Take Regular Breaks To Stand Up And Walk Around
Even with the most comfortable set-up cannot completely eliminate the chance that you can experience lower back pain from sitting for too long.
When you have to work at the computer for a long time, you can include breaks every 15 minutes where you get up and stretch or walk around for a short time before returning to your seat. Doing so can also help to rest your eyes as we can experience eye strain from staring at the computer screen for too long.
Use The Following Steps To Relieve Lower Back Pain When Standing Up From Sitting
Again, don’t take my word for it… try it yourself and see if it helps you relieve your lower back pain when standing up from sitting. If it doesn’t, go back to your old way of doing it.
Best Sitting Position For Lower Back Pain
Improving your posture can help as it’s unhealthy to stay seated for extended periods of time. Long-term stress on the spine can be caused by doing it with a rounded back, drooping to one side, or leaning too far back.
Maintain a neutral spine and avoid a forward rotation of the pelvis as doing so, your lower back curves. Just imagine a straight line running from the base of your skull to the top of the ceiling this will help you sit up straight.
The small of your back will feel a pleasant stretch and extend if you sit up straight. You should also avoid sitting in the same position for too long.
If you suffer from back discomfort, sitting in one position all day may be making your symptoms worse. To prevent muscle fatigue and soreness, it’s important to switch up your posture frequently.
Some of the best ways to avoid lower back pain when sitting include:
1. Neutral sitting positions
Some of these neutral positions include
- Reclined Sitting
Since the backrest bears portion of the body’s weight, this position requires less of the back muscles to operate, making it easier on the back. Have your feet flat on the floor, knees bent to 90 degrees, and back bent to 110 degrees.
Maintain a back angle of 100 to 110 degrees while working actively. Setting your backrest to 135 degrees has been demonstrated to be the most comfortable position for undertaking passive work.
2. Proper sitting adjustment
3. Good siting angle
4. Sitting position with good lumbar support
Don’t Miss: Is Biofreeze Good For Lower Back Pain
Simple Ways To Stop Lower Back Pain From Sitting
2017/06/08
Did you know?
More than half of Americans who experience lower back pain spend most of their workday sitting.
But you dont need these statistics to know that sitting too much can aggravate back pain and even cause lumbar pain in the first place.
The good news is:
Lumbar pain from sitting all day can be quite easily prevented and solved, and this post will show you the 5 easiest and best ways to fix office-work related back pain.
Page Contents
What Are The Most Common Lower Back Surgery Procedures
Spine surgery is not necessary for most people who have lower back pain. If you do need it, your doctor will recommend an appropriate procedure to address your specific symptoms and medical situation. Common spine surgeries include:
Spinal Fusion. Two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together to limit excess spinal motion. Your surgeon will use a combination of bone, bonelike material, screws, plates and rods to hold the vertebrae together so they can heal into a single unit. Spinal fusion may be done to correct spinal deformities or to increase the spines stability in severe cases of spinal osteoarthritis or herniated discs.
Laminectomy and laminotomy. Laminectomy is a surgery in which your surgeon removes the back portion of one or more vertebrae to create more space for the spinal cord or other nerves. In people with severe arthritis, bone spurs within the spinal canal can grow large enough to press on the spinal cord, causing pain and limiting mobility. In a similar surgery known as laminotomy, your surgeon will remove a small piece of bone called the lamina from the back of the vertebra.
Recommended Reading: Why Is The Lower Part Of My Back Hurting
Movement For Prevention And Rehabilitation Of Sitting Related Low Back Pain
Various interventions are used across the spectrum of occupational settings in an attempt to both minimize the risk of low back pain arising but also reduce the impact of sitting on those with already existent low back pain. However, the utility and effectiveness of these interventions is somewhat mixed within the literature. The main source of evidence regarding these interventions comes in the form of a Cochrane systematic review by Parry et al. who, after exploring research surrounding the use of such interventions as sit-stand workstations, treadmill workstations, and activity trackers, found the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing both the intensity and presence of low back pain for sitting based individuals at work was poor. Another movement based intervention not included within the Cochrane systematic review involves the use of dynamic sitting which involves the used of both active and passive implements to encourage regular movement of the trunk and lower extremities in a seated position. OSullivan et al. investigated the effectiveness of dynamic sitting via a systematic review. They concluded that although the evidence regarding this topic was of high quality, there were inconsistent results to support and recommend the use of said intervention.
