Many of our regular practices have gone by the wayside during these unprecedented times. These changes can have a big impact on health and well-being. Taking care of yourself, including your spine, is essential. The stress and strain of today’s current events can take a toll physically, mentally and emotionally; and since all three are connected in some way, neglecting one can easily lead to neglect of all three.
Spinal health is crucial in that it essentially effects every part of your body. A problem in your neck can result in pain in the shoulder, upper back, arms and hands as well as headaches. Lower back problems can affect your legs and feet. Pain in general can have an adverse effect on your mood and energy level. Creating a routine that includes spinal health is an important part of self-care.
Ever Changing Routines
Several months ago, your daily routine may have consisted of considerably more movement than it does now. You may have been one of the millions that got up, did your morning workout, showered, dressed, grabbed breakfast or at least coffee and headed out to work. At work, even with a desk job, you probably took a few trips to the water cooler or coffee station down the hall. Meetings with colleagues and supervisors took you away from your desk. After work, perhaps you made a trip to the gym before going home and relaxing.
If you had a more physical job, you obviously were more physical throughout the day, on your feet and moving for hours at a time. Then COVID-19 came on the scene and everything changed. Essential workers are still on the job doing incredible work to keep things going and caring for others. Others may or may not be on the job. Regardless, working or not, your spinal health is critical to your well-being.
Posture is Key
Many things can influence the health of your spine, but one of the important factors is your posture. Whether sitting, standing or taking a walk, posture is key. Since many people are now working from home, they may not have the correct ergonomics for a healthy workstation. It is easy to stay glued to your screen with little time away from it, as work and leisure activities meld into one another.
Spending time sitting at your desk working on the computer, or parking on the couch with a tablet or watching TV can easily lead to poor posture habits. This in turn can lead to back problems.
Take time to pay attention to your posture. Find out what is needed to make your home workstation ergonomically sound and practice stretching exercises at regular intervals to keep your joints flexible and healthy. Get up and move and refrain from becoming too sedentary.
The professionals at Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians can help with back problems and conditions affecting your joints. Call us to schedule an appointment if you experience pain or discomfort in your back or joints.
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