Working from home has become the new normal for many industries in light of recent events. For this reason, we’d like to give you an insider’s look at one of the unexpected downsides of working from home: chronic pain.
Continue reading to learn more.
3 Ways Working Remotely Can Exacerbate Chronic Pain
Lack of Movement
For those who struggle with chronic pain, movement is crucial. The simple steps of taking a shower, getting dressed, walking to your car, and walking in and around your workspace provide more opportunities for movement than you might find at home. For this reason, it’s vital to integrate more movement into your day.
Start the day by taking your dog on a walk around the block. Take a shower and get dressed just as you would if you worked outside the home. Find natural breaks throughout the day to stand up, stretch, and walk outside.
Too Much Temptation
Excess weight is also a common trigger of chronic pain. Working just a few short steps away from the refrigerator can increase the likelihood of distracting yourself from an unpleasant work task. Unfortunately, these snacks can add up and increase the likelihood of gaining weight.
To combat this temptation, meal plan accordingly and keep unhealthy choices off of your shopping list. Take some time before your work week begins and prep some healthy food choices to minimize your chances of gaining weight and exacerbating chronic pain.
Creative Work Surfaces
Life has a habit of taking your workspace and making it a common space to hide mess away from unexpected visitors or to stack piles of unfolded laundry. If you have a desk, you may find that it is commonly cluttered with household items, meaning it might seem easier to work from the comfort of your bed or couch instead.
Short-term comfort can cost a great deal when it comes to long-term chronic pain symptoms. The lack of ergonomics provided by your couch, recliner, or bed can wreak havoc on your back, spine, and neck.
If you do not have a desk and an ergonomic chair to work from, make this step a priority. At the end of a long work day, be sure to clear off the desk so you won’t be tempted to work elsewhere in the morning. Maintaining healthy posture will go a long way in minimizing chronic back and neck pain.
Schedule a Consultation in Charlotte, NC
Your battle with chronic pain while working from home deserves the input of the trusted health specialists at Dynamic Health. We provide chronic pain management in Charlotte, North Carolina. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.