2020 was the year of the pain in the neck, in more ways than one. Those of us in physical therapy saw a significant increase in patients reporting new or increasing neck and back pain. While we know pain is multi-factorial and personal to each person, there is one detail that oftentimes contributes to increasing pain symptoms: what position are you in for the majority of your day?

In 2020 and 2021, a large majority of people went from working at their desks to working at home in the last two years, which meant for some that they were working from their kitchen table, their countertops, or their couch. Essentially, they were now spending 8 hours a day sitting in places that were not built to support normal working positions.

Here are a few quick tips to best support your back, neck, and spine while working (wherever that may be).

This blog post is to give you some tips to aid in supporting your body while working, but the best way to get rid of pain in your back or neck is to address the aspects of your body that may be contributing to it in the first place. Check out this blog post for the best exercises to get you started for supporting your back!

Images from blog post:

Image 1: https://www.uprightpose.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-correct-posture/

Image 2: https://www.system-concepts.com/insights/coronavirus-ergonomics-tips-for-working-at-home/ergo-1/

Image 3: https://uncagedergonomics.com/product_images/uploaded_images/gettyimages-637232628.jpg

Image 4: https://www.standingdeskelectric.com/four-reasons-for-why-you-will-regret-not-buying-a-standing-desk/