Check out the article recently published online at the BBC that reports on sitting and how it impacts your health, click here to read more.
Everyday I see clients present to my clinic for the treatment of neck, back, shoulder, forearm and wrist pain as a result of sitting for too long whilst working at their computers. In addition to this, I also see people walking into the clinic reporting back pain and sciatica from sitting awkwardly in their couch at home or their motor vehicle. Why does this happen? Often sitting for prolonged periods in awkward postures can result in a variety of musculoskeletal strains and sprains. We are simply not built to be stuck in one position for too long, rather we should be focusing on moving around as much as possible. Often my clients say that they are simply too busy to get up and move around whilst at work. I say to them that they must take responsibility for their own health and do as much as they can to prevent aches and pains. By simply standing up and then sitting down again every 30-45 minutes, results in micro break and a change in our posture. This option of breaking posture is much more beneficial then sitting in one position without moving for 2-3 hours. I also often suggest to clients that they should look at breaking up their work habits/tasks, that is, sit at the computer for their computer based tasks, stand when needing to read. Whilst a good ergonomic environment goes a long way to prