How important is regular exercise at the workplace for health?
February 25, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Born
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Ella Gerdes and I have been working in an office job for many years, where I spend most of my time sitting at a desk. Lately, I have been experiencing increasing back and neck pain that is starting to affect me. I am wondering how important regular movement at the workplace is for my health and if I can alleviate my symptoms through targeted exercises or measures.
So far, I have tried to take regular breaks and stretch in between, but I am uncertain if this is sufficient to reduce my physical discomfort. I am very concerned that my pain could lead to long-term health problems and would like to know what specific actions I can take to improve my situation.
Could you please explain to me how movement at the workplace can help promote my health and alleviate my symptoms? Are there any specific exercises or tools that you can recommend to reduce my back and neck pain? I would greatly appreciate any support and advice you can provide on this matter.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Ella Gerdes
Dear Mrs. Gerdes,
Thank you for your question and for trusting in my expertise as an occupational physician. It is important that you take care of your health and well-being, especially if you are already suffering from back and neck pain. I can assure you that regular movement at the workplace plays a crucial role in alleviating your symptoms and promoting your health.
Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can lead to a variety of health issues, including muscle tension, back pain, neck pain, and even postural problems. By incorporating regular movement at the workplace, you can actively combat these symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
One of the most important measures you can take is to take regular breaks and move around. Stand up every 30-60 minutes, stretch, take a few steps, or do light exercises to loosen your muscles. This helps improve circulation and relieve tension.
In addition to regular movement breaks, you can also incorporate targeted exercises into your workday to strengthen your back and neck muscles. These may include shoulder circles, neck stretches, back extensions, or even yoga exercises that can easily be done at the workplace.
Furthermore, ergonomic tools such as a height-adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair, or a special mouse pad can help improve your posture and reduce your symptoms.
It is important to also pay attention to your overall body posture, both when sitting and standing. Maintaining an upright posture can relieve your spine and help prevent back and neck pain.
I recommend implementing these measures consistently and, if necessary, speaking with a physiotherapist to receive individualized exercises tailored to your symptoms.
I hope these tips help alleviate your physical symptoms and improve your health. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Ludwig Born
