When you are suffering from neck or back pain, the last thing you want to deal with is struggling with that discomfort during business hours. Whether your symptoms consist of a dull, constant ache in your lower back or sharp, shooting pain that seems to penetrate your entire upper body, concentrating on your tasks and getting through the workday can seem impossible. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to combat your discomfort while working.

What is the Cause of Your Pain?

The causes of neck and back pain are difficult to pinpoint, as there are many factors that can contribute to discomfort, such as compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots by a bulging disc, herniated disc, or other anatomical abnormality. Having a physician diagnose exactly what is causing your specific episode of pain can help him or her formulate an initial treatment plan for you, with therapies that could allow you to manage your symptoms while at work.

Keep Moving

One of the worst things you can do when your neck or back hurts is to stay stationary for long periods of time. This is especially true if you work in an office environment where you sit and type for most of the day. Sitting for extended sessions is actually quite strenuous for your lumbar (lower back) spine, even if you aren't suffering from any discomfort. That's because the gravitational forces applied to the lumbar spine while standing are tripled when you sit, which places an enormous amount of pressure on the spinal components to support the upper body. For this reason, a physician could stress how important it is to get up, walk around, and stretch every 20 or 30 minutes to help relieve pressure on the spine.

Keep Anti-Inflammatories on Hand

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common nonsurgical initial treatment, and can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation near an affected area in the spine. NSAIDs work to block the effects of enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2, which create prostaglandins, chemicals that promote swelling of tissues and are released when you injure yourself. Depending on your condition, your physician may recommend over-the-counter options or prescribe a stronger NSAID to help combat pain. Luckily, NSAIDs are usually safe enough to take while at work and shouldn't cause drowsiness.

Make Sure Your Work Space/Method is Ergonomically Correct

You may sit at a workstation or move heavy boxes in a warehouse, but it's imperative that, whatever you do, you do it in such a way that limits stress on your neck and back. For example, if you're dealing with neck pain, you should adjust your seat and desk in such a way that your arms, from your elbows to your wrists, are perpendicular to the floor; your line of eyesight is held level and your head isn't too far forward or backward; and your posture is properly maintained.

Similarly, individuals who work in labor-intensive occupations, such as warehouse stockers and construction workers, should take care to properly support the neck and back while performing tasks. This may mean wearing a special belt to support the lower back and practicing proper body mechanics and lifting techniques to avoid stressing the spine.

Always Check with Your Physician

Neck and back pain is one of the most common reasons for people to miss days of work. If you can maintain a system of stretching, resting, and following certain conservative treatments throughout the day, you could avoid using all your sick days or missing a paycheck. Don't be afraid to ask your physician to recommend other treatments that could help you get through a work day, and speak up if your symptoms persist or worsen after several weeks or months.