Posture

[petitebelette]

Has anyone got any tips for maintaining good posture?

I spend a lot of the day sat at a computer for work etc, and I'll often slump without realising it. It doesn't help that I'm pretty short so my feet don't reach the floor on an office chair, they just sort of dangle :/ Anyway, result is, I end up with rounded and very VERY tense shoulders and sometimes my lower back gets achey too, and since I get in that habit I sometimes stand like that too.

How do you remain conscious of posture when you're working hard on something else? Obviously I try to lessen the effects through stretching, yoga etc, but in the long term it would be better to correct the habit full stop. If nothing else to stop my mother shouting "SHOULDERS BACK!" every time she sees me

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by petitebelette

Has anyone got any tips for maintaining good posture?

I spend a lot of the day sat at a computer for work etc, and I'll often slump without realising it. It doesn't help that I'm pretty short so my feet don't reach the floor on an office chair, they just sort of dangle :/ Anyway, result is, I end up with rounded and very VERY tense shoulders and sometimes my lower back gets achey too, and since I get in that habit I sometimes stand like that too.

How do you remain conscious of posture when you're working hard on something else? Obviously I try to lessen the effects through stretching, yoga etc, but in the long term it would be better to correct the habit full stop. If nothing else to stop my mother shouting "SHOULDERS BACK!" every time she sees me

I found a really easy solution to the back problem after noticing sore lower back due to rounding whilst studying nearly all day long; just get a sturdy cushion and place it behind your back whislt sat at the computer etc, you'd be surprised how effective this simple remedy is

[petitebelette]

Thanks! Did you get a special lumbar cushion or will an ordinary one do?

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by petitebelette

Thanks! Did you get a special lumbar cushion or will an ordinary one do?

I just use an ordinary cushion...it's a decent size and not overly soft but not hard, if you know what I mean...and it just gives a nice support and can be moved up or down the back depending on which chair you're sitting in; I don't know whether lumbar cushions would be as flexible, but I'd imagine they would work equally well...although I dread to think of the price they might be

[petitebelette]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

I dread to think of the price they might be

Heheh, that's exactly what I was thinking. Thanks for the advice, I may have to go cushion shopping tomorrow now

[Puffin]

Posture is really important for desk-work and can often result in injury, even from wrong posture or micro-movements, or lack of movement!!!

It might be more than just your back so check out your whole body posture. Sometimes you get referred pain or tightness from something else. Here is a link to an ergonomic article about setting up your desk space. Remember, it could also be the angle of your neck and the height of your screen, the angle and support for your feet, the angle of your elbow to the desk or the angle you hold your mouse on. It can seem a bit pendantic until you set a new habit. I also try to get up and move around regularly, or stretch regularly although I tend to get absorbed and time flies by. Check out the link = you don't necessarily need a fancy chair, but these tips might help iron out some kinks you have!!

(http://www.spine-health.com/wellness...duce-back-pain

[petitebelette]

Thanks Puffin, that's really helpful. I talked to my boss and they're going to try to get me a footrest too I'll have no excuse!