Neck pain is something that many Americans contend with daily, whether it's a dull ache that stays in the background or a sharp, shooting pain that debilitates you. Seeking care from a chiropractor, like Eric Schmetterling DC, is a useful step in your approach to managing this pain. You can often find relief in one single adjustment and, over the course of a series of subsequent treatments, it's possible for your neck pain to disappear. Any chiropractor will tell you that it's important for you to make some lifestyle changes to keep your neck pain in check, both between adjustments and after you're done seeing the chiropractor. Here are three ways you can manage your neck pain at work.
Practice Perfect Posture
Given that you might spend much of the day seated, it's imperative that you sit in the proper position to avoid hurting your neck. Resist the urge to slouch or lean forward; doing so puts your back and neck into an unhealthy curve and can exacerbate your pain. Focus on sitting upright with your low back pressed against the chair's back support and your feet flat on the floor. Lengthen your back and hold your head directly above your shoulders. Allow your arms to hang naturally and support your elbows on your chair's arm rests.
Keep Active
Sitting in the same position for long stretches doesn't do your neck any favors. Even if you're busy, it's important to make time for a little activity during your day. While a short walk over your lunch break is ideal -- walking strengthens your postural muscles and promotes blood flow, which helps your neck heal -- you can also fit small bits of activity into your routine. Try to get up and move around every hour, whether it's standing to stretch or walk while you're on the phone, taking a walk to the copier machine or walking across the office to talk to a colleague.
Manage Your Stress
When you're stressed, you commonly contract your muscles -- perhaps even without realizing it. Tight neck muscles can lead to pain, especially if you're holding your neck out of alignment. Don't let your stress worsen your neck pain. If you're stressed because of something at work, speak to a human resources adviser to either brainstorm some coping methods, change your workload or seek a resolution to a problem with a co-worker. Lessening your workplace stress is not only important to your neck health, but also to your overall health.
