31/07/2018
Got a desk job?
You probably find yourself hunched over your laptop or table working long hours. To add to the misery, they don’t make the chairs to really flatter your back. This really makes you wish they provided massage chairs, but not every one of us is that fortunate!The result? a crankier you with a sore back, who comes back home with spirits lower than the monday blues. Even if you truly enjoy your job, it makes you think twice about going back again.It’s probably something you take for granted, but your upper spine receives a lot of support from the muscles in your shoulder, neck, chest, and back. By strengthening those muscles through exercise, you can fend off issues of the neck and upper back pain.It will take a regular regimen of back exercises to make your muscles stronger and better able to support your spine. You should perform these exercises in sessions of 15 to 30 minutes a day, at least two or three times each week, the experts say. Be sure to consult your doctor before undertaking such a program, however, especially if you're already suffering from upper back pain.
Here is a list of extremely easy exercises that you can do right away -
Thoracic extension: put your hands behind your head and stretch back, looking up at the ceiling. Do this at least 10 ten times and keep repeating this throughout the day.
Scapular squeeze: you can do this sitting or standing. Put your arms on either side and squeeze your shoulder blades towards each other. Do two sets of 15.
Knee to chest: lie on your back with your toes pointing up, slowly bend your knees pulling your leg closer to the chest and hold it for 20 seconds. Repeat three times for each leg.
Yoga cat/cow: kneel on all fours, with the hands beneath your shoulders and knees below your hips. While exhaling, gently arch your spine. And while inhaling, tighten your core muscles and arch your back outwards like a cat. Do 2 sets of 10.
The door stretch: stand in an open doorway or wall. Put your hands slightly above your head and lean forward until you feel a stretch on your shoulders. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat this 5 times.
Thoracic stretch: sit with your legs stretched in front of you. Hold the middle of your thighs and lean forward with your head curling up towards your pelvic region.
Arm slide on the wall: while sitting or standing, put your palms or elbows on the nearest wall and slide it up to the highest point without removing contact with the wall.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert.
