Did you know that from the 4th – 8th of October, it’s Back Care Awareness Week? This week is all about taking a step ‘back’ (no pun intended) and looking at how you can better take care of your back.
The theme of this year’s week is ‘Back Pain Working From Home’. In the past year, many of us have had to work from home. Sitting for hours at a screen on calls has had a disastrous effect on many people’s posture. Spending time in an uncomfortable, temporary office space in your bedroom or kitchen can make your neck and back ache. These factors have caused an increase in people experiencing neck and back discomfort and pain. It is now, more than ever, important to assess how you are working from home. Making improvements to your posture and home office space can help you enormously in the long run. However, it can be difficult to know where to start when dealing with back pain.
To celebrate Back Care Awareness Week, we here at Falcon Health wanted to give you some tips to help improve your back health. Here are our top five tips on how to look after your back.
Keep moving and stretching your back
When you are spending long hours at a desk, your muscles can become cramped and stiff. Try stretching or moving once every hour, to take care of your back . This does not have to be strenuous or take a long time. Take 5 minutes to stretch your legs and walk around the room. Gently, stretch your neck and fingers. If you can, try going outside for a few minutes. If this is impossible, try just doing a few laps of your room.
Set up your workspace well
Even if you don’t have access to a full office, it’s important to set up your workspace well. You should not be straining down with your neck to see your screen. If your laptop is too low down, try placing it on top of some books.
Don’t work from your bed its bad for your back
We know that it can be very tempting to work from your bed or sofa. However, these surfaces are too soft and will not support your back properly. Try and work at a desk or table you know it makes sense to take care of your back.
Pick a good chair
Although it can feel comfy to lean forwards or back in your chair, this is bad for your back. Make sure your chair provides good back support. Try placing a cushion behind you. This means you can stay upright.
Don’t work facing a window
Facing a window can mean that you strain your eyes as well as your back. This happens as you lean forward to squint at your screen. Try working side-on from the window instead.
One of the best things you can do to relieve back pain is to see a chiropractor. This is a great way to stop pain and prevent it from returning. Here at Falcon Health, we provide expert, hands-on care on how to take care of your back. Why wait to feel better, book an appointment today.