Back Pain Prevention at your work station and computer

Preventing Low Back Pain While Using a Computer
By Dr. Michael Berek Massage Master.net, L.L.C.

The best way to avoid back pain if you use a computer a lot is to get up and move around frequently. Take stretching breaks every 30 minutes to 1 hour, if you can. Sitting in front of a computer all day and poor posture may lead to muscle imbalances. The way you sit is important. To sit square in your chair, put your behind in the center of the seat. Your legs should bend at the knees and rest on the floor. If you have shorter legs, use a footrest or find a box to place under your feet. Use a chair with proper height to reduce back pain. Your chair plays a vital role in your back health since it provides the foundation for body support that will carry you through out the day. Adjust the computer desk chair to the height of your workstation.

Tilting the monitor up can help you avoid neck pain by keeping the chin up, thus maintaining the normal cervical curve. Almost everyone will develop problems with their cervical curvature if their not careful with their work station posture and sleeping posture. I’ve found that a lumbar support pillow or an ergonomic chair (a bit more pricey but often times worth it) works great to help reduce lower back pain. Most larger companies will provide special ergonomic chairs for those with special needs who may have a history of back and neck problems.
Sitting in front of the computer desk for long hours can increase muscle stress and put pressure on the spinal disks. Back pain leads to spinal stenosis that means narrowing of spaces in the spine that could result in increased pressure on the spinal cord. Of course, your overall muscle tone and flexibility (especially the back and abdominal muscles) plays a big part in your spinal stability and prevention of the start of back pain.
If you have any questions related to this subject, feel free to email me at relax@massagemaster.net
After 20 years of clinical practice treating all sorts of back conditions, I discovered a powerful new way for people with Back Pain, Spasm & Stress to easily reduce their Pain and work on their Posture. Imagine getting a massage anytime you want it". Dr. Michael Berke- Chiropractor/ Inventor http://www.massagemaster.net/