The body's natural instinct is to move. Yet we sit for most of the day. Sitting for much of the day can affect your health, including a stiff neck, stiff shoulders and back pain. You can reduce back pain caused by sitting by improving your physical condition and changing your sitting habits. A back that is strong and well conditioned through exercise can withstand the stress of sitting and protect the spine better than an unconditioned back. Some simple changes in how you sit can reduce pain and prevent problems. Here are some tips to reduce pain when sitting.
1. Participate in a conditioning program that strengthens the spine and its supporting muscles, ligaments and tendons. Make sure that the exercises not only target the back, but also the abs, glutes and hip muscles. These core muscles provide strong support for the back, keeping it aligned and facilitating movements that extend the back or rotate the spine.
2. Get up from your desk every 20-30 minutes and walk down the hall to get a cup of coffee or visit a colleague. Place your hands at the bottom of your back and bend back slightly to help relieve the pressure and compression of sitting.
3. Try a standing desk.
