Creative Connections Consultancy

Poor posture and the knock-on effects on your health

We all do it, sit at our desks hunched over, deep in thought whilst we tap away at the keys... yet this could be the very thing that triggers off an irritable headache later on in the day or evening.

I often wonder why a particularly uncomfortable stiff neck or aching shoulder is bothering me, that all too familiar twinge in the base of my spine, yet I rarely spare a second thought to my seating position or keyboard height at work.

As you see from the picture above, you can so easily bend your spine and neck into unnatural positions, and strain the muscles in your arm, wrist and hand that you use for the mouse.

In order to avoid this, check that:

your chair gives you good back support
the height of your chair allows you to have your feet flat on the floor, with the angle of your knees no less than 90 degrees
your monitor is positioned at a height so that you can look straight ahead at it, without twisting your neck round or extending it up or down
the angle of your elbows is no less than 90 degrees
your wrists are flat while typing

Exercises to do at your desk

Shoulder stretch

Sit upright, with your feet flat on the floor and stomach pulled in. Reach your right arm across the front of your body, using your left arm to pull it close to your chest. Feel the tension in your right arm and shoulder. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then repeat with your other arm.

Back stretch

Pull in your stomach and place your hands at the top of your buttocks. Try to push your elbows closer together without arching your lower back. Hold for 10 seconds . Repeat four times.

Would you like more information about maintaining your health? Go to Ki Connections Wellness web site.