HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCE CENTER

Understanding Whiplash After a Car Accident: How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Introduction

Car accidents can be traumatic, even at low speeds. One of the most common injuries is whiplash, a soft tissue injury that can cause lasting discomfort if it isn't treated properly. Many people assume they're fine after a minor accident, but whiplash symptoms often don't show up until hours or days later. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive way to treat it.

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What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, much like the cracking of a whip. This rapid motion can strain or damage the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck and upper back. It's most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents but can also result from sports injuries or falls.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
• Shoulder and upper back pain

These symptoms might not show up right away, which is why it's worth seeking medical attention even if you feel fine immediately after the accident.

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Why You Shouldn't Ignore Whiplash

Ignoring whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications. Many people dismiss their symptoms or rely solely on pain medications, which only mask the discomfort without addressing the root cause. Without proper treatment, whiplash can affect your posture, mobility, and overall quality of life.

In some cases, untreated whiplash can lead to:

• Ongoing neck and back pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety or depression due to chronic discomfort

Early treatment can prevent these long-term problems.

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How Chiropractic Care Helps Whiplash Recovery

Chiropractors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries, which makes them well suited to help patients recover from whiplash. Here's how:

1. Personalized Assessment: Every car accident and every body is different. A chiropractor will perform a thorough evaluation to understand the extent of your injury and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Gentle Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment to the spine and neck. That relieves pressure on nerves, reduces inflammation, and improves mobility — all essential for healing.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy: In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often use soft tissue techniques like massage therapy or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension and promote circulation.
4. Rehabilitative Exercises: To support long-term recovery, your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, improving stability and preventing future injuries.
5. Drug-Free Pain Relief: Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the underlying cause of your pain. This natural approach helps your body heal itself without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

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When to See a Chiropractor After an Accident

If you've been in a car accident, even a minor one, it's a good idea to schedule a chiropractic evaluation as soon as possible. Early treatment can:

• Reduce the risk of chronic pain
• Speed up the healing process
• Document your injuries for insurance or legal purposes

Even if you're not experiencing symptoms right away, a chiropractor can detect subtle signs of injury before they become bigger problems.

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Conclusion

Whiplash is more than a sore neck — it's an injury that deserves proper care. Chiropractic treatment offers a safe, effective, and holistic way to heal after a car accident, addressing the cause of the pain instead of just masking it, so patients can get back to daily life with less discomfort.

If you or a loved one has recently been in a car accident, don't wait for symptoms to worsen.

Contact our clinic today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward recovery.

Find Natural Relief: How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Neck Pain

Introduction

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we hear from patients, and it’s no surprise. Between long hours at desks, time spent looking down at phones, and daily stress, our necks take a beating. If you’ve been dealing with stiffness, discomfort, or limited mobility in your neck, you’re not alone. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution that addresses the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.

Understanding the Causes of Neck Pain

Common causes of neck pain include:

• Poor posture (especially from prolonged screen time)
• Muscle strain or tension
• Misalignments in the spine (also called subluxations)
• Whiplash or other injuries
• Degenerative conditions like arthritis

When the bones in your neck (cervical spine) are out of alignment, they can put pressure on nerves and muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, and even headaches.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct spinal misalignments that may be contributing to your neck pain. Here’s how:

• Gentle Adjustments: Using precise, controlled movements, chiropractors perform spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae in your neck. These adjustments help reduce nerve irritation, improve range of motion, and promote natural healing. Most patients report immediate relief and increased mobility after just a few sessions.
• Muscle Release Techniques: In addition to adjustments, chiropractors often use soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tension. This can include trigger point therapy, stretching, or instrument-assisted methods to help release tight muscles and improve circulation.
• Posture and Ergonomic Guidance: Your chiropractor can also provide personalized advice on improving your posture, both at work and at home. Small changes to your workstation setup or daily habits can make a big difference in preventing future neck pain.
• Lifestyle and Wellness Support: Chiropractic care is holistic, meaning it looks at your whole body and lifestyle. Your chiropractor may recommend exercises, stretches, or stress-reducing techniques to support your recovery and keep your neck healthy in the long run.