Stand Up And Walk Around Once An Hour
Walking engages muscles such as the hamstrings, hip flexors and erector muscles located in the spine. Avoid being sedentary and sitting all day by getting up and walking around the house or office every hour. I also highly recommend getting in a longer 30-minute walk on your lunch break. Walking can drastically improve low-back pain by lessening agitation in the joints from remaining stagnant for long periods of time. Plus, its a great energy and mood booster during the work day!
You May Like: Can Ra Cause Lower Back Pain
Determine Your Resting Eye Level
While you are still situated in your chair, close your eyes for a few moments and then slowly open them. As you open your eyes, your gaze should be on your computer screen or the area where you will be looking for the majority of your work. If this area is not aligned with your resting eye level, or if you sense that you are tilting your head either higher or lower, you will need to make adjustments accordingly.
Alternate Sides If Youre A Side Sleeper
Some evidence suggests that habitually sleeping on one side on an ill-fitting mattress may contribute to muscle imbalance and pain. Always sleeping on the same side suspends the middle of your body between your hips and shoulders, the broadest parts of the trunk. Place a pillow between your knees as shown below to keep hips, pelvis and spine aligned.
Read Also: What Do Doctors Prescribe For Lower Back Pain
Don’t Miss: How To Relieve Lower Back Sacrum Pain
Consider Your Entire Environment
Even with the best office chairs for back pain in the world, Jacobs says you may still develop back pain if youre not addressing other risk factors or paying attention to the rest of your workspace.
Jacobs strongly recommends starting your day with some gentle stretching or yoga to prepare your body for the day. Once in the office, take breaks and change your position every 20 to 30 minutes by getting up and walking around. You can also try using a sit-stand desk.
Dont forget other wellness measures, too, says Jacobs. Remember to stay hydrated and get outside when you can. Even add an indoor plant to your desk space for an overall health boost.
Its all connected, she says. You cant just look at one body part. Its mental health as well as physical.
When Should I Start Exercising After Injury
Getting back to exercise too soon can worsen an injury, making your recovery process even longer. Therefore, its important to allow your injury to heal and slowly return to your regular activities.
Its best to avoid exercise until youve noticed improvements in your pain, stiffness, and swelling.
A good sign is when youre able to perform normal household tasks and daily activities with little to no pain and have full or almost full range of motion.
If youre unsure, its best to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise.
Summary
Its best to avoid exercise until your pain, stiffness, and swelling have improved. Exercising too soon can worsen your injury and prolong your recovery process.
You May Like: How To Stop Lower Back Pain At Home
Also Check: What’s Good For Back Muscle Pain
Ways To Alleviate Pain In Upper Back & Shoulder Blades:
Leons notes :
1-3 techniques below will focus on giving you temporary relief by using self massage techniques and stretching for the actual painful areas.
4-8 will focus on stretching and activating the muscles that will help you to carry yourself in a better posture This is the long term strategy.
Please note, if your pain persists for a long time, you may want to see a professional in-person to address your situation.
When To See A Physiotherapist Or Go To A Sports Injury Clinic
There are instances when back pain resolves on its own, while in other cases, exercise and observing proper posture help in easing the pain. However, you need to seek medical attention in the following scenarios:
- When the pain is persistent and does not seem to be getting better
- When you experience weakness, numbness or tingling in your back or legs
- When you lose bladder or bowel function
- When you have a fever and feel unusually week
- When you have nighttime pain and start losing weight
These signs and symptoms can signal a serious condition that must be addressed immediately. It is also important to determine what pain is common and what pain is abnormal for you. When your aches and pains worsen, its time to see a specialist.
You May Like: Why Do I Get Back Pain On My Period
How To Relieve Lower Back Pain Fast
If youre like most people, finding this neutral pelvis sitting position might take a little bit of time. It may even feel a little bit awkward at first. You might feel like you are sticking your butt out further than what you should be, but you arent. A chiropractor would give you the following directions for locating the best sitting position so that you can get relief quickly.
Now that you have located the proper positioning, stand up. You might feel a bit like you are pushing your butt out still, but thats where you should have it. One thing to take note of is if your weight is resting on the balls of your feet, theres a high probability that you arent doing it right and tucking your pelvis still.
How Is Upper Back Pain Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your medical history, activity level and symptoms. They will also ask you questions about your pain. These questions may include:
- When did the pain start?
