What We Really Think About Standing Desks
It’s no secret that sitting for hours a day is not what our bodies are designed to do. I share endless information about the power of movement, posture and chiropractic care. I mean, I see people daily in relation to back pain and the truth is, much of this pain is caused by sitting too much!
Is Standing Everything We Think it is?
Sitting is not great for your mental wellness, it contributes to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, some cancers, obesity, and so many other issues. But how good is standing for your body?
If you do invest in a standing desk, you will feel some fatigue as you get used to it. However, the pain and stiffness experienced by sitting for too long is the alternative. Ultimately, having an active lifestyle is exactly what we need, but standing at your desk while you work can alleviate the discomfort you would experience while sitting. When you stand to work on a computer, you are more likely to have good posture which will put your spine at ease.
How You Stand Matters
Learning how to stand at your desk with correct posture can take some time, but once your shoulders are back, hips pulled in, and your knees are aligned under your pelvis, you may wonder how you didn’t invest in a standing desk earlier.
Some other important tips to ensuring you have proper posture while you work are:
- Ensuring your screen is at eye level. If you are having to hunch over or lean your neck down to see your monitor, you can develop ‘tech neck’. Tech neck is very challenging to reverse, so prevention is a major key here.
- Have an ergonomic chair. The times you will want to take a break and sit matter. Again, ergonomics are paramount, and reducing slouching or leaning can reduce back aches and pain. Investing in a chair that can be used for a standing and a sitting desk is the best use of space.
- Move around. Just like with sitting, you should be moving around at least every 30 minutes. Do a lap around your desk or office, grab a glass of water, use the washroom, stretch and get back to work!
- Practice good posture. Make sure your shoulders don’t slouch, elongate your neck and remember your back should be in a straight line position.
Remember Us!
If a standing desk is on your list of purchases because you have been experiencing pain aches and pain, let us know. A new desk/chair is a part of your treatment plan, and it’s important to have all of the information available to your Chiropractic team. The addition of a standing desk may not magically make all of your spine and adjustment needs disappear immediately, so making adjustments to your entire plan could be exactly what you need to find relief.
So, what do I really think about standing desks? I think they are a great tool if they are used properly. Now that many people are spending more time in front of a computer than ever before, preventative tools are going to be what saves people from long term injury or chronic pain.
It’s how you use these tools, and how you combine them with regular treatments that will make all the difference.
How We Can Help You to Prepare For Winter
The temperature is dropping, and the damp, chilly weather can mean various things to our bodies. For many, the excitement of winter activities like ice skating and tobogganing begin. For others, there are winter fairs and markets. Some prepare for the holidays and spend time indoors with loved ones and warm blankets. Whatever your winter activity or inactivity consists of, there is also a reason to ensure you continue to have regular visits with us.
Here are a few reasons you should not skip your Chiropractic Care in the winter:
Cold Weather & Joint Pain
Stiffness, achy joints, and soreness increase in cold weather. The combination of stiff muscles due to extreme temperatures, changes in barometric pressure, and flu season can cause your joints to become inflamed and more painful than usual. The fluid that helps our joints remain lubricated can be affected by cold temperatures, which is why your chiropractor can become the most valuable player in your healthcare team over the winter months. Your chiropractor’s work will help loosen up the fluid in your joints so they can flow more freely. Not only that, but reminders about how to safely keep yourself warm, along with natural ways to keep your immune system functioning optimally, will all create a system for your body that will allow you to enjoy the winter months pain-free.
Lower Temperatures Cause Many to Be Sedentary
Hibernating is for the bears, not people. It does us a disservice to be ultra-active in the warm months only to undo our fitness all winter. It can be harder to muster up the motivation to get out and exercise. Putting on weight can add extra stress to your joints and can lead to difficulties in repairing injuries that can happen when the snow and ice take over. Regular adjustments can help you to remain limber, and your chiropractor can help you stay on top of your physical fitness. Whether it’s accountability or new ways to move your body indoors, visiting us in preparation for the winter months will always benefit your overall health.
Whatever You do, Don’t Wait for an Injury
Ultimately, the goal should be regular chiropractic visits as a part of your everyday health routine. Being proactive with your health will always be the best course of action. Preventative health care will save you money and time away from work and family and improve your quality of life. Preventative care in place of waiting for an injury is the best health care. We are here to help you with this every step of the way.
A Better Way to Enjoy Winter
You don’t have to love winter, and you don’t even have to like winter, but we want you to have the tools to be safe and healthy. Whatever your winter activities consist of, even if it’s binge-watching television, we want you to be comfortable and pain-free. Finding ways to fit physical fitness into your days is essential, and so is finding ways to prevent injuries if you’re an active winter person. Adjustments (and lots of water) will keep your joints lubricated and keep your immune system functioning. More than anything, they’ll keep you in alignment so you don’t develop pesky injuries that can compromise your ability to choose how active you will be!
If Chiropractic care isn’t a regular component of your care, ensure you reach out to us for an assessment.