Remote Work and Back Pain: Tips & Treatments

The Impact of Remote Work on Back Pain: Tips and Treatments for the Modern Worker

The Impact of Remote Work on Back Pain: Tips and Treatments for the Modern Worker

Back Pain treatment

Before COVID-19, your office might have been equipped with high-end furniture, offering a comfortable environment. Now, as more workers transition to remote work, many have noticed the difference in comfort while working from home. Although things have improved, employees are finding it hard to adjust to returning to their pre-pandemic office routines. As a result, many prefer to join the wave of the great reshuffling rather than return to the traditional office setup. 

Working remotely undoubtedly offers advantages like comfort and flexibility, but it also brings its own challenges. One common issue is back pain, which can develop from sitting in one position for long periods. Fortunately, you don't need to worry—back pain treatments are available to help you find relief and improve your comfort. 

How does remote work impact your back?

No, you might not realize this, but your remote job can actually have a major impact on your health. The most obvious one, no doubt, here is back pain. If you already had neck or back pain while working in a traditional office setting, then it could be worse now. So you must be wondering how this is possible. Office furniture manufacturers have spent years and decades researching office furniture. This means you will see the height of the desk and the depth of the desktop, and the chairs are all curated in a specific way. Now, most employers will provide ergonomic furniture as a benefit for the company, but it is not the same for everyone.

If you're part of a good company, you likely already understand the importance of ergonomic design, including the correct phone placement to avoid shoulder and neck strain. In fact, ergonomic furniture ensures proper positioning for headsets, reducing the risk of neck pain. Many larger companies also provided sit-to-stand desks, though there remains some debate about their overall effectiveness.

Now, when we talk about this, you should know such high levels of advanced equipment or furniture are not available at home. They will cost you a ton of money, which is not affordable. So when you keep on sitting on your home furniture for a prolonged period of time, you definitely will get back pain. This is why you must have already heard that lower back pain treatment has become extremely common, especially among the youth and people who are working remotely.

Regardless of the reason—whether it was a lack of time to set up ergonomic furniture or not having the resources—you've likely already experienced discomfort. What you can do now is prioritize your well-being by giving yourself time and taking the necessary steps to prevent further injuries or back pain.

How to prevent back pain issues?

Now that we know the reason behind the back pain issue due to remote work, it is time for you to understand how you can actually prevent it or how you can avoid it from getting worse.

  1. You need to set up a quiet workplace that is away from your living area if possible. Keep in mind that the couch and bed are the worst places for you to hang out when you are working.

  2. You need to find the most comfortable chair in your house that offers proper support to your back. Also, you should consider using a lumber back pillow. Now, here, while sitting on the chair, you need to sit straight up but not slouched onto a couch or cushioned chair with no support. Your feet should also touch the ground. If you need more comfort, then you can even consider adding a footrest here.

  3. If you are already suffering from the issue, then you will see doctors recommending some exercises and stretches as a part of the treatment for back pain. Your early morning stretches will help loosen up the back muscles and get the fluid into your lower spine. When this happens, it will help your body perform better.

  4. You not just have to think of your comfort but also your health. You need to change your position every 20 minutes. You must have heard a lot of people saying that standing will be a lot better than sitting. But both of them can cause a great strain on your back. Just so you know, staying in one position can result in increased pain and stiffness. So, better avoid it.

  5. When you start with treatment for low back pain, you will see the doctor, who will advise you to get out of the chair and move at least every hour. You can even consider wearing fitness tracker watches as they will remind you when you have been sitting for too long. This way, you can focus on your health.

  6. Lastly, you also need to incorporate core exercises as a part of back pain treatment to manage the condition better. When you start exercising, it will promote strong back and abdominal muscles. This way, you can regain your control and keep yourself away from the difficult lower back pain.

By now, you're likely aware of how remote working has led to an increase in lower back pain issues and what steps you can take to prevent it. This valuable information can guide you in making the right choices. However, if you're already dealing with lower back pain, it's important to consult a good doctor. This will help you manage the pain more effectively and gain the necessary insights to prevent future problems.

Conclusion

Lower back pain can greatly affect your daily life. If you're dealing with this issue, it's essential to connect with Discover Optimal Healthcare for the support you need. They understand how physical health challenges can impact your life, and their team of professionals provides the best treatment to help you continue your routine smoothly. With their personalized and comprehensive treatment plans, you're sure to experience positive outcomes.