- Where does the pain hurt the most?
- Does anything you do make the pain feel better?
- Does anything you do make the pain feel worse?
Your healthcare provider may do a physical exam. They may have you lift or bend your legs to see how moving affects your pain. Your healthcare provider may test your muscle strength and reflexes.
Depending on what your healthcare provider finds, they may order additional tests. These tests may include:
- Spine X-ray: Uses radiation to produce images of the bones in your spine.
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan: Uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of your bones, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues in your spine.
- Computed tomography scan: Uses X-rays and a computer to create 3D images of the bones and soft tissues in the spine.
- Electromyography : Tests the nerves and muscles in your spine and checks for nerve damage , which can cause tingling or numbness in your legs.
- Blood test: Can detect genetic markers for some conditions that cause back pain.
Donât Miss: How To Fix Bad Lower Back Pain
Recommended Reading: Can Hip Problems Cause Lower Back Pain
Refrain From Overstretching And Twisting
Another important tip when seated is to avoid overstretching or twisting your torso.
Overstretching usually occurs when frequently accessed items are placed too far away from you on the desk, such as he keyboard, mouse, and documents. Apart from straining your shoulders, this also adds pressure to your spine as you lean forward.
Organize your workspace so items you access frequently are within your primary zone.
Raise your chair and bring your keyboard and mouse close enough to you that your elbows are at an open 100 110 degrees, no wider.
Also, minimize twisting your torso when seated. When you repetitively twist, you can tear one of the large muscles or ligaments surrounding your spine. This leads to lower back inflammation and spasm. If you do need to reach for an object, turn your office chair along with your whole body. Avoid twisting your waist while seated.
Do You Get Lower Back Pain When Sitting
In This Post, You’ll Learn How To Relieve Lower Back Pain When Sitting
In modern-day society, we spend a lot of time sitting.
- Sitting at work or school
- Sitting in the car to and from work or school
- Sitting watching TV or reading in our leisure time
But along with more sitting comes a number of other health consequences, including lower back pain when sitting TOO long.
This guide has been created in order to give you tips to prevent or help relieve lower back pain when sitting.
Use the links below to help navigate this page to make it easier to find the information you want.
You May Like: What Can You Do For Sciatica Back Pain
The Biological Attack Of Lower Back Pain When Sitting
Sitting in chairs is an extremely unnatural human position. The human body was built to walk, run, squat, and move – and sitting completely contradicts our biology. Lower back pain when sitting is so rampant because not only do we sit often, but we sit for up to 16 hours per day. The amount of muscular imbalance this creates is extremely straining – but thankfully it is not undoable. A simple set of corrective techniques can help undo the strain of sitting on the lower back and have you feeling and moving better in no time.
When To See A Specialist
Because the causes of back pain vary dramatically, sometimes even the best office chairs for back pain dont fully resolve it. If your pain is ongoing and becomes chronic, Jacobs recommends calling your primary care physician to explore the cause more thoroughly and discuss possible treatment options.
Its hard to do good work when youre in pain. So take care of yourself, listen to your body and set up your entire workspace not just for your backs health, but for your overall well-being.
Read Also: Aleve Or Advil For Back Pain
Read Also: Can Lupus Cause Lower Back Pain
The Problem With Soft Chairs
When you sit in a soft chair the seat usually sinks in and causes the same effect as when youre slouching in a chair. It is nearly impossible to sit in a good position on a very soft surface.
Over time this will cause the ligaments and muscles will stretch to a point where they can hurt and if you have any discs thats a little bit worn they will also start to moan.
How To Sit With Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain in the U.S. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association estimates that about 31 million people are experiencing back pain at any given moment. If youre one of these people, you may be looking for ways to reduce lower back pain. Fortunately, theres a physical therapy team that can help you learn how to sit with lower back pain.
Our team at Rehab Access has been serving the areas surrounding our Belle Chasse and Gretna, Louisiana, clinics for two decades. Weve learned many lessons during that time that have helped make our therapy more effective. One of these lessons is that personalized therapy is more effective therapy.
As a result, our team will never ask you to use a cookie-cutter therapy plan. Instead, well listen to your therapy goals and create a therapy plan for your specific needs. For instance, your personalized plan from Rehab Access may help you learn how to sit with lower back pain.
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Dr For Back Pain
