If you are struggling with spinal stenosis symptoms, it may be difficult to know how to manage your discomfort while at work. You may be dealing with the conundrum of wanting to appear professional and capable at work, but on the other hand you are in pain and want to mitigate your symptoms so that you can perform your job to the best of your ability. The important thing to keep in mind is that your health should always be the top priority and it may not be enough to simply treat your spine pain at home. Therefore, it is imperative that you stay in close communication with your doctor regarding treatments that you can try at work. By describing your work environment thoroughly, your doctor can get a sense of any behaviors that may be exacerbating your pain.

Ask Your Doctor for Treatment Recommendations

Do you sit in front of a computer for hours on end? Does your job involve standing behind a cash register all day? It’s easy to have poor body mechanics or incorrect posture when you have a profession that requires sitting or standing for long periods of time. Make sure you tell your doctor exactly what your workday involves and when your spinal stenosis pain becomes worse. This will allow him or her to suggest treatments that target these behaviors.

If you sit for long periods of time, your doctor may suggest:

– Using an ergonomically designed chair with lumbar support

– Adjusting your sitting posture

– Wearing a back brace for increased support

– Adjusting your monitor or keyboard to take stress of the spine

If you stand for long periods of time, your doctor may suggest:

– Wearing supportive orthopedic shoes

– Standing on a gel mat to take stress off of the spine

– Wearing a back brace

Easy Tips for Managing Symptoms

There are also ways that you can adapt your normal at-home treatments so that they are more convenient for the workplace. If you usually use hot compresses or ice packs on your back while at home, try to get portable packs that can go directly into the freezer or the microwave of your workplace break room. If your workplace does not have a break room, consider using instant, disposable therapy strips. These look like gauze patches and will simply adhere to your skin and become activated on contact. Also, be sure to keep your pain medication with you at all times, but be aware of any side effects that might accompany analgesics, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications. If any of your medications make you too drowsy to properly perform your job, ask your doctor to prescribe something that is more suitable for daytime use. And finally, taking stretch breaks as often as possible will be an important part of your treatment regimen.

Stretches and Exercises for the Workplace

There are a variety of exercises and stretches that you can perform right at your desk so that you don’t have to draw too much attention to yourself. For starters, try simply standing up and sitting down several times in a row. This may help to loosen the muscles of your back and take some of the tenseness out of the area affected by spinal stenosis. You can also try standing behind your chair and putting your hands on the back rest. Next, slowly arch your back while extending your head and neck toward the ceiling, then contracting your back in the opposite direction and pulling your chin in toward your chest. You may also want to try sitting up straight in your chair, extending one leg out in front of you, and slowly lifting it. Hold this pose for 10 seconds, then repeat with the opposite leg. This will not only improve your core strength, but it may also give your lower back a nice stretch. If at any point these exercises cause you pain or seem to exacerbate your spinal stenosis symptoms, stop doing them immediately.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spinal stenosis.

John Soland has written for a number of notable publications and is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spinal stenosis. http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spinal stenosis.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal stenosis