What to Expect During a Visit

If you’re new to chiropractic care, you might be wondering what a typical visit looks like. Here’s a quick overview:

• Your chiropractor will begin with a thorough consultation and physical exam to understand your symptoms and identify the cause of your neck pain.
• They may use imaging (like X-rays) if needed to get a clearer picture of your spine.
• A personalized care plan will be created, which may include adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and at-home exercises.
• Most sessions are quick and comfortable, with many patients experiencing relief after the first visit.

When to See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain

If your neck pain is persistent, interfering with your daily activities, or accompanied by symptoms like headaches, numbness, or tingling, it’s time to seek professional help. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for many types of neck pain and can often help you avoid medications or surgery.

Conclusion

Neck pain doesn’t have to be a part of your everyday life. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free approach that focuses on restoring alignment and improving function, not just easing the pain.

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re tired of living with neck pain, we’re here to help. Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation and discover how chiropractic care can make a difference in your life.

• 📞 Call us at 970-324-1750
• 📍 Visit us at 1823 65th Ave Suite 3, Greeley, CO 80634
• 🌐 Or book online at acceleratedrehabtherapy.com

Your path to a pain-free neck starts here!

Diet and exercise get most of the attention when people think about health, but a well-functioning spine and nervous system matter too and are often overlooked. Chiropractic care can offer relief from pain, better movement, and a greater sense of overall well-being.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors are trained to locate and adjust misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, which can contribute to various health issues. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper function, reduce pain, and support optimal health.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

• Pain Relief: Chiropractic care is widely recognized for its effectiveness in relieving pain, particularly in the back, neck, and joints. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an acute injury, chiropractic adjustments can alleviate discomfort and help restore your quality of life. Many patients report significant pain relief after just a few sessions.
• Enhanced Mobility: A healthy spine is crucial for maintaining mobility and flexibility. Regular chiropractic adjustments can improve your range of motion, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. Enhanced mobility not only helps prevent future injuries but also contributes to a more active lifestyle.
• Improved Posture: Poor posture is a widespread problem, often leading to discomfort and pain. Chiropractors can assess your posture and provide treatments that help align your spine and improve your body mechanics. Better posture means less strain on your muscles and joints.
• Stress Reduction: Spinal health impacts your stress levels. Misalignments in the spine can lead to increased tension and stress in the body. Chiropractic care promotes relaxation and relieves tension, which can help you manage stress more effectively.
• Support for Overall Health: Chiropractic care also supports overall health, not just pain relief. By supporting the nervous system, chiropractic adjustments can improve your body’s ability to heal itself and function optimally. Many patients report better sleep, increased energy levels, and overall improvements in their health and well-being following chiropractic treatment.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit

• Initial Consultation: Your chiropractor will discuss your health history, any current concerns, and your wellness goals to help tailor your treatment plan.
• Assessment and Examination: An evaluation will include physical examinations, neurological assessments, and possibly imaging tests to determine the best course of action.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, your chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include adjustments, recommendations for exercises, and lifestyle changes to maximize your results.
• Follow-Up Visits: Consistency is key in chiropractic care, so regular follow-up visits will help track your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care can support pain relief, mobility, and stress reduction as part of a broader approach to your health. If you’re curious how it could work for you, consider scheduling a visit.

Contact our clinic to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you reach your health goals.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Better Posture and a Healthier Spine

Introduction

Many of us spend hours hunched over computers, phones, or steering wheels. Over time, this can lead to poor posture, back pain, and a host of other health issues. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to improve posture and support spinal health.

