We have become a nation of professional sitters.
Next time you are in an office building, look around at all the people sitting behind computers.
Chances are, you'll see a full array of really bad posture positions: necks craning forward, slumping upper backs, rounded shoulders.
Sitting for a long time is a major cause of back discomfort:it puts continuous pressure on the muscles and discs of the lower back.
You may think your back muscles get a rest when you sit.
Actually, they're working very hard to hold you upright.
Sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on thelower back disks than standing does.
Sitting is particularly hard on the lower back, especially if you sit with your lower back rounded out (called forward flexion).
Make sure you sit with your pelvis in neutral where the top of the pelvic bones (iliac crests) should line up with the pubic bones.
This is much less stressful for your lower back.
Leaning over a desk and looking up and down from a keyboard to a computer screen puts pressure on the neck and upper back, too.
By stopping the slouch, supporting your back properly, and avoiding the head-forward position, you will be able to work more comfortably and productively.
Replacing or modifying your office furniture is a good start.
Fortunately, more manufacturers are producing furniture and accessories with good posture in mind.
Ergonomically designed furniture can help reduce the user's fatigue and discomfort, and help increase productivity.
Keep in mind that a piece of furniture is ergonomically correct for you only if it fits your particular body.
In any case, furniture alone can't help your posture.
You also have to become more aware of how you sit, and you need to take little breaks during the day.
Next time you are in an office building, look around at all the people sitting behind computers.
Chances are, you'll see a full array of really bad posture positions: necks craning forward, slumping upper backs, rounded shoulders.
Sitting for a long time is a major cause of back discomfort:it puts continuous pressure on the muscles and discs of the lower back.
You may think your back muscles get a rest when you sit.
Actually, they're working very hard to hold you upright.
Sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on thelower back disks than standing does.
Sitting is particularly hard on the lower back, especially if you sit with your lower back rounded out (called forward flexion).
Make sure you sit with your pelvis in neutral where the top of the pelvic bones (iliac crests) should line up with the pubic bones.
This is much less stressful for your lower back.
Leaning over a desk and looking up and down from a keyboard to a computer screen puts pressure on the neck and upper back, too.
By stopping the slouch, supporting your back properly, and avoiding the head-forward position, you will be able to work more comfortably and productively.
Replacing or modifying your office furniture is a good start.
Fortunately, more manufacturers are producing furniture and accessories with good posture in mind.
Ergonomically designed furniture can help reduce the user's fatigue and discomfort, and help increase productivity.
Keep in mind that a piece of furniture is ergonomically correct for you only if it fits your particular body.
In any case, furniture alone can't help your posture.
You also have to become more aware of how you sit, and you need to take little breaks during the day.