With many people working from home during the covid-19 pandemic now more than ever we must be conscious of the impact of sitting for extended periods of time and the effects this can have on our spines. The simple act of sitting can have an impact on our musculoskeletal system and alter the natural, healthy curve of our spines. For some people, these small misalignments may not be felt for some time however if you are experiencing any of the below sides effects consider consulting Dr. Paul Nothdurft and making a few minor changes in your lifestyle.
Tightness in the hip flexors.
Persistent lower back pain.
Discomfort in the upper back and shoulder region.
Chronic headaches.
Hip pain or stiffness.
A few changes that you can make to your lifestyle to improve your spine health include adjusting your posture, using stand up desks when possible, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, get up to get a drink of water, walk during your lunch break, and exercise daily (even if it’s just a walk).
When it comes to posture here is how to improve your posture:
Keep your feet planted on the floor with a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of the seat.
Do not cross your legs.
Make sure your ankles are in front of your knees.
Keep your knees at or below your hip level.
Adjust your backrest to support your lower and mid-back.
Relax your shoulders, keeping them back
Keep your forearms parallel to the ground
There is really a lot when it comes to posture, but try and avoid getting overwhelmed, remember this is about improving, not being perfect! One suggestion is regularly checking your posture, you could set a timer, or whenever you return from getting a drink of water simply sit with good posture.
Due to how important it is for you to maintain your back health you should be having regular chiropractic appointments with a great chiropractor, such as Dr Paul who will help you feel healthy and avoid pain. If you are feeling any pain call us at 07 3818 2488 during office hours to book an appointment.