If you work in an office all day, trapped behind a desk, your body may start paying the price. This is particularly true if you're not giving it the proper care to compensate for the sedentary job. Sitting down all day can compress your spine, strain your muscles, and tighten your joints. To combat those problems, you need to take a proactive approach. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your body healthy when you have a sedentary job.

Think Ergonomics

If your office isn't set up to suit your body, you're going to feel it at the end of the day. One way to overcome the aches and pains is to think about ergonomics when you set up your office space.

Desk

If you work with a computer, you need your desk to be the right height. If you're not sure what the right height would be, here are a few pointers. First, your desk should be high enough for you to look directly at your monitor, but not so high that your arms aren't comfortable when you're using the keyboard.

Chair

If your job has you confined to your desk, you spend a lot of time sitting in your office chair. If you're sitting in the wrong chair, your spine is paying the price. To alleviate that problem, choose a chair that's adjustable, so you can adjust it to a height that's right for you. Your legs should plant firmly on the floor, and your back should be properly supported. If you're on the short side, and your feet don't touch the ground when your chair is adjusted to the proper height for your desk, invest in a foot stool that allows you to sit comfortably with your legs in proper position.

Get Up and Stretch

When it comes to desk jobs, it's important that you move as much as possible. That doesn't mean you need to leave your desk, but it does mean that you need to get up and stretch. About once every hour, stand up and stretch your body out. Lift your arms up over your head to stretch your spine out. Get up on our tip toes to stretch your legs out. The key is to get your blood pumping again, and to keep your muscles and joints limber.

See a Chiropractor

If your desk job is getting to you, and you're starting to feel the aches and pains on a regular basis, it's time to see a chiropractor. Your chiropractor will be able to keep your body in tune with itself, so you can function properly. Be sure to ask your chiropractor, one like Dr. Jason B Kaster DC, for other tips on how to reduce the effects of a sedentary job.