Desk jobs at the office seem like a great way to avoid workplace injury since you are not operating dangerous equipment or walking through a Northern Kentucky job site where hazardous tasks are being performed. On the other hand, sitting down for prolonged periods of time means you are not getting the exercise your body needs. If your muscles stagnate from lack of use, you might risk an injury just by trying to pick up a modestly weighted box.
As the Mayo Clinic explains, back pain can be caused by a number of factors, with lack of exercise being among them. Without properly exercising your body, your muscles can stiffen and become weak. So if you have to pick up a box of invoices at the office, you could end up pulling a back muscle. Back pain can last for as long as six weeks, so it is in your interest to maintain good health in the workplace to prevent pain and loss of work hours.
The problem with sitting at an office desk is that you are not given a lot of opportunities to exercise. However, you can still find ways to stretch your muscles while at work. An article in Forbes suggests that an employee can perform motions to stretch out muscles while walking or standing. These motions include touching the ear to the shoulder, walking with arms extended to the left and right, or bending backward while holding the hips.
If you are looking for simpler ways to exercise or to work more physical activity into your work day, you can choose to forgo a close parking spot and take a longer walk from your vehicle to the building where you work. While at work, climb the stairs instead of using the elevator. If you live close enough to your workplace, you could walk or ride a bicycle there instead of driving.
Even as you contemplate performing additional exercises to keep your muscles stretched and your body active, remember that some exercises may not be for everyone. Age or physical conditions may affect what kind of exercises you can perform. Consider consulting a doctor before planning any new regimen of exercises.
Brandon Voelker – Personal Law Attorney
If you have been injured at work, no matter how big or small the issue may seem now, do not put off speaking with an attorney any longer. It’s important to understand your rights before you agree to or sign anything from your employer, or insurance company.
