Many of us spend much of each day sitting at a desk. Our shoulders begin to feel the strain, and lower backaches creep in midday. That is why proper desk posture is so important. Sitting at a desk for hours on end makes proper posture crucial for maintaining the health of muscles and joints.
Why is proper desk posture important?
Poor posture, whether sitting at a desk or standing, can lead to health problems. Bad posture places undue stress on your spine, which can lead to misalignment and, over time, wear away at joints. Other risks of poor posture range across the board, from stress to heartburn to gut issues. Maintaining proper posture while sitting at a desk helps alleviate these risk factors and keeps workflow at maximum productivity.
How to Properly Sit at a Desk
Proper posture can take practice, but remembering to be mindful of body positioning can help.
1.) Keep your head in line with your shoulders
You want to keep your head upright and an arm’s length away from the screen. Leaning in towards the screen puts added strain on your neck. Keeping the monitor at eye level can help keep you from moving your head forward.
2.) Keep your shoulders back and relaxed
3.) Place your back flat against the chair
When your back is flush against the chair, it keeps your spine in proper alignment. Slouching causes the spine to compress and can lead to pinched nerves, muscle tension, and joint strain.
4.) Wrists should be at or below elbow level with arms parallel to the floor
5.) Keep feet flat on the floor
Crossing your ankles or legs puts additional strain on your back and puts your entire body out of alignment.
6.) Leave your legs at a 90-degree angle
Raising or lowering your chair depending on height is important for keeping your knees at hip level with thighs parallel to the floor. Getting a footrest can help those who are shorter.
With the proper posture sitting long hours at a desk should be easier on your spine. However, if you have not been practicing these positions already, it will help meet with a chiropractor to get your spine back to a healthy alignment. Contact our team at Lake Mary Chiropractic Center to schedule an appointment today.
