Summary
- Many people with desk jobs experience back pain.
- Sitting for long periods increases stress on the muscles and spinal disks in the back.
- Treating the root cause of your back pain can help you achieve lasting relief.
- Georgia Medical Treatment Center offers non-surgical back pain treatments to increase your comfort and help you avoid complications caused by sitting for long periods.
Why Desk Jobs Are a Leading Cause of Back Pain in Canton
Desk jobs involve a lot of sitting. Even if you walk to the copier a few times or spend 30 minutes filing, you still spend most of your day in a seated position. Lack of inactivity can cause weakness in your hips and buttocks, leaving your back without the support it needs.
If your office wasn’t designed with ergonomics in mind, you may have to maintain an uncomfortable position to see your computer monitor or use your keyboard. Slouching puts stress on your ligaments and causes the muscles to stiffen. Unless you make a few changes, you’re likely to have back pain for years to come.
How Sitting All Day Changes Your Spine, Muscles and Nerves
Sitting for hours on end puts extra strain on your spinal disks, which are the structures that absorb shock and prevent the bones in your spine from rubbing against each other. If you continue sitting in the same position, it’s possible for one of the disks to herniate, which is when its jelly-like center leaks through a tear in the tough outer ring. When a herniated disk presses on a nearby nerve, you may feel intense nerve pain.
If you have a desk job, you may experience early muscle fatigue. Sitting is also associated with weaker core muscles, overall deconditioning and tightened hip flexors. This makes your spine less flexible.
Common Back Pain Symptoms Office Workers Ignore Until It’s Too Late
Many office workers assume that back pain is a fact of life, so they ignore these symptoms until it’s too late:
- Frequent headaches
- Fatigue near the end of the workweek
- Muscle aches
- Stiffness upon standing
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Reduced flexibility
- Difficulty maintaining a full range of motion
Why Treating the Root Cause Matters More Than Temporary Relief
Ice packs, over-the-counter pain relievers and heating pads can help with back pain caused by sitting, but they provide temporary relief. Treating the root cause of your pain is more effective, as it can help you stop work-related back pain from returning.
What a Local Back Pain Doctor Looks for During an Evaluation
When you visit a back pain doctor in Canton, they’ll ask about your symptoms, perform a physical exam and order tests to determine if you have an underlying medical condition that might be making your symptoms worse. By asking questions about the type of pain you’re having, the intensity of your pain and the amount of activity you do, a back pain specialist can determine if your symptoms are the result of prolonged sitting.
Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments Used by Canton Specialists
Georgia Medical Treatment Center offers several non-surgical back pain treatments. The right treatment for you depends on what’s causing your pain. For example, steroid injections can help with inflammation. Nerve blocks may reduce pain associated with sciatica. A back doctor in Canton can even perform spinal decompression, a treatment that relieves pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
Simple Daily Adjustments That Can Reduce Back Pain at Work and Home
While you wait to see a back pain doctor in Canton, there are a few simple things you can do to reduce back pain associated with prolonged sitting:
- Adjust the height of your computer monitor. You shouldn’t have to tilt your head to look at the center of your screen.
- Move your armrest. If you have an adjustable office chair, move the armrest so it lifts your arms slightly. This reduces strain on your shoulders and neck.
- Take frequent breaks. Get up and walk around as often as possible. If you have a small office, try marching in place.
When It’s Time to See a Back Pain Doctor in Canton
You should see a back pain doctor if:
- Your pain persists for more than 1 week.
- Your pain causes numbness or weakness in your legs.
- Your pain gets worse at night.
- Back pain is preventing you from doing your normal activities.
- You’re missing work due to chronic back pain.
Georgia Medical Treatment Center has experienced specialists available to evaluate you and develop a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common causes of back pain?
Some of the most common causes of back pain include poor posture, inactivity and arthritis. You may also develop back pain if you have a pinched nerve, herniated disk or muscle sprain.
Why is it so important to try non-surgical back pain treatments?
Surgical treatments are effective, but they’re invasive and expensive. It may also take months to recover, making it difficult to earn a living or manage your household responsibilities. Non-surgical treatments relieve pain without long hospital stays, months of physical therapy and lengthy leaves of absence from work.
