A useful reminder for all of us & especially helpful if you’re about to enter the particularly stressful exam time…. 
Osteopaths are best known for treating problems related to the spine, though our scope of practice is much wider than this.
Posture is very important whether you’re at home or work, sitting in an office chair, standing or driving. Correct posture is a valuable component of preventing and managing back pain while performing any activity.
The effect of workplace posture is of interest to osteopaths, as occupational injuries account for a large percentage of complaints that walk through our door. If we can better educate people on how to improve posture, work days lost due to occupational injuries can be reduced and efficiency in the workplace can be increased.
Here is some helpful advice:
When standing it is advisable to try and maintain your body’s natural spinal curves, this is achieved by:
- Keeping your head directly over your shoulders and your shoulders over your pelvis
- Tightening your abdominal muscles/core and tucking in your bottom
- Placing your feet slightly apart with one foot in front of the other and knees bent just a little will help you to maintain this standing position.
If you have to stand on a concrete floor, always wear shoes with good support and cushioning, a training shoe would be preferable. A rubber mat will also ease the pressure and enhance favourable ergonomic conditions.
Posture is important for sitting in office chairs and at a workstation.
Many of us spend hours in front of the computer – be it for work or entertainment, often resulting in back or neck pain.
Much of this pain may be avoided by a combination of:
- Adjusting your office chair, computer and desk positioning
- Taking regular stretch breaks from sitting in office chairs or standing for long periods of time.
For those currently attempting to study on the sofa or lying on your bed, if you want to achieve the most from the process it really is vital to sit sensibly!
- Use your laptop at a suitably set up desk, with a height adjustable, comfortable chair
- Adjust your computer monitor so it is at eye level – if this means investing in a separate keyboard and mouse for your laptop then it is often beneficial.
If you want further postural advice or if you think we could help you please do not hesitate to call us on (02) 9453 3046
Article written by Mia Rabjohn (Osteopath)