Why Posture Matters

Good posture is essential for your overall health, not just for standing up straight. Proper alignment of the spine allows your body to function optimally. When posture is poor, it can lead to:

• Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Headaches and fatigue
• Reduced lung capacity
• Poor digestion
• Increased risk of injury

Many people don't realize how much their posture affects their daily life until discomfort sets in. That's where chiropractic care comes in.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Chiropractors are trained to detect and correct misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations. These misalignments can interfere with nerve function and contribute to poor posture. Here's how:

• Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, relieving pressure on nerves and muscles. This not only reduces pain but also encourages better posture by restoring natural spinal curves.
• Muscle Balance and Flexibility: Poor posture often results from muscle imbalances, where some muscles become tight while others weaken. Chiropractors can recommend specific stretches and exercises to restore balance and improve flexibility, supporting a more upright posture.
• Ergonomic Advice: Many posture problems stem from daily habits. Chiropractors often provide guidance on workstation setup, sleeping positions, and movement patterns to help you maintain good posture throughout the day.
• Preventative Care: Regular chiropractic visits can help catch postural issues early, before they lead to chronic pain or injury. Think of it as routine maintenance for your spine, just like you'd service your car to keep it running smoothly.

Real-Life Results

Many patients report feeling taller, lighter, and more energized after chiropractic care. With consistent treatment and attention to posture-friendly habits, it's possible to reverse years of slouching and discomfort.

For example, one patient who spent long hours at a desk noticed significant improvement in neck and shoulder tension after just a few chiropractic sessions. With added guidance on posture and daily stretches, they were able to maintain these results and even improve their productivity at work.

Tips for Better Posture at Home

Chiropractic care helps, but there are simple things you can do every day to support your posture:

• Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported
• Take breaks to stand and stretch every 30–60 minutes
• Keep screens at eye level to avoid neck strain
• Strengthen your core muscles with regular exercise
• Be mindful of your posture when using phones or tablets

Conclusion

Posture problems are common, but they don't have to be permanent. Chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and drug-free way to improve posture and support long-term spinal health.

Call to Action

Ready to improve your posture and feel better every day? Contact our clinic to schedule a consultation and discover how chiropractic care can support your spinal health and overall well-being.

Short answer: After a collision, neck and back symptoms do not always start straight away — they may begin hours later, and the timing varies from person to person. Feeling fine at the scene therefore does not confirm you were uninjured, which is why an evaluation is worthwhile even after a low-speed crash.

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Why symptoms can be delayed

In a collision the head is rapidly moved back and forth, which can strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck and upper back. Onset varies: some people hurt immediately, others notice stiffness or pain building over the following day or two. Because of that variability, "I felt fine afterwards" is not a reliable indicator of whether an injury occurred.

Whiplash-associated disorders also produce a wider range of symptoms than simple neck pain. The published clinical picture includes neck, shoulder, arm, low back, and head pain, as well as dizziness, visual symptoms, jaw pain, tinnitus, and pins-and-needles sensations.

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Symptoms worth paying attention to

• Neck pain or stiffness, especially turning your head
• Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
• Dizziness or visual disturbance
• Numbness or tingling in an arm or hand
• Trouble concentrating or unusual fatigue

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When to call 911 or go to an emergency department

After a collision, seek emergency care immediately — not a chiropractic appointment — for any of the following:

• Loss of consciousness at any point, even briefly
• Repeated vomiting, seizure, or worsening confusion or drowsiness
• Severe headache, or a headache that keeps getting worse
• Severe neck pain, or any visible deformity of the neck or back
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg
• Trouble speaking, loss of coordination, or new trouble walking
• New or sudden vision loss, double vision, or severe dizziness
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or abdominal pain, swelling, or bruising
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

The head-injury items above follow the CDC's traumatic brain injury guidance and the neurological items follow the CDC's stroke warning signs; the chest and abdominal items are included as general trauma precautions rather than from a specific whiplash source, because a collision can injure more than the neck. This list is not exhaustive — if something feels seriously wrong after a collision, get emergency care rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Emergency clinicians, not this page, are the right people to rule those injuries out.

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Why not just wait it out?

