Most adults will experience some level of back pain at some point in life. Statistics Canada reports that four of every five adults will experience this. For those who experience severe or chronic back pain, career choice and office set up may have to be taken into consideration. Even those who do not experience regular back pain may find that hours of sitting at an office desk in a regular chair can lead to back strain or stiffness. When used properly, an ergonomic chair can help to reduce stress on the back during the long work hours or during leisure time at home. Those with chronic conditions may find that the right chair can help alleviate some of their back pain.

What To Look For

 

When purchasing a chair appropriate for a bad back, look for the label of "ergonomic" or one that is designed to help reduce back and other joint stress. To be classified as ergonomic, a chair should be adjustable, have a sturdy frame, good lumbar support and padding.

However, many chairs that are not truly ergonomic can be listed as such by meeting this basic criteria, so there are other factors to consider. A chair should have a high back, good lumbar support, and be adjustable in height, tilt, seating position and reclining angle. The arm rests must be sturdy and adjustable to ensure that you can use your arms to help alleviate some of the pressure on your back. The chair should be able to turn so that you can reach things without having to twist.

Other Factors to Consider

 

Take into consideration the fabric and cushioning of the seat and back itself, the warranty and high end add-ons. Fabric and cushioning may be almost as important as the adjustable features of the chair. The fabric should be breathable and you should find the level of cushioning comfortable in which to sit. Some chairs have adjustable tension in the backrest available and this may also be considered in the cushioning,

There are options for high end add ons. Perhaps the most common add on is built in heating pads in the back. Helt helps reduce back pain, especially muscle pain. Due to the high cost associated with these chairs, they are often outside the budgets of most. However, if this is feature you would like, use a regular heating pad.

When One Chair Is Not Enough

 

If you are finding at that even a high end chair does not do the job, use a combination of chairs as a solution. For example, some people with bad backs use a kneeling chair on occasion. Along with their good computer chair, this helps reduce spinal stress. The kneeling chairs are often hard on the knees if used alone, so this combination can be good for the joints when used properly

Move If Necessary and Keep your Office Back Friendly

 

If you suffer from severe back pain, even a perfect chair or combination of chairs may not be enough. In these instances, light movement such as walking to the photocopier or just standing to stretch for a moment, may help.

Ensure that your office space is set up in such a manner that twisting motions are not necessary and that all height adjustments (desk and chair) work appropriately together. This will help to ensure that you do not put unnecessary strain on your spine.


Source: eHow
Author:Jenn Taylor

Whether you had a stressful event or a heavy workout, there are times when you are exhausted either physically, mentally or both. Exhaustion often results in the inability to move or get motivated to perform even the most mundane tasks. Recovery often requires some proactive steps that help you to recover from exhaustion and get back on the road to optimal health.

Instructions

1. Drink plenty of water to help your body to recover both mentally and physically from feelings of exhaustion. The brain can misinterpret signals caused by dehydration as fatigue. In order to maintain proper hydration, drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. If you have performed a strenuous physical activity, you may need to re-balance electrolytes. Sports drinks often contain electrolytes that will help you to regain a healthy electrolyte level.

2. Try a recovery drink that contains amino acids. Drinking 500 mg to 3 grams of l-carnitine and 10 to 30 grams of creatine will help increase energy. And 5 grams of l-glutamine, along with 100 to 200 mg of l-tyrosine, are helpful for recovery. L-lysine and l-arginine will help the body to recover more quickly and increase muscular growth. Recovery drinks containing these amino acids can be found in most health food stores.

3. Exercise to increase energy. Sciencedaily.com indicates that exercise helps to decrease the onset and development of conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, all of which may contribute to exhaustion. In addition, exercise increases the level of endorphins in the blood, which brings about increased feelings of well-being.

4. See a doctor and have your hormones checked. If you have an underlying hormonal imbalance, it could lead to feeling fatigued.

5. Get plenty of sleep. Your body needs time to recover from activities, illness or psychological trauma. Try to sleep at least eight to10 hours per night. In addition, go to sleep at the same time each night to develop a consistent sleeping pattern and turn off all things that might cause noise and distractions. Keep the room as dark as possible.

Source: eHow