It can be hard to focus and feel productive when struggling with any level of back pain. So many of us have busy lives and struggle to accommodate our schedules or routines to include proper pain management. If you spend a long day at a computer, here are 10 Office Tools to Help Relieve Back Pain, starting with my favorite: a standing desk converter by Anthrodesk.
It wasn’t until I was in my mid 20’s that I learned I had a double scoliosis. No Dr. had ever mentioned this to me in my life because it was mild. After college, I was eager to be introduced into the health & wellness field and felt determined to work for some sort of healthcare professional. I ended up working for a chiropractor and going to school to become a certified chiropractic assistant. This meant that I would help the Dr. provide some of the physical therapy treatment options he offered in his office.
This was the first time I learned that I had scoliosis and suddenly so much about my health history and past back, knee and hip pain made sense. During this time of my life, I was on my feet a lot and learned a new meaning of what it meant to live with back pain. This period of my life has taught me tips, tricks and various products that make a major difference in the quality of my overall day to day wellness, pain levels and the success of the care I was getting for my back pain.
Having now developed my own healthcare business, it is important I share what I have learned over the years as a nutritionist and certified chiropractic assistant. The one thing that I am always surprised at is how many people I meet that struggle with this problem but have few tools or tricks to reduce the frequency and severity of their pain.
News flash: those pains are a warning sign! Don’t ever settle for just living with it! It’s time to take action with these 10 office tools to relieve back pain.
Standing Desk Converter
This post is sponsored by Anthrodesk.
One of my favorite ways to stay focused and reduce the frequency of pain I experience is to make sure I am not sitting in one place for too long. Now that I work for myself, I find myself stick in one place staring at my computer for long periods of time. During busier times, I tend to experience a lot more back pain which can hinder my focus and quality of work.
In my time working for the chiropractor, I worked with a standing desk most of the time. This helped me stay focused and allowed me to keep moving and reduce some of my back pain. Since then, I have missed the opportunity to work while standing.
This standing desk by Anthrodesk is the perfect solution for my home office. You can find it here: AnthroDesk: ErgoSpring Standing Desk Converter – Extra Wide Since having this on my desk, I can sit when I need to and easily raise my desk to my height when I want to stand. Having a convertible desk that is easy on my wrists was also very important. Like many office workers, I struggle some with carpal tunnel. This model is so easy to move up and down without straining my wrist. Check it out:
Magnesium Muscle Spray
If I am struggling with muscle spasms or tight muscles, there is no possibility that I can focus or get anything done. This magnesium topical spray is my all time favorite that I have tried. While it is important to get enough magnesium in your diet, it can be absorbed directly into the muscle during a time of acute need. This brand uses optimal ingredients and leaves little residue compared to others.
Olba’s Salve
Another topical product I use religiously when I have back pain or chest congestion is this Olbas Arnica Salve. While it is marketed as a vick’s vapor rub replacement, it works amazingly well for aches and pains. This product also includes optimal ingredients and leaves little residue on your skin.
Ergonomic Mouse
If you are like me and struggle with carpal tunnel or neck pain, it is likely that your mouse or how you hold your body while at the computer could contribute to aches and pains. It is important to have the right computer equipment to avoid further causing problems. Make sure your mouse is not only comfortable to rest your hand on but is also the right size. Here are some options.
For Small Hands
For Large Hands
Shoe Inserts
People ask me all the time if there are orthotic shoes or inserts that I recommend. I used to fit patients for this particular brand of custom made orthotics. It takes into account not only your foot shape but also your spinal shape. While expensive, they last a long time and may be covered by your insurance depending on what plan/carrier you have. You do need to find a practitioner near you that does fittings and sells them. Scroll to the bottom of the link to request information on vendors close to you:
Posture Brace
Ergonomic Chair or Chair Cushion
Everyone has slightly different needs to sit comfortably, bring a cushion around with you in the car to use with different chairs:
Neck Massager
This product definitely needs to be used carefully but is a fantastic tool to target trigger points or knots in your neck, shoulders and even your legs. I love using this when I have had a long day working or woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Acupressure Mat
I love this tool to unwind after a long day or for during long meetings. It works great to passively unwind trigger points, knots and tight muscles while I can still be productive. Who says your back pain management requires your time and attention?
Inversion Table
While this item is not necessarily an office tool but has been an awesome option in my journey with back pain. Note: if you have glaucoma, high eye pressure/pain you will want to avoid using this tool. I especially like this model because it comes with a back massager which I will sometimes use with my regular office chair if I have especially bad back pain.
If you are struggling with back pain and want to improve your symptoms long term, you might want to check out some anti-inflammatory food options!
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