Most people recover, but a meaningful minority do not. The research literature reports that a substantial share of people with acute neck pain after a collision go on to develop persistent neck pain, with published estimates varying widely across studies and populations. The evidence also indicates that neck pain after a collision tends to either settle within the first few months or persist — which makes the early window a sensible time to get assessed.

One finding that surprises people: the severity of the crash does not reliably predict who recovers. A minor-looking collision is not a reason to skip an evaluation.

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What an evaluation involves

A first visit is primarily assessment: history, how the collision happened, a physical and neurological examination, and screening for anything requiring imaging or referral. From there, care is matched to what the examination finds, and typically combines hands-on treatment with graded activity and exercise rather than rest alone. If your presentation suggests something outside our scope, we refer you.

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Sources

• Chronic whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders: an evidence-based approach — symptom spectrum and prognosis
• Altered motor control patterns in whiplash and chronic neck pain (PMC)
• Presenting symptoms and signs after whiplash injury
• CDC — Traumatic brain injury: signs and symptoms (basis for the head-injury items in the emergency list)
• CDC — Stroke signs and symptoms (basis for the neurological items)

Medically reviewed by: Nathan Ginn, DC, L.Ac., FIAMA · Last reviewed: August 6, 2026

Been in a collision recently? Contact our Greeley or Denver office to schedule an evaluation.

Short answer: In Colorado you should notify your employer of a work injury in writing within 10 working days. That deadline was extended from four days by House Bill 22-1112. Your employer then has 10 days to report it to their insurer, and should give you a designated provider list to choose your treating provider from.

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Step 1 — Tell your employer, in writing

Written notice matters: it starts the formal process and creates a record. Colorado's Division of Workers' Compensation directs injured workers to notify their employer in writing within 10 working days of the injury. HB22-1112 also provides that you should not lose compensation if your employer already had actual notice of the injury, or if there is good cause for late reporting — but the safe course is still to report promptly and in writing.

Report even seemingly minor injuries. Strains and repetitive-use injuries frequently worsen over the following days, and a late report is harder to substantiate.

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Step 2 — Your employer notifies their insurer

Once notified, the employer files an Employer's First Report of Injury with their carrier, regardless of how minor the injury appears. Under HB22-1112, an employer receiving written notice must date and time stamp it and make a copy available to the injured employee within seven days.

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Step 3 — Choosing your provider

Colorado work injuries differ from ordinary health insurance in an important way: the employer generally provides a designated provider list, and you select your treating provider from that list. If you are given a list, read it — the choice is yours to make from those options, and it affects who directs your care.

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Common work injuries we see

• Lifting and material-handling back strains
• Repetitive-motion injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist
• Slip, trip, and fall injuries
• Neck and upper-back pain from sustained postures

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Documentation helps you

Keep your own record: the date and time, what you were doing, who witnessed it, when you reported it and to whom, and every appointment. Consistent documentation reduces disputes later.

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Sources

• Colorado Department of Labor & Employment — Reporting Your Injury
• Colorado HB22-1112 — Workers' Compensation Injury Notices
• Colorado DWC — Employer reporting requirements

This is general information about Colorado's process, not legal advice. Statutes, deadlines, and procedures change — confirm current requirements with the Division of Workers' Compensation or a Colorado workers' compensation attorney before relying on anything here. Last updated: August 6, 2026

Injured at work? We treat work-comp cases in Greeley and Denver — contact us to get started.

Short answer: The American College of Physicians recommends that low back pain be treated with non-drug approaches first. For acute and subacute back pain that means heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation. For chronic back pain it means exercise and multidisciplinary rehabilitation first, with spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and several other options also recommended.

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What the guideline actually says

In 2017 the ACP published a clinical practice guideline on noninvasive treatment of low back pain in Annals of Internal Medicine. Two of its recommendations are directly relevant:

• Acute or subacute low back pain (under about 12 weeks): choose non-drug treatment — superficial heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation. Most acute back pain improves over time regardless of treatment.
• Chronic low back pain (about 12 weeks or longer): start with non-drug treatment — exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation.

