Don't Let Your Body Go Numb at Work

Jan. 5, 2006 — -- Putting in long hours at the office may advance your career and your financial well-being, but it can ruin your health.

"When people sit for long periods of time, their muscles tighten and eventually weaken," said Dr. Marc Bochner, a chiropractor who specializes in sports and soft-tissue injuries.

"The lack of oxygen flow into the muscles in turn can lead to pain and injury," he said. Ironically, this is the same pain that can result from too much strenuous exercise, he added.

Regardless, under-use or overuse of muscles are both "recipes for injury." He warns that this time of year can be particularly treacherous. Not only does the cold, snowy weather keep people office-bound, but people also tend to rededicate themselves to working out in the new year after weeks or months of inactivity, he explained.

"But just because you sit all day at the office, it doesn't mean you have to let your body get out of shape," Bochner said. He identified muscles that often tighten and ways to keep the body limber while on the job.

Muscles that get tight:

Recommendations to keep the body feeling good at work:

The slideshow above shows each stretch in detail.

While at your desk, sit up straight with both feet on the ground. Extend one leg upright, parallel to the floor. Hold this position for six seconds to eight seconds and repeat three to five times on each side.

Place one leg forward with foot resting on a chair. Extend the upper trunk, while slowly moving the pelvis forward. Hold this position for six seconds to eight seconds and repeat up to five times on each side.

Hold one arm out at your side, 90 degrees to the body and bent at the elbow. From that position, rotate your arm until the forearm is perpendicular to the floor. Repeat three to five times on each side, holding each position for six seconds to eight seconds.

Stretch your arms out in front of you. Grab the palm of one hand with the other and pull back. Hold for 10 seconds, alternating sides.

Place a wide rubber band around the tips of your fingers. Close and open your hand mimicking Pac-Man. This move will stretch your fingers and thumb and is especially helpful if you use your mouse a lot.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as personal advice or diagnosis without first consulting a health-care professional. If you have, or suspect you have a health-care problem, then you should immediately contact a qualified health-care professional for treatment.