What a desk does to the body
The problem is rarely one bad posture. It is the same posture held for hours. The head drifts forward, the shoulders round, the low back flattens against the chair, and the wrists rest bent on the edge of the desk. A laptop on a kitchen table makes all of it worse.
People who work at a desk commonly seek care for:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Carpal tunnel symptoms: numbness or tingling in the hand
- Shoulder and upper back pain
How care works here
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Depending on what we find, your care may include:
- Chiropractic care for the neck, back, shoulders and wrists
- Upper cervical care when the top of the neck is involved
- Class IV laser therapy, commonly used for carpal tunnel and joint pain
- Therapeutic massage for tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Neuromuscular re-education to retrain posture
Five changes to make at your desk
- Raise the top of your screen to eye level. With a laptop, use a stand and a separate keyboard.
- Sit back in the chair so it supports your low back, with your feet flat on the floor.
- Keep your elbows by your sides and your wrists straight while you type.
- Bring the mouse close so you are not reaching for it.
- Stand up and move for a minute or two every half hour.
These are general tips, not a treatment plan. They help most when the joints and muscles are moving well to begin with.
Fitting visits around work
The Tampa office in South Tampa is open on Mondays. The Brandon office is open Monday through Thursday. Both are open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Where we see patients
We see patients in Tampa at 4017 Henderson Blvd. on Mondays, and in Brandon at 911 S Parsons Ave, Suite A, Monday through Thursday. Call (813) 655-2829 or request an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
Is my hand numbness from my wrist or my neck?
It can be either, or both. The nerves to the hand start in the neck, so the evaluation covers the neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist. See carpal tunnel.
Will a standing desk fix my back pain?
It can help because it lets you change position, but standing still all day has problems of its own. Changing position often matters more than which position you choose.
How long is a visit?
A new patient visit takes 30 to 60 minutes. Follow-up visits take about 15 minutes.
What does it cost?
For adults, the new patient visit is $325 and includes the first adjustment. Neck X-rays are $35 and follow-up visits are $100. See fees and payment.