Do you spend most of your time sitting at work? If so, you might experience hip pain throughout the day.
“Sitting for long periods of time can cause tight hip flexors, the muscles on the front of your lower back that help lift your legs,” says UCLA Health.
Exercise is important to prevent pain: Stretch your hip flexors in the morning before work and again after work.
(Want some examples? Visit columbiadoctors.org/health-library/multimedia/hip-flexor-stretch-kneeling or mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20546848 to find some.)
And the National Safety Council says that while working, you should always sit with your feet flat on the ground (or use a footrest) and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Your back should be straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your head in a neutral position.
Get up as often as you can and move around during the day. You could set a reminder on your calendar or phone to remember to step away from your workstation every 30-60 minutes. Or try standing during meetings instead of sitting at your desk. Make sure you wear supportive shoes when walking.
Outside of work, incorporate low-impact exercise like swimming into your fitness plan, as this type of exercise takes pressure off your lower back, according to UCLA Health, as do exercises that strengthen your core and glutes.
October is National Ergonomics Month. For more information, visit hfes.org/Events/National-Ergonomics-Month.
