Is it Really Your Bad Posture Causing Your pain?
The truth about posture and pain. it might not be as clear cut as you think.
Is your posture causing your pain and if so what can you do about it?
Invariably, whenever i ask patients what do they believe is contributing to their pain, the answer is almost always the same. Posture!
But is this actually the case?
If you asked most people to describe "bad posture" they would almost certainly describe someone slumped, with rounded shoulders and their neck placed quite far forwards. The reality is that even if you were sat perfectly straight with your chest out, shoulders back in what is traditionally thought of as "good posture" after a few hours you would almost certainly begin to experience some pain and discomfort.
So why would you experience discomfort even if you were sat with perfect posture?
Recent studies show that the reason we experience pain isn't due to our supposed bad posture but actually because of the length of time spent stuck in that one posture.
The reality is that there is no such thing as good or bad posture. The real reason most of us experience pain when we are sat at a desk for long periods is the lack of movement and mobility. The issue isn't the position we are in but the length of time we are stuck in that same position. It just so happens that most people spend significantly more time slumped because if we are honest with ourselves its a lot more comfortable and relaxing than sitting bolt upright all day!
So what can you do?
Thankfully the answer is quite simple. Move. The key to managing desk related back and neck pain is to adjust your position at regular intervals. Don't get stuck in one position for hours on end. Stretch out, get a drink of water, slump, sit up straight. Movement is key. So in answer to the question what is the best posture? the best posture is the next posture!
To help i'm going to pop a video up on the Hicks Health facebook page today showing some great stretches to do in the office to keep you mobile throughout the day and really help keep that pain and tension at bay. Just click on the facebook logo below and scroll down to see the video.
If you have any questions just drop us a line on 0208 088 0442 or email oliver@hickshealth.com and as always i will do all i can to help!
Take care and thanks for reading
Oliver
This page was reviewed by Oliver Hicks M.Ost 9th March 2023