A herniated disc can be caused by many different things. People’s posture, especially while sitting has proven to be one of the main causes. Around 28% of people middle aged or older will have some form of spinal abnormality in their life, herniated disc being one of the most common issues. In the United States alone, it is estimated around 3 million people suffer from herniated disc, some have little to no pain however others suffer with much more severe pain as each individual cases can be different. To find out more and get a chance to speak to professionals visit The Spine & Rehab Group. There are lots of medicines, exercises, dietary changes, surgical operations available but changing the way you sit might prove to be a simple and very effective treatment to reduce the pain.
What Is The Best Way To Sit When Dealing With A Herniated Disc?
Sitting can put lots of stress on your spinal discs. The most important thing to remember when dealing with a herniated disc is to keep your back flat up against the chair. Your neck and shoulders need to be relaxed and your eyes looking forward. Your ears, shoulders, hips and elbows should all be in a straight line. Many people who work in an office staring at a computer day in and day out often have a herniated disc. Their posture at work is very important, especially considering they might be in the same position for hours. It is recommended that their screen is at eye level. Although laptops are very convenient nowadays, however they can be a cause for bad posture that leads to spinal problems. If you are using a laptop at a desk, perhaps attaching another monitor to it so it is at eye level, leaving your keyboard at a lower level. It is important when sitting that you keep a neutral sitting position.
Can A Lumbar Cushion Or Lumbar Support Help?
A physical therapist or doctor might recommend to their client that purchasing a lumbar cushion might help them keep a good posture. There are lots of different types of lumbar cushions and lumbar supports available in all different sizes. It is possible to get a chair specifically made for you which will also help maintain the natural curve of your spine. Lumbar cushions are available for all types of chairs including car seats, recliners and stools. They allow people to sit in chairs without having to put much thought into whether or not their posture is correct. People who don’t have herniated disc issues also use lumbar cushions so it will lower the risk of having issues down the line and to maintain a good posture. Many lumbar cushions are available online and are portable so you can bring them wherever you are going. Make sure to talk to your medical profession on which lumbar cushion is good for you.
Is It Important To Take A Break From Sitting?
Taking a break is very important to reduce the stress on your spine while sitting down. Inactivity can cause lots of pain and inflation. If you have a sit down desk it might be a good idea to set a timer to remind you to stand and stretch every 30 minutes or so. Instead of emailing or messaging a co-worker you could take a walk to their desk instead. Parking your car a little further so that your walk to work is a bit longer. Instead of having meetings in the office, joining co-workers for a walk while discussing the topic can be a great form of activity for you and your colleagues. Combing sitting, standing and walking is important for your body’s health at work and at home. Sitting down each day does not only have a negative effect on your spine, but it can also increase your chances of getting diabetes and heart disease. Because you burn very few calories while sitting it can also increase your chanes of gaining weight and becoming obese which are also some of the causes for a herinited disc.
Could A Stand Up Desk Help?
As explained above, sitting down for long periods of time day in day out can certainly take its toll on the body. Another alternative that is becoming more and more popular these days is a stand up desk. This is a desk designed to allow you to stand up comfortably while you work. In the more recent designs of stand up desks, they allow you to adjust them, which gives you the option on whether you’d like to sit down or stand up. These are known as sit-stand desks or height adjustable desks. As sit-stand and stand desks have only been around recently, there seems to be very little research carried out on them, however many people who use them claim have seen benefits. Standing helps lose weight and reduce you chances of becoming obese as you’ll burn more calories in comparison to sitting which is very important for someone suffering with a herniated disc. It will also lower your risk of heart disease and may also lower your blood sugar levels. Some people have found standing in the workplace has had a positive effect on their moods and feel like it increases their productivity.
A study has been carried out in the United States with people who suffered from back pain for a long period of time. 32% of participants found it improved their lower back. However, with a herniated disc standing in for a long period of time can also put stress on your spine. It is recommended that you speak with a spinal specialist if you plan on using a stand desk. Many professionals suggest that you stand 50% of the time and sit the other 50%. There are many different designs and can be found easily online. With many people working from home these days it might be a great purchase for a home office.