Sitting for long hours at work can take a toll on your spine, leading to discomfort, poor posture, and even disc degeneration in the worst possible cases. If you’ve ever felt that nagging pain in your lower back after sitting for too long, you’re not alone. The good news? There are simple changes you can make to your work environment to keep your back happy and healthy.

We spoke to Dr. Venkatesh Movva, Specialist in regenerative medicine, RegenOrthoSport, Hyderabad and Dallas and he revealed some practical tips to minimize back pain and prevent long-term damage. Choose an Ergonomic ChairOne of the best investments you can make for your health is an ergonomic chair.

These chairs are designed to support your body’s natural alignment, particularly your spine. Maintain Proper PostureEven the best chair won’t help if you’re not sitting correctly. Proper posture is key to preventing back pain and reducing strain on your spine.

Use Foot SupportIf your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor when sitting, using a footrest can make a world of difference. Footrests help align your posture by keeping your feet in the correct position, which in turn reduces the pressure on your lower back. A footrest doesn’t have to be fancy—anything that elevates your feet to the right height, like a small box or cushion, will do the job.

Just make sure it’s stable and comfortable. Stay HydratedYou might not immediately link hydration to back pain, but staying hydrated is important for .