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An honest note on the strength of the evidence

It would be easy to stop at "guidelines recommend spinal manipulation" and leave it there. The fuller picture is more useful to you: the ACP graded the evidence for spinal manipulation as low-quality, while evidence for exercise and multidisciplinary rehabilitation in chronic back pain was graded higher. The systematic review supporting the guideline found evidence for exercise, psychological therapies, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, spinal manipulation, massage, and acupuncture in the low-to-moderate range.

What that means practically: manual therapy is a legitimate, guideline-supported option, and it works best as part of a plan that includes active rehabilitation rather than as a standalone fix. Anyone promising a guaranteed cure from adjustments alone is going beyond the evidence.

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Where this fits our approach

This is the reasoning behind combining disciplines rather than offering one. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture map onto different recommendations in the same guideline, and a plan that pairs hands-on treatment with progressive exercise reflects what the evidence supports best.

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When back pain is an emergency

Go to an emergency department now — do not wait for an appointment — if back pain comes with any of:

• New difficulty passing urine, being unable to empty your bladder, or not being able to tell when your bladder is full
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, including leaking without realising it
• Numbness in the groin, buttocks, genitals, or inner thighs (the area that would touch a saddle)
• Weakness in one or both legs, especially if it is getting worse
• Numbness or altered sensation in both legs

Together these can indicate cauda equina syndrome, a compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spine. It is uncommon, but it is treated as a neurosurgical emergency because delay can cause permanent loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Bladder symptoms and saddle numbness are among its most common presentations. This is not a "call us in the morning" situation.

Arrange prompt medical assessment — sooner than a routine appointment, though not necessarily the emergency department — for back pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, a history of cancer, significant trauma, or pain that is severe and unrelenting at night.

This list is not exhaustive. If something feels seriously wrong, seek emergency care.

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Sources

• Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2017)
• Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an ACP Clinical Practice Guideline
• NCCIH — Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know
• Cauda Equina and Conus Medullaris Syndromes (StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf) — basis for the emergency red flags above

Medically reviewed by: Nathan Ginn, DC, L.Ac., FIAMA · Last reviewed: August 6, 2026

Dealing with back pain that isn't improving? Contact our Greeley or Denver office.

Short answer: A first visit is mostly examination, not treatment. Expect a history, a physical and neurological exam, and a discussion of findings before anything is done. On safety, the evidence is consistent: mild, temporary side effects such as soreness or a brief headache are common, while serious complications are rare.

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What actually happens at the first appointment

1. History. What hurts, when it started, what makes it better or worse, past injuries, other conditions, and medications.
2. Examination. Movement testing, orthopaedic and neurological screening, and assessment of the joints and soft tissue in the involved area.
3. Screening for red flags. Part of the exam is deciding whether you are appropriate for care here, or need imaging or a referral instead.
4. Explanation. What was found, what the options are, and what to expect — before treatment begins.
5. Treatment, if appropriate. Often some care the same day, though not always, and not if the exam suggests otherwise.

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What the safety research shows

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the NIH, summarises the evidence this way: side effects can include temporary headaches, tiredness, or discomfort in the parts of the body that were treated, and these minor effects usually resolve within about a day. We have deliberately not attached a percentage to how often that happens — figures circulate, but the systematic review literature on adverse events after cervical manipulation is explicit that firm conclusions about frequency cannot be drawn from the available studies.

Serious complications are rare. Neck manipulation specifically has been linked in the literature to cervical artery dissection — a tear in an artery in the neck that can lead to stroke. The available evidence indicates the incidence among people receiving spinal manipulation is low, and whether manipulation causes these events or people seek care because of early symptoms of a dissection already in progress is not settled. NCCIH's position is that patients should be informed of the potential risk, which is why it is stated plainly here rather than omitted.

