We live in a day and age that is so busy and focused on deadlines that we are often running out of time to take care of ourselves.
A computer dependent world has left us with a society of people with poor posture. Stooping over computer screens, slumping into office chairs and having your fingers continuously moving at a million miles an hour, typing, texting, tweeting...It's no wonder the incidence of office related injuries is on the increase.
In my line of work as an Osteopath I am seeing large numbers of cases everyday of computer posture related back pain, headaches, neck pain and repetitive strain injury and while I understand that it's not easy to change the nature of ones work, there are preventative measures you can take to give your body a fighting chance to withstand the pressure.
Computer set up! Sounds simple but it's amazing how a moving a screen a few centimeters or lowering a chair can make such a difference to your posture.
I recommend the following steps in computer/ desk set-up
1) Hips and knees should be at 90 degrees with feet flat on the floor (no crossing legs!)
2) Shoulders should be relaxed down and rolled back
3) Elbows should be held at 90 degrees
4) Your Eye line should be in the top third of the screen
5) Keyboard should be positioned so wrists are not bent (in line with your 90 degree elbows)
6) A lumbar roll or support should be used to provide low-back support
7) Make sure that your set up is squared and centered in from of you
Remember, prevention is better than a cure. Make sure you consult an Osteopath for your personalized prevention plan
