Find out how your bad work habits could be leading to poor neck health.
Americans work hard! You’ve probably heard that America works more than any other industrialized nation. Unfortunately, we also feel 
guilty taking our well-earned vacation days and often find ourselves at our desks for much longer than we planned. If your neck is starting to cry out in protest it might be time to take a little trip to visit our Bethesda, MD chiropractor, Dr. Gina Beech.
Could your job be contributing to your neck pain?
- Do you sit in front of a computer for the majority of the day?
- Do you perform the same movements in your arms and upper body?
- Do you do any heavy lifting at work?
- Do you sit hunched over your desk or keyboard?
If you nodded your head to most of these statements then chances are good that your neck problems are due, in part, to bad work habits. Here are some ergonomic ways to improve the health of your body while working:
Make Changes to Your Office
Whether you need to adjust the height of your chair so your eyes are level with your computer screen or you actively think about good, upright posture while sitting at your office, all these little changes can make big strides to keeping your neck and other parts of your body from feeling pain and stiffness day in and day out.
Use Proper Body Mechanics
We know that it’s difficult to practice this all the time, but once you start making it a habit you won’t even need to think about it, it will just happen naturally. Make sure that while you are sitting at your desk that you aren’t twisted or hunched over. If you need to make a call never cock your neck to hold the phone or receiver as you type. Keep feet flat on the floor.
Stretching is Important
Many people get so wrapped up in what they are doing at work that they often forget how important it is to get up and move their bodies. We don’t mean that you have to go for a run around the block but getting up every 30 minutes to an hour to stretch the muscles in your neck and shoulders can do wonders for your body.
Of course, if your neck is already out of whack, our chiropractic specialist in Bethesda can help through spinal manipulation, traction, massage and even teaching proper stretching and strengthening exercises that you can perform each day wherever you are.
You can find a good balance between productivity and making sure that your body gets what it needs to stay healthy even while sitting at your desk. Turn to Bethesda Back Center in Bethesda, MD for ergonomic techniques and spinal care that can help ease your neck pain for the long run.