Drives, Desks & Your Spine

Commuting to work each day wreaks havoc on your spine. As does sitting at a desk majority of the day. The repeated combination of these two activities can lead to severe problems and pain. Work is a necessary part of life, and while all jobs do not involve sitting at a desk, commuting is typically unavoidable. So regardless of your work situation here's what you need to do to keep your spine in check despite all the commuting and computing.

1. Drive with Proper Posture

Set your seat's height so that you're not slouching over to reach the wheel. Your ears should be aligned with your shoulder while your hands are on the steering wheel. Use your headrest so that you're not leaning your neck forward without support. Tension is typically carried in the neck and back so whenever you're stopped shrug your shoulders a few times to reduce that tension. If your seat isn't comfortable get lumbar support or roll up a sweatshirt or towel and place it between the small of your back and the seat.

2. Stretch before and After Your Drive

Just like stretching before and after you exercise, it's beneficial to stretch before and after a long drive (or ride in a car or bus). Stretching reduces muscle tension and will help to alleviate stress caused by long commutes.  

3. Be kind to your spine

Despite the fact the you're sitting still your spine is taking a beating from being in the sitting position all day. Ensure that your chair provides sufficient lumbar support. Sit with your feet planted firmly on the floor and make sure that your keyboard is at a height where your arms and wrists will not be strained. Ensure your monitor is eye level. You should also take a quick break every 20-30 minutes to stand up and walk around.

4. Treat Yourself to Chiropractic Care 

The best way to take care of your spine is to receive regular chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care keeps your spine in proper alignment so you can withstand the demands of your daily routine. Give us a call to schedule your appointment.