Why Does My Back Hurt When I Sit In My Office Chair?

Sitting in an office chair, or anywhere else for that matter, is a static posture that puts increased stress on your back, shoulders, arms and legs and can add large amounts of pressure to back muscles and spinal discs.  The current Covid-19 situation has meant that many of us are working from home and are often using dining tables instead of desks and even dining chairs rather than adjustable office chairs.  Long hours sitting hunched over a laptop or paperwork, even with the correct office setup, can lead to painful issues with your back, neck and shoulders.  Back pain whilst driving is another common complaint, especially when travelling for long periods.  The impact is even worse for those who drive for a living, and often spend lengthy amounts of time sitting in a car, van or lorry.  If you spend your working life sitting in a chair or driving, that can add up to a staggering 1,880 hours a year!  That’s over 78 days per year (and doesn’t take into account time spent sitting or driving during leisure time)!  No wonder our bodies start to protest.

We often also carry stress and tension around our neck and shoulders, and this can add to the problem.

So, how can you reduce your discomfort?

Posture:  When sitting at your desk, your feet should be flat on the floor with your back flush against the chair.  Whilst driving make sure that your seat is pulled forward so that your arms are slightly bent and avoid gripping the steering wheel too tightly. Using a high-quality Memory Foam Wedge, that is ergonomically designed to promote good posture can help enormously to improve and maintain a healthy back.  These lightweight wedges are easily transportable and are suitable for use in any office chair, car seat, wheelchair, armchair or sofa.  Simply pop it on your chair or car seat and you’re good to go! 

Breaks:  Get up and walk around and stretch regularly.  That will not only be good for your back, but it will help with your concentration too.  Gentle stretching helps to lengthen muscles and reduce tightness.

Massage:   Our therapists often treat people who are suffering from back, neck and shoulder pain, caused by stress and/or prolonged periods of sitting; either working, driving or due to other health issues.  A deep tissue massage will help improve your stiffness, increase your flexibility, and can also help you unwind mentally too.  A 2014 study found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce pain in people with chronic low back pain. 

People often mistakenly think that back pain is something that comes with age, or that they “just have to put up with it”.  We’re here to tell you that is NOT the case.  Our qualified, experienced Sports Therapists are dedicated to helping you banish back pain and start enjoying your life and work again.  Give us a call on 01457 835491 for a chat about how we can help you.

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