Pinched nerve symptoms can take a variety of forms and will depend largely on the location of the compressed spinal nerve. A pinched nerve in the neck may lead to headaches as well as symptoms of pain, tingling, or muscle weakness in the neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and hands, while a compressed lumbar (lower back) nerve may cause muscle spasms, shooting “electrical” or burning pains, or a painful pins-and-needles sensation to radiate through the buttocks, legs, and feet.

While any of the above symptoms are bad enough on their own, it can feel as if the discomfort of a pinched nerve is compounded when you have to deal with symptoms while at work. Trying to concentrate on your job and manage your pain may seem like a tall order, especially since many people have jobs that require them to either sit or stand for long periods of time. The important thing to keep in mind is that small adjustments in your work routine can really help you to manage pinched nerve symptoms, relieve pain, and stay focused on the job.

The Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture

At first, it may seem like a blessing to have job that allows you to sit all day when you have back pain. But as anyone with pinched nerve symptoms can tell you, sitting at a desk for eight hours a day can begin to seem like torture after a while. Sitting is actually fairly hard in your spine because the spine’s muscles, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs must work to hold the upper body in an upright position. So even if you’re sitting and “at rest,” your spine is still hard at work – sometimes even harder at work compared to standing, when the legs are able to bear some of the burden of upper body weight.

Ergonomic furniture, which is specially designed to improve the user’s comfort and health, may help you to relieve back and neck pain if you have a desk job where you sit for long periods of time. An ergonomic chair will offer full support for the upper and lower back, in addition to adjustable armrests to help you maintain correct posture throughout the day. Ergonomic keyboards that allow your arms to rest at a comfortable angle while typing can also help you maintain proper posture, thereby limiting tension between your shoulders and neck. Taking frequent breaks to walk and stretch will also help keep your spinal muscles from getting tense and help maintain flexibility in your spinal ligaments.

Managing Pinched Nerve Symptoms While You’re on Your Feet

Maintaining proper posture is as important when standing as when sitting. Keep your shoulders pulled back and make sure your lower back is not becoming overly arched as you walk. If you’re on your feet for long periods or have to take part in heavy lifting, make sure to use proper body mechanics at all times. The occasional use of a back brace also may help support your spine. Finally, it’s important to wear orthopedic shoes so that the impact of walking and standing doesn’t put excess stress on the spinal facet joints.

When you’re away from work, be sure to adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. This may include hot and cold compresses, pain medication, massage, stretching, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and low-impact exercise.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for pinched nerves and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/pinched_nerve/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Pinched nerve