter if you spend the day seated or standing, taking occasional breaks to stretch is always a good idea.

A stand-up desk is very simple, in both theory and practice. These desks remove the chair, raising your workspace so that you can work comfortably while standing. Some of the ready-made desks have a foot rest so that you can take the weight off of one leg every now and again. Others are simply a table with your computer and monitor on it.

There are some key measurements to take into consideration when looking into buying a stand-up desk. You cannot just place your laptop on a tall table and call it a day. Ergonomics are an important consideration.

• To begin, the desk height should be directly in line with your bent elbows, or just slightly below.
• You should have 20 to 28” of space between your eyes and your computer monitor.
• Your computer monitor should be tilted at a 20-degree angle.
• The monitor and the keyboard should not be at the same height. Raise your monitor slightly. For this reason, a laptop is not the best choice when working at a stand-up desk.

Making your own standing desk

Many stand-up desks come with fancy features and accessories that can really add up. As with most things there are many more affordable options.

You can build your own stand-up desk for less than $30 using various tables and benches from Ikea. Or, you can look for more affordable, ready-made options. You can convert your current sitting desk easily and quickly with just a few accessories.

What if I have back pain from my manual job?

While our back pain chiropractor discussed pain conditions that are related to working in an office, many manual job workers also experience pain. In fact, people whose jobs require them to complete manual tasks while in awkward positions are eight times more likely to develop back pain than other types of workers, according to the Arthritis Care and Research journal. Distraction and fatigue were other factors that significantly increased a person’s risk of developing back pain. The study also found that people working between the hours of 7 a.m. and noon were most at risk.

Researchers said identifying the main risk factors was critical to developing strategies to circumvent them and help people complete their jobs while staying healthy. People in careers like construction are especially susceptible to back pain. This is because they must complete work tasks while carrying heavy equipment or working in unnatural positions.

Reducing your lower back pain risk at a manual job

For people who use their bodies a lot during the day, it can be difficult to figure out how to work in a safe way. But taking a few precautions helps to reduce risk. Our back pain chiropractor recommended a few more tips for reducing pain through the day.

First, plan how you’ll lift a heavy object before actually picking it up, recommends Intelihealth. Testing the real weight of an object helps better prepare the body. It also ensures you have enough room to safely lift it. For especially heavy loads, ask for help from a coworker.

Another tip is to take your time while lifting. Distracted workers are more likely to develop back pain than non-distracted workers. This is because it’s easy to inadvertently pull a muscle when rushing through a task. It’s better to take extra time and complete less work than experience an injury or pang of back pain. This will slow you down even more or maybe even send you home.

Exercise proper lifting form, with bent knees. Engage the stomach muscles so the core helps to support the spine as you lift, recommends Intelihealth. Spread the feet wide, placing one foot in front of the other to ensure maximum grip. Also, make sure to take frequent breaks and give your body the recovery time it needs.

Finding a back pain chiropractor for pain relief

Once you’ve implemented these changes, you may find that while your back pain improves slightly. However, you may also find that you need more help on your journey towards finding pain relief. This is where a dedicated back pain chiropractor or pain doctor can help you get back to a life without pain.

Often, a focused treatment plan created by a team of healthcare professionals like those at Arizona Pain is your best bet when dealing with a chronic pain condition. A chronic pain condition is one that has lasted more than three months. After you’ve worked with a back pain chiropractor or pain doctor, you can begin to incorporate physical therapy, exercise, and proper office ergonomics into your life. This is to make sure the pain doesn’t return.

If you’re interested in learning how you can find a life without pain, click the button below to schedule a time to talk to one of our back pain chiropractors or pain doctors.

By Kevin Whipps

Now here’s a stat for you. According to the American Chiropractic Association, one half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. In addition, it turns out that we spend at least $50 billion — that’s billion with a “b” — on back pain. Worse yet? That’s just for identified costs, not all of the ancillary things that come up related to the issue.

So what do you do about it? How do you keep yourself from throwing your own money into that $50 billion pot and stay healthy? Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can get into the problem in the first place, and also steps you can take to avoid having the problem in the first place.

Proper Lifting Techniques

We’ve all made mistakes when it comes to lifting heavy items, and felt the consequences later. Instead of falling prey to the same problem over and over, it’s easy enough to just learn the right way to lift a heavy object, so you just fall into the habit.

So what’s the right way to lift? Well the Mayo clinic has a few tips.

Get as close to the object as you can. Place one knee on the ground and then put your other foot on the floor so that you’re kneeling with one knee down.
Hold your stomach, back and pelvis muscles tight and pull the object up between your legs. Make sure that your back isn’t slouched over, and is instead holding its natural curve. Also, make sure the object is held close to your body, and rest it on your knee as you start to stand.

