Most people in the current era are required to be seated for the majority of their working hours. Be it seated at your desk or in front of your television, one’s spinal health is ultimately defined by practising good sitting posture.
At this moment I would like you to examine your seating posture while reading this and answer YES or NO.
– Does the backrest of your chair press against your shoulders, back, and buttocks?
– Does the chair adequately support your lumbar region?
– Do you feel comfortable with the way the backrest fits your spine?
– Are you able to evenly distribute your body weight while seated?
– Are your shoulders relaxed and not hunched in a forward position?
If you have any NO’s as answers your posture is being subjected to unwanted stress which can often be relieved by common chiropractic adjustments.
How To Improve Sitting Posture At Work
Your daily practices and lifestyle play a huge role in your sitting posture and your overall posture. In truth, posture is something you must maintain consciously if you have trouble with posture-related aches and pains.
A visit to Amersham Chiropractic Centre can help with your sitting posture as well. We’ll use common chiropractic adjustments to bring your spine back to proper functional alignment, reducing muscle strain so your overall posture will improve over time.
But, as we mentioned earlier, your posture is something you can improve if you put in a conscious effort. Here are a few tips on how you can keep a check on your sitting posture at work:
1. Choose The Right Chair:
Picking your work chair is actually quite a big commitment, keep in mind you will be trusting this chair with the responsibility of supporting your spine for about 40 hours a week. There are a few employers that provide their employees with ergonomic chairs, if you are not one of the lucky ones it is highly recommended to invest in one as it will benefit your spine in the long run.
A few other features like being able to adjust the backrest and alter the chair’s height and seat angle will help you tailor the chair to your dimensions. It is also important to not compromise on the material quality as it is technically an investment in yourself.
2. Keep Eye-Level In Mind:
Looking down at the monitor for extended periods of time can cause a lot of neck and back strain. It is crucial to keep your eyes and monitor at the same level. This can be achieved by adjusting the height of you in your chair to comfortably match top of the monitor. While sitting, lowering your chair too much may put unnecessary pressure on your shoulders since your elbows aren’t at a 90-degree angle. By achieving this balance you will eliminate the unwanted stress and strain to your frame.
3. Correct Back Support:
Ensuring your spine is correctly positioned at work is perhaps the most critical factor in improving your posture. Most ergonomic chairs are great at providing the necessary lumbar support. Initially, the chair’s curve may feel a bit awkward but it is actually crucial to maintain the spine’s natural curve. This position of the spine promotes relief to the rest of your back and shoulders.
4. Try To Keep Moving:
While modifying your desk and chair setup is extremely important if you’re spending 8 hours a day in an office, there is only so much you can do; remaining stationary for long periods of time will cause your body to become stressed in the long run. In order to prevent this it is recommended to move around as much as possible. Whether it i light exercise, simple stretches or even a stroll, movement on its own can reduce the strain and pressure on your joints and muscles.
In the event that you still suffer from muscle or joint pain as a result of your sedentary job, Amersham Chiropractic Centre will be able to help you. By means of careful spinal manipulation our highly qualified team of chiropractors can help bring relief to your various musculoskeletal problems.
Conclusion
In summary, the chair you use should have a backrest that fits into the curve of your lower back so that it provides lumbar support. This prevents fatigue in the back muscles and prevents pressure on the spine. You can use a rolled towel or purchase a lumbar support pillow if your chair does not provide this type of support.
Consider standing up every 30 minutes to stretch your spine and legs or even take a short walk. You are more likely to develop back pain from slouching when you sit for long periods of time.
At Amersham Chiropractic Centre, we use common chiropractic adjustments that can help fix your sitting posture. With a few common chiropractic adjustments and daily lifestyle changesalong with rehabilitation, your spine will be at its healthiest.
Book an appointment with us today!