Not all people in the workforce have desk jobs. In fact, according to data presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only just under 30% of civilian workers occupied sedentary positions. The other 70% occupied roles that required frequent standing, walking, or lifting of significant weight. While sedentary work can lead to its own set of issues in the back and neck over time, labor-intensive jobs are obviously more likely to cause direct damage to the spine and surrounding muscles.
Because your body is constantly in use, you need to take care of it. Fortunately, chiropractic care is well-equipped to support you and help mitigate the long-term effects of physically taxing jobs. First, let’s take a look at some of the most common conditions that plague workers today:
• Back & Neck Pain. Labor-intensive jobs can be tough on your spine and the muscles that control it. Repetitive motion or improper lifting technique may gradually lead to chronic pain in your back, neck, and shoulders.
• Muscular Strain. Overextension occurs when you push your body beyond its physical capabilities. You might pull a muscle by stretching it too far or working it too hard. The same can be said for damage to tendons and ligaments, which leads to sprains or tearing.
• Stress Tension. Perhaps you’ve heard that people store stress in the body. Among the most common locations to store stress are the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. This can cause pain and discomfort.
• Misalignment & Imbalance. People who spend most of the day on their feet need to have the proper support. Without quality footwear, a worker may throw their spine out of alignment, causing further issues with strength and balance.
With that in mind, here are four quick tips from a chiropractor that will help prevent injury and promote healthy function:
1. Stay Hydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times so you can get plenty of fluids throughout the day.
2. Take Care of Your Body. Warm-ups and proper lifting technique will go a long way in protecting yourself from injury.
3. Rest & Recharge. Take breaks as needed, and don’t push yourself beyond your physical capacity.
4. Get a Chiropractic Adjustment! The best thing you can do to improve your daily performance and minimize the wear-and-tear of a physically demanding job is to visit a chiropractor. Spinal adjustments and other holistic therapies can help realign your skeleton, reduce stress and strain, and ease painful symptoms in your back and neck.
Everyone can benefit from chiropractic care, so don’t hesitate. We invite you to join us at one of Chiropractic Health Charlotte’s two locations for a professional consultation and personalized treatment. Request an appointment on our website to get started today!