People today dream of working at a desk job. Not having to do much physical activity seems to be the ideal workday. However, there are health hazards that come sitting all day and remaining at a sedentary state most of the day. Thankfully, there are things one can do to help, but it will take effort and determination.

Our bodies were made to move and there's no way to get around that simple fact. Our bodies become sedentary and relaxed, both inside and out when we don't move enough. We expect everything in our bodies to continue working, but they are not able to do that because the organs have slowed way down. Because the muscles are not moving as they should, our metabolism slows down and this affects our digestion, kidneys, liver, glands, heart and blood. Our bodies don't function at their full potential and thus become sluggish. This will make us feel very groggy and grumpy, hardly able to get through the day.

Of course, along with this slowing down of our systems, we have the tendency to gain weight. There are many reasons for this, considering that the body is not being used as it should. First of all, there is the simple fact that not as many calories are being burned because of the sedentary workday. It's just a matter of fact that having conferences, typing, filing and walking to the vending machines don't burn many calories. So, fat accumulates and people are often surprised at how they quickly put on extra weight by eating the donuts, vending machine snacks and catered meals. Office food is not known to be of the healthiest quality. With weight gain comes the risks of diabetes, heart trouble, and many other problems, including new aches and pains and lack of endurance.

Also, people don't expect any pain to be associated with a lifetime desk job. Of course, every job has risks, but people don't usually expect these types of problems at the office. Back pain is one very common office problem. When one sits for hours at work, most of their weight is on their lower back, which will eventually feel the strain of that constant weight. This can cause disc trouble and strain on the muscles in the lower back.

People also experience neck trouble while working at the office. Because we sit and stare at a computer screen for much of the day, without moving the head very much, this type of pain sneaks up on us and before we know it, we have a very sore neck. Not moving the neck at all, but forcing it to remain in a stationery position will eventually cause the neck to become sore, achy and even tingly from the nerves being irritated or pinched.

There are also untold problems with the hands and wrists from office jobs. The hands and fingers can develop tendinitis, trigger fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome will make it difficult to form a fist and cause numbness in the index fingers and thumb. An involuntary trigger-releasing motion of the hand will occur from inflammation to the covering of the tendons in the hands and fingers, causing trigger finger. Swelling in the tendons and extreme pain are caused by tendonitis.

Although this may paint a very bleak picture, don't be discouraged! If you are already experiencing some of these problems, there are things that you can do to help yourself. If you have not yet experienced any of these problems, there are things you can do to prevent them from ever occurring.

First of all, it is important to invest in some sound ergonomic office products to help keep your body in as good as shape as possible. Secondly, get moving! No matter how bad the condition of your body, it's never too late to do something about it. Start slowly and begin to get the blood circulating again. Move your muscles gently throughout the day, stretching them to keep them useful and resilient. Stand up periodically and stretch your back very gently. In order to prevent your neck, hands and wrist from being locked in one position, move them gently throughout the day in simple stretches. If necessary, set a timer so you will remember to get up and do some stretching or walking.

During after-office hours, find a physical activity that you enjoy. Walking is a great way to get and stay in shape. Fit physical activities in your schedule like a health club and a partner to work out with. Check with your doctor before making any changes in your activities, especially if you already have health problems.

You can work at the office, take active breaks, eat healthy food and avoid many of the problems we have discussed. If some of these things are already an issue for you, there are some simple solutions to help get your health back. There is no reason to let your desk job take away your good health. Instead, use common sense and some ergonomic solutions to keep you healthy.