The spine is a complicated mechanism that manages our work in an upright position. Like any type of a mechanical system, it faces breakdowns – back and neck pain. What are the main causes of this problem?

There is a wide variety of standing desks and special equipment for all tastes and budgets, enabling you to enhance overall productivity. Over time, most people start experiencing neck and back pains while standing.

Nevertheless, a timely response to your body’s cues may help you avoid serious problems in the future.

How Do You Prevent Back and Neck Pain When Standing All Day?

Neck and upper back pain are a kind of stress that a body experiences under increased muscle pressure or weakening. 

Here are the main causes of back and neck pain:

  • Disc herniation;
  • Lifting heavy objects;
  • Overstretching of muscles;
  • Overweight;
  • Poor posture;
  • Smoking;
  • Sports-related injuries;
  • Sprains and strains;
  • Strenuous activity;
  • Vertebral compression fracture, etc.

Thus, back and neck pain might be different, but both have a negative effect on the work process.

How Do You Get Rid of Back and Neck Pain?

Here are some pain relief techniques that can be used to reduce discomfort:

  • Applying cool and warm compresses;
  • Massage;
  • Practicing slow range-of-motion exercises;
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers;
  • Watching a healthy posture;
  • Stretching.

Stretching is one of the easiest manipulations you can do right at your standing desk. Here are some of the most effective stretches:

  • Bring your ear to your shoulder 10 times on each side.
  • Roll your shoulders backwards and down 10 times.
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together 10 times.
  • Place both hands on top of the standing desk. Bring your feet together. Bend at the hips. Lower the upper body between your arms. Keep your hands on the desk. Hold for 30 seconds.

When Should I be Concerned about Back and Neck Pain?

Necks and backs are very vulnerable.

Continuous pain in the neck may indicate a worse medical condition, such as:

  • Autoimmune disease;
  • Cancer;
  • Infection;
  • Spinal cord injury, etc.

How do I know when back pain is serious?

Back pain is as common as a slight headache, eye strain, and sneezing. Nevertheless, the appearance of unusual pain in your back may be a signal of health problems, requiring further evaluation and treatment.

The five main signals that indicate a medical emergency include:

  • Loss of bowel or bladder function;
  • Prolonged pain (6+ weeks);
  • Radiating pain;
  • Recent trauma (car accident, fall from a height, etc.);
  • Sharp pain rather than a dull ache;
  • Sudden weakness in the legs;
  • Numbness or pins and needles in the groin or glutes;
  • Tingling;
  • Unresponsive fever accompanied by back pain;
  • Urinary incontinence.

It is important to determine the severity of symptoms and monitor how long the pain will last. A waste of time on Google consultation could cost your health. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor and go for an examination.