The Sedentary Struggle

How desk work leads to back pain – and how chiropractic can help

In today's world of laptops, home offices, and back-to-back Zoom meetings, many of us are spending more time sitting than ever before. While it might seem harmless, this sedentary lifestyle—especially when working long hours at a desk—can have serious consequences for your spine and overall health. One of the most common complaints? Persistent back pain.

Let's take a closer look at why desk work is such a pain in the back—and how chiropractic care can provide relief and support long-term wellbeing.

Why Does Sedentary Work Cause Back Pain?

Our bodies are designed to move. But when we're seated for hours on end, often with poor posture or unsupportive chairs, a number of issues can arise:

  • Postural Imbalances: Slouching over a keyboard or craning the neck toward a screen can lead to muscle imbalances, spinal misalignments, and joint restrictions.
  • Weakened Core Muscles: Sitting for long periods can reduce engagement of your core and back muscles, making it harder for your spine to stay supported.
  • Increased Pressure on the Spine: Prolonged sitting compresses the discs in your lower back, potentially contributing to disc problems and chronic lower back pain.
  • Reduced Blood Flow: Lack of movement can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and slower recovery from minor strains.

In short, it's not just the sitting—it's how we sit, how long, and how little we move in between.

Common Symptoms of Office Workers

  • A dull ache or stiffness in the lower back
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Neck tightness and tension headaches
  • Sciatica-like symptoms (pain radiating into the legs)
  • General fatigue and discomfort after a workday

Sound familiar? You're not alone. The good news is there's help available—and that's where chiropractic comes in.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper function and movement to the spine, helping the nervous system function at its best. For people with sedentary lifestyles, this can make a noticeable difference.

Here's how chiropractic can help combat desk-related back pain:

1. Spinal Adjustments

Gentle, targeted adjustments help the spine function properly, reduce nerve irritation, and improve overall joint mobility. This can relieve pressure, restore natural posture, and reduce pain.

2. Postural Assessments & Advice

Your chiropractor can assess your sitting posture, workstation setup, and movement habits, and provide simple, practical tips to reduce strain while you work.

3. Muscle and Soft Tissue Work

Tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, and lower back are common in desk workers. Chiropractic care often includes soft tissue release or trigger point therapy to ease this tension.

4. Exercise & Stretching Recommendations

Chiropractors often prescribe stretches and mobility exercises that can be done at your desk or in your free time to keep your body moving and reduce discomfort.

5. Preventative Care

Regular chiropractic check-ins can help catch and correct imbalances before they lead to long-term issues—supporting a healthier, more mobile you.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Chiropractic care doesn't just treat the symptoms—it helps address the root cause of your discomfort. Combined with better workstation habits and regular movement breaks, it can lead to lasting relief and better overall wellbeing.

Is Your Desk Job Causing You Pain?

If you're struggling with back pain, stiffness, or posture problems from too much sitting, chiropractic care could be the solution you've been looking for. I'm here to help you move better, feel better, and take back control from your chair.