Health Risks of an Office Job

Most people today think that working in an office is a dream job. It doesn't involve much physical activity and one is protected from the elements, pain of manual labor, and other problems that come with working in a factory, plant or outside. However, there are some hazards that come with an office job. Although there are certainly benefits, there are some problems that those who do more physical work will be less likely to encounter.

Our bodies were made to move and there's no way to get around that simple fact. When we don't move, our bodies slow down and become sedentary, both inside and out. We expect everything in our bodies to continue working, but they are not able to do that because the organs have slowed way down. Because the muscles are not moving as they should, our metabolism slows down and this affects our digestion, kidneys, liver, glands, heart and blood. Our bodies don't function at their full potential and thus become sluggish. This makes us tired and lethargic, barely able to make it through some days.

Of course, along with this slowing down of our systems, we have the tendency to gain weight. There are many reasons for this, considering that the body is not being used as it should. First of all, there is the simple fact that not as many calories are being burned because of the sedentary workday. We don't burn much fat walking to the water cooler, sitting in on conferences, chatting with co-workers, typing or making copies. So, fat accumulates and people are often surprised at how they quickly put on extra weight by eating the donuts, vending machine snacks and catered meals. The other problem is the lack of quality of most office food. With weight gain comes the risks of diabetes, heart trouble, and many other problems, including new aches and pains and lack of endurance.

In addition to these things, people are often surprised at the pain they experience after working at an office job for years on end. Of course, every job has risks, but people don't usually expect these types of problems at the office. One of these problems is back pain. When one sits for hours at work, most of their weight is on their lower back, which will eventually feel the strain of that constant weight. This can cause disc trouble and strain on the muscles in the lower back.

People also experience neck trouble while working at the office. Because we sit and stare at a computer screen for much of the day, without moving the head very much, this type of pain sneaks up on us and before we know it, we have a very sore neck. Not moving the neck at all, but forcing it to remain in a stationery position will eventually cause the neck to become sore, achy and even tingly from the nerves being irritated or pinched.

There are also untold problems with the hands and wrists from office jobs. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and trigger fingers are a few of the more common problems with the hands and wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome will make it difficult to form a fist and cause numbness in the index fingers and thumb. Trigger fingers develop from inflammation to the covering of the tendons, creating an involuntary trigger-releasing motion in the hand. Swelling in the tendons and extreme pain are caused by tendonitis.

Although this may paint a very bleak picture, don't be discouraged! If you are already experiencing some of these problems, there are things that you can do to help yourself. If you have not yet experienced any of these problems, there are things you can do to prevent them from ever occurring.

First of all, it is important to invest in some sound ergonomic office products to help keep your body in as good as shape as possible. Secondly, get moving! No matter how bad the condition of your body, it's never too late to do something about it. Start slowly and begin to get the blood circulating again. Move your muscles gently throughout the day, stretching them to keep them useful and resilient. Stand up periodically and stretch your back very gently. Move your hands, wrists and neck so that they are not fixed in the same position all day long. Set a timer so you will remember to move yourself about.

During after-office hours, find a physical activity that you enjoy. Walking is a great way to get and stay in shape. Join a club, find a partner to exercise with, and fit it into your schedule. Check with your doctor before making any changes in your activities, especially if you already have health problems.

You can work at the office, take active breaks, eat healthy food and avoid many of the problems we have discussed. If you do develop one or more of these health issues, you can easily find the solution and get back on track. Don't let your office job steal your health, but use simple ergonomic solutions and common sense to keep you healthy.