"SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKINg," OR BE KIND TO YOUR SPINE

We often cannot avoid sitting for longer periods of time, and more often than not we wind up in a forward flexed posture that is very hard on our necks, backs, and shoulders.  A couple of small adjustments can make sitting a little easier on our bodies. First thing, take a standing break every 30-45 minutes. Our brains tend to take a mental vacation from what we are working on around then anyway so just add a 30 second standing break to help change the forces on your body.  Additionally, small modifications to your work set-up can go a long way.  Make sure that your screen is at eye level, your keyboard/mouse are at elbow level. Keep your back and hips scooted back to utilize the backrest and add a small lumbar support (like a small pillow or rolled towel) if there isn’t already one in your chair. Keep your feet flat on the ground, and sit in a chair where the hip height is slightly above the knee height. Practice keeping your ears in line with the base of your neck to prevent your head from migrating forward AND if you are still having neck/back or shoulder pain while working that doesn’t get better with these small changes come see us at Life in Balance PT and we can help make an individualized treatment plan for you.