Call 911 immediately if you experience any of these, whether or not you have recently had treatment:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side
• Sudden confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or double vision
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause, or a sudden severe neck pain unlike your usual pain

Sudden numbness or weakness, confusion or trouble speaking, vision problems, trouble walking or loss of balance, and sudden severe headache are all recognised CDC stroke warning signs. Sudden severe neck pain is listed here in addition because it can indicate cervical artery dissection. Treatment in both cases is time-critical, so do not wait to see whether it passes and do not call the clinic first — call 911.

A reasonable way to think about the trade-off: common effects are minor and temporary; serious ones are rare but not zero. That is worth understanding before consenting, and worth raising with your provider — particularly if you have a history of vascular disease or stroke, a connective tissue disorder, or take blood thinners. Tell us about those before treatment, not after.

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Questions worth asking

• What did the examination find, specifically?
• What are the alternatives to the treatment you're proposing?
• How will we know whether it's working, and by when?
• What would make you refer me elsewhere?

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Sources

• NCCIH (NIH) — Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know
• What are the risks of manual treatment of the spine? A scoping review for clinicians (PMC)
• Adverse events associated with cervical manipulation and mobilization for neck pain in adults: a systematic review
• CDC — Stroke signs and symptoms (basis for the 911 warning-sign list above)

Medically reviewed by: Nathan Ginn, DC, L.Ac., FIAMA · Last reviewed: August 6, 2026

Have questions before booking? Call our Greeley or Denver office — we're happy to talk it through first.

Short answer: Set your workstation up so your body stays in a neutral position — head level, forearms roughly parallel to the floor, monitor top at or below eye level and at least 20 inches away — and work toward the national activity guideline of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week plus muscle-strengthening on two days. OSHA states that neutral positioning reduces strain and lowers the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder, and the CDC's activity guideline supports general health.

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Habit 1 — Neutral posture at your desk

OSHA's guidance is that working with the body in a neutral position reduces stress and strain on muscles, tendons, and the skeletal system, and lowers the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder. Their specifics:

• Head level, facing forward, and in line with the torso
• Hands, wrists, and forearms straight, in line, and roughly parallel to the floor
• Monitor directly in front of you, at least 20 inches away, with the top line of the screen at or below eye level
• Feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, with the back supported

OSHA notes that appropriate monitor placement in particular helps reduce awkward postures and glare, which helps prevent fatigue, eye strain, and neck and back pain.

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Habit 2 — Meet the activity guideline

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, as summarised by the CDC, call for adults to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week — which can be 30 minutes on five days — plus muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days per week working all major muscle groups. An equivalent alternative is 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix.

The CDC is also explicit that any amount of activity has some benefit. If 150 minutes is out of reach right now, that is not a reason to do nothing — it is a target to work toward.

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The part people skip

A well-adjusted chair does not cancel out four unbroken hours in it. A good setup held in one position for a long stretch is still a long stretch in one position. Standing, walking, and changing position periodically through the day complements the setup rather than competing with it.

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When to get it looked at

How long discomfort lasts does not on its own tell you what is causing it, so treat the guidance below as a prompt to get assessed rather than a way to self-diagnose. Arrange an evaluation rather than another chair adjustment if you have pain that persists for weeks, pain that wakes you at night, or numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or hand.

Call 911 for anything that comes on suddenly — sudden loss of coordination or balance, sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side), sudden trouble speaking, or sudden vision changes. Those can be signs of a stroke and are not a workstation problem.

Arrange prompt medical assessment, rather than emergency care, for gradually worsening weakness or for symptoms affecting both arms.

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Sources

• OSHA eTools — Computer Workstations: Working Positions
• OSHA eTools — Computer Workstations: Monitors
• CDC — Adult Activity: An Overview
• CDC/NIOSH — Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
• CDC — Stroke signs and symptoms (basis for the 911 guidance above)

Medically reviewed by: Nathan Ginn, DC, L.Ac., FIAMA · Last reviewed: August 6, 2026

Desk pain that isn't going away? Contact our Greeley or Denver office for an evaluation.