Lift with your legs — this is key, because if you lift with your back you’ll be in trouble. Keep your back in that original curved position as well.

Lighten Up

Did you know your purse or bag may be part of the problem? Anyone who carries around a lot of weight on a daily basis — a laptop bag, diaper bag, heavy purse — is putting additional strain on their lower back. This is a particular issue if you throw the item over just one shoulder or the other, as opposed to a backpack — which is an equally bad issue, but it just distributes the load evenly. If every day you have to carry around something heavy, consider switching to a rolling bag or something similar.
Work out

Some back pain issues are the result of strain on the lower back or muscle related. By keeping flexible and working out those muscles, you’ll do yourself a world of good. Consider yoga. It’s a low impact way of keeping flexible and working out, plus it’s something anyone can do from their home or at the gym. The goal, according to Gaiam.com, is to focus on your core strength and length. This means that you want to work out your abs, low and mid back, and side waist, but you still want to keep your abdominal muscles lean. A few poses to consider are the Pigeon, Downward Facing Dog and Wall Plank.

If yoga isn’t your bag, you can also hit the gym. Again, the goal is to work on your core so that you have the strength in your back to begin with. But don’t push yourself so hard that you get hurt; you don’t want to make your problem worse before it gets better, so keep it slow and steady in the beginning so that you work your way into this new lifestyle choice.

Lighten Up (Yourself)

The spine is the core of your body, and does all of the heavy lifting for you. If you happen to be heavy yourself, then you’re putting extra strain on not only your spine, but the discs between your vertebrae and the surrounding nerves. By lightening up your mass, you’ll also put less pressure on your body and keep things functioning well longer.

Stand Up, Sit Down

Sitting is killing you. Alright, that may be a bit extreme, but people who spend more than six hours a day sitting have a higher death rate than those who spend just three doing the same activity. Plus, there’s all the extra strain, added weight and so on that occurs just from living a sedentary lifestyle. Then there’s your back.

Think about how you sit at your desk. Chances are pretty good that you may try to use the best ergonomic position possible, but it doesn’t often happen that way, right? You end up slouched over, maybe kicked back with your feet extended and neck cranked down to your chest. It’s definitely not a good thing to do to your spine on a regular basis, and yet, here we are.
So what’s the answer? Standing desks. It may sound counter intuitive, but getting and using a standing desk can certainly improve your posture, keep your circulation flowing and just generally feel better.

For the uninitiated to the world of standing desks, picture a podium. That’s a standing desk. Or, imagine your existing desk at a height where you can type or write with your elbows at a 90-degree angle to the work surface. That’s essentially the concept here, and many famous people have used this concept over the years. Ernest Hemingway is famous for his, and both Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill used them as well. In fact, there were quite a few businesses during the industrial revolution that used convertible standing desks as their primary tool. So how do you make the transition?

First, you have to decide whether or not you can make the jump full time. Not everyone can, and in those cases you have a few different options. Geekdesk (Geekdesk.com) makes a convertible standing desk that’s electrically adjustable. It’s not cheap — around $750 to start — but it is one of the more inexpensive electric versions available. Or you could go with a Kangaroo by Ergo Desktop (Ergodesktop.com), which is a less expensive route to go. If you want to just try it out before you drop some cash on new furniture, give it a shot by working off of a countertop or bar top for a bit, and see how it goes.

Either way, at least attempting to curb your time at a desk is a good thing, and will help out with your back as well. Who wants to spend less time on the earth because they spent more time at a desk, anyways?

Alternative Therapies

If you’re already the victim of a back issue, the next step is to seek out help. So where do you go? You’d think the chiropractor, right? Well yes. And no.
Stop one should be to a pain clinic in your area. A pain practice has multiple doctors under one roof, all from different disciplines. In some pain practices, you’ll have a chiropractor right there on hand, too.

But why the pain practice over just seeing your general practitioner or a solo chiropractor? Because you could have something wrong that just one person can’t fix. A traditional chiropractor may not be able to offer acupuncture or spinal cord stimulators, for example, and your regular physician will likely send you off to see a specialist anyways. At a pain practice, you have options — lots of them.

Get Help Today

Whatever the case may be, if you have a back problem, you should get help today. And if you’ve been lucky so far, it’s time to be proactive about your back. Injuring yourself can put you down for a long time, so handle things before they get bad. Otherwise, you could wake up one morning and not be able to move — and that’s not the best way to start your day.