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Prevent Wrist and Back Pain

Working an office job where you sit at a desk performing repetitive tasks like typing and using the mouse can wreak havoc on your wrists while sitting down all day can cause major back issues. These issues can range from just pain to more severe and long-term issues like carpal tunnel. This is why maintaining your back and wrist health is important, especially when you work in environments such as an office where you are at higher risk for wrist and back issues. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your back and wrist health.

Invest in a Good Chair
Because you will be sitting for a large portion of your workday, having a good chair that supports your back correctly can make all the difference. Two things you want to look for in a chair is lower back support and wheels. The wheels are good because they allow you to adjust your position accordingly to stay comfortable and lower back support is purely meant to reduce strain on the back. You also want to make sure you are sitting straight. If you slouch, you open yourself to more possibility of pain. Two more things to keep in mind are that your feet should be flat on the floor to maintain posture and that your mouse and keyboard should be at elbow height.

Take Regular Breaks
While these breaks do not have to be super long, you should be taking regular breaks to give your body a break. A common rule of thumb is you should not go longer than 90 minutes working without getting up for a small break. During these breaks you would ideally be moving around. There are even apps out there now that will remind you when it is time to get some physical activity in and to take a break. All this movement will encourage better blood circulation and boost your productivity as well.

Wear a Wrist Brace
A wrist brace can be a real game changer in wrist health. Part of what causes wrist issues is moving your wrist too far in one direction. A wrist brace helps mitigate this by keeping your wrist in a neutral position, preventing it from moving too far in either direction. You could also wear the braces at night, which is hugely beneficial because you have no control over your body movement while sleeping.

Keep Fit Outside the Office
While this may seem obvious, keeping fit outside the office is enormous help in avoiding office related injuries. Exercises that benefit flexibility and keep you limber will be the most beneficial in preventing issues. You can also incorporate stretches into your daily morning routine or even during breaks at work if you have the appropriate space to do so.

While these tips can help avoid issues with your wrist and back, nothing is ever guaranteed. If you ever feel the need to see a professional about issues with your wrists and back, consider a chiropractor. They can help you treat these issues in a natural manner while giving you tips on what you can do to help them on your own as well.