Carrying loads, sports, repetitive movements, twisting… throughout our lives, the spine is extremely stressed. Real framework of the human body, it performs many functions including a key function of protection of the spinal cord and the nerves that leave to reach different parts of the body. This is why its wear and tear very quickly affects the quality of life, back pain being often qualified as the “evil of the century”. At any age, it is therefore essential to take good care of it to maintain good health, a reflex that requires the adoption of good reflexes on a daily basis, starting with an adequate posture, but also by a regular check-up with a specialist. . Like a chiropractor, whose role, still relatively unknown in France, is to diagnose, prevent and manage skeletal dysfunctions and their consequences, particularly in the spine and limbs. These dysfunctions result in particular in pain or limitation of movement.
Chiropractic is based on a global conception of the functioning of the body and of the existing relationships between the spine, the nervous system and certain health disorders. It thus takes into account the recuperative faculties of the human body and is mainly based on acts of spinal manipulation, spinal adjustment maneuvers and joint mobilization. According to the French Association of Chiropractic, nearly 1500 chiropractors are registered with the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) like all other health professionals, knowing that the exercise of this profession was legalized by the law of March 4, 2002 known as the “Kouchner law”. On the occasion of World Spine Day on October 16, the organization is organizing a campaign to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and invites you to benefit from a free chiropractic and postural assessment: by appointment from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 October, chiropractors will be able to detect any musculoskeletal disorders, identify their causes and provide dedicated advice.
Musculoskeletal disorders on the rise since the generalization of telework
He states that, “ during this week, chiropractors will offer vertebral assessments to French people and will deliver personalized advice and exercises to prevent and soothe tension and pain. Because beyond the treatment, chiropractors can also and above all provide advice on prevention with regard to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), conditions affecting the joints, muscles and tendons. And for good reason: they represent the first cause of compensation for occupational disease in France according to Health Insurance, knowing that back pain represents 20% of work accidents. The most frequently affected parts of the body are: the back, the upper limbs (wrist, shoulder, elbow) and more rarely the lower limbs (knees). These result from an imbalance between the physical capacities of the body and the stresses and constraints to which it is exposed. Although they may appear quickly, they most often set in gradually after a long period of intensive stress on the affected parts of the body.
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Also, whether in professional activity or daily life, care should be taken to avoid repetitive movements in awkward positions. It is also important during leisure activities to maintain joint flexibility and good muscle function.. “Following the generalization of teleworking, we have noticed an increase in musculoskeletal disorders, linked to a change in our living and working habits. “, explains Charlène Chéron, chiropractor. ” Of course, teleworking has its advantages, however, the back can also be put to the test. In question: the sedentary lifestyle and the unsuitable workspace at home. According to a study conducted by Santé Publique France in 2020, employees newly teleworking were 2.5 times more likely to experience low back pain than employees who had not had any change in their working conditions. Also, people who worked in cramped accommodation with more crowded families had an increased risk of developing low back pain. »
How to limit pain at work and at home?
Two factors are thus essential in the prevention of MSDs: the practice of physical activity and the ergonomics of one’s workstation. If physical activity alone cannot prevent the risks of MSDs, it contributes to it according to several studies. In effect, “ sporting activity contributes to improving hygiene and quality of life at work and in daily life, which helps to counter the appearance of MSDs. A physical activity that helps to know your movements, your breathing during exercise is an excellent way to strengthen your muscles and joints. “, emphasizes the French Association of Chiropractic. A visit to this professional is also an opportunity to receive advice on how to improve the ergonomics of his workstation, even if certain recommendations are already well known. First, adjusting the position of his chair so as to use his keyboard with his wrists and forearms resting on the desk. The elbows should be on either side of your body and the arms should form a right angle at the elbow joint.
The feet, on the other hand, should be flat on the ground. The height of your chair must position the knees slightly below the level of your thighs: if this is not possible, it is necessary to use a footrest. The screen must be placed in front at eye level and in terms of distance, the length of the arm is a good benchmark. The same goes for the keyboard to be placed right in front of you and making sure to leave 15 to 20 centimeters between the edge of the desk and the latter so that the wrists can rest regularly when interrupting typing. , even if necessary to use a wrist rest. What about the mouse? This should be positioned and used as close to you as possible, without forgetting to use an ergonomic mouse pad for more comfort and to limit tension. All these recommendations are intended to complement an essential daily habit, that of taking regular breaks. Stretch your legs, stretch… “it is essential not to stay seated for too long so as not to generate pain in the lower back, shoulders or neck. “, concludes the association.
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