I was flicking through a magazine while sitting in the waiting room at my osteopath earlier in the week, and came across an article on the primary causes of chronic back pain (which I have unfortunately become too accustomed to of late!).
Now whilst I know that the cause of my own back pain is simply the result of two slipped discs in my lower lumber spine (too much information perhaps?), I was intrigued to read that the two most common causes for the equivalent level of (often quite excruciating) discomfort can be moving house and changing jobs.
Having been actively involved in helping people change jobs (and careers) for many years now, I have always known that the process of applying for a new role, interviewing and then ultimately starting in a new position can certainly be a mentally stressful period. However I wouldn't have put two and two together to think that such mental stress could also leave someone experiencing such levels of physical pain.
So I asked my osteo what he thought about it, and he was adamant that it was true. He quite simply recommended that if you are feeling mentally drained or anxious by the prospect (or process) of changing jobs, then you should immediately ensure that you are stretching your back (and neck) for 20 - 30 minutes every day. This will help prevent any unnecessary related spasms or snaps which could see you on the torture table at an osteo, physio or chiro begging them to help relieve your pain.
Just remember, stretching will help you through the stresses of changing jobs and have you back on deck in no time ... pardon the pun!
Image courtesy of: filipe ferreira
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