That achy neck. Those tense shoulders A dull, but steady pain in your lower back. We’ve all experienced these nagging pains. Stress, inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, even poor posture are often behind simple aches and pains. Over time our musculoskeletal system may become weak and strained, leading to inflammation, pain and discomfort. This increased pain and stress can negatively impact other parts of the body and may eventually require surgical interventions, such as joint replacement or muscle repairs.
Aside from being a nuisance, managing pain is also expensive. According to a 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine, pain costs society over $500 billion annually in the United States. Pain is our body telling us something isn’t quite right. Consider these tips for dealing with a nagging pain and, even better, preventing one in the first place.
1. Sit Up:
Your mother always told you no slouching… now you know why. The effects of poor posture are most often felt in the back and neck as their ligaments and connective tissues tighten due to inactivity or prolonged sitting. Consider setting an hourly timer as a reminder to sit up and avoid sinking into your desk. Or use this opportunity to get up and move for a few minutes.
