5 Ways You Shouldn't Be Sitting While At the Office
Do you often experience neck pain, shoulder aches or back strain after returning home from the office? Do your muscles and joints ache after sitting for long hours?
If such is the case, you should probably take a look at the way you sit at your desk.
Here are 5 ways you shouldn’t be sitting in the office:
1. Sitting up straight
When you sit with your backs at a 90-degree angle to your pelvis, this is harmful in the long run.
Sitting completely straight is actually bad for the back as it places unnecessary strain on the back. The right way is to lean back at about 135 degrees.
2. Sitting cross-legged
Sitting cross-legged may feel comfortable, but it has a negative effect on blood circulation. Studies have shown that sitting too long with one knee crossed over the other raises blood pressure and may increase the risks of cardiovascular disease.
Avoid sitting in this position for an extended period of time and ensure that you place your feet flat on the floor.
3. Forming a sharp curve in the neck
We form a sharp curve on our neck when we either lean right back in the chair or lean too forward in front of the computer. This posture is incorrect and can result in diseases like lower back strains, tired shoulders, headaches, and disc herniation.
The reason is all our weight falls on our lower back area of the spine, leaving our muscles in our back and neck strained.
The right way is to support your back by keeping your shoulders pulled back and putting your back against your chair for adequate back support.
4. Elbows off the armrest
Typing without proper forearm support can result in shoulder and wrist pain. If your arms are unsupported while you type or use a mouse, they may start to pull on your shoulders and neck.
Support your elbows while typing by keeping them on the chair’s armrests.
5. Folding your leg under you
After sitting in one spot all day, we tend to rest on our legs, as it brings about some comfort. However, sitting on your legs is bad for your circulation.
Limit your time spent in this position, and do leg stretches at your desk to release any tension you may be feeling in your legs.
If all else fails, take a short break and go for a walk to keep as active as you can throughout the day. This may decrease your stress and body strain. Contact an orthopaedist promptly if your pain worsens.