Most of us sit at our desks working on the computer, or in meetings, or answering emails for hours every day. Office jobs may seem safe, but they can have an impact on our health that we don’t think about regularly.
Let’s dive into desk worker common issues and what you can do to stay healthy.
Aches and pains that do not seem to go away
If you find that you are often in pain in your neck, back, shoulders, or wrists after a workday, you are not the only one. Most of these unexplained aches probably arise from an issue that exists when we sit for too long, have poor posture, or when the desk and/or chair are not set up appropriately. Typing for long periods, even for short durations every day, can be an issue of injury and create stress/glue your hand/wrist
If these small issues and concerns are not addressed sooner rather than later, they could or will develop into larger issues like back issues, joints, stiffness, or compressed nerves. Therefore, it is wise to be informed and aware of signs, symptoms, and occurrences to enable you to make a decision to seek improvement.
Tired All the Time
Ever feel exhausted and drowsy after a full night’s sleep? Ever feel better only because you can blame your work for the fatigue (Desk job, desk job). Desk jobs do not only drain you because they limit physical activity. The actual act of sitting still and doing very little also influences blood flow and, therefore, energy levels.
In addition, staring at a screen all day takes its toll not only on your eyes, but on your brain. Bad posture can affect your breathing, which may affect the oxygen in your body, thus contributing to your feelings of fatigue. If coffee isn’t working for you anymore, your body may be trying to tell you that you need better behaviours or at a minimum, a basic health check-up or both!
Lifestyle Diseases on the Rise
Desk jobs are a part of modern lifestyle that are bringing increased risk of serious diseases: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and weight gain. Often, people don’t know they have one of these issues until medical testing reveals it because there are often no obvious early symptoms.
Thus, “Lifestyle Disease” describes this phenomenon of the interconnection of lifestyle habits that also influence what you eat: nutrition, self-care, movement, psychological balance, and stress. The good news? They can be prevented and/or effectively managed if we find them early and regularly monitor them. You can often find out the basic indicators through a combination of blood tests and medical assessments.
Eye Strain From Too Much Screen Time
When you’re experiencing dry, itchy, or blurry eyes throughout the day, you may be suffering from computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain). Looking at screens without breaks can cause digital eye strain. Symptoms may include headaches, watering of the eyes, and difficulties focusing. Many of us ignore these symptoms until they become detrimental. The remedy is simple: take a break, blink, and have regular sight tests with an optometrist or eye specialist to ensure you can maintain good vision.
Stress Can Show Up in the Body
Workplace stress doesn’t just affect our minds – it also manifests physically. Headaches, poor sleep, tightness in your chest, stomach aches, and irritability are some of the common signs of stress. Often, these outward physical signs are ignored or treated as something else. If these symptoms continue, your body could be responding to mental stress. Regular breaks, defining boundaries at work, and seeking professional help when needed can help your physical and mental health.
Stay Ahead with Prevention
Small, consistent habits can go a long way in preventing long-term health issues caused by desk-bound work. Simple workplace-friendly practices include:
- Taking regular intervals to stand, stretch, or walk
- Using office breaks for light movement or short walks
- Ensuring your chair has proper lumbar support
- Practicing correct posture while sitting
- Staying hydrated throughout the day.
At MAcare, we also encourage routine check-ups and screenings tailored to your needs, so you can take proactive control of your health before small concerns turn into bigger problems.
Take Care Before It Gets Serious
At MAcare Diagnostics & Polyclinic, Kochi, we understand how difficult it can be for working professionals to find time for medical care during the week. That’s why we offer quick and easy outpatient (OP) consultations, access to specialist doctors across departments, complete diagnostic services, physiotherapy, and eye care all under one roof.
We also provide Sunday OP consultations, so you don’t have to put your health on hold. Unlike many large hospitals that focus mainly on inpatient care, MAcare is built for fast, convenient, and affordable outpatient services, helping you stay healthy without disrupting your daily routine.
