17/03/2025
How do you sit?
We have all been told to sit up straight, but is this predisposing you to musculoskeletal pain?
Generally, people who sits bolt upright with shoulders back will suffer from more spinal pain than a person who sits more relaxed. This is because the muscles are working harder to maintain an upright posture than a person who is letting the chair support them.
Here are some tips for better sitting at a computer workstation:
• Relax into the backrest of the chair rather than sitting forward of it
• The backrest should be leaning backwards slightly (also in the car)
• Office chairs should not have arms – if so, then remove them
• If feet are not on the floor, use a foot stool
• Pull the chair in so that your tummy is nearly touching the desk
• Arms are relaxed by your side, elbows bent approximately 90 degrees
• Mouse is close – do not reach, and change hands if possible
• Do not protrude your head/neck to see the screen (need glasses?)
• Do not sit for longer than half an hour before getting up
• Sit to stand desks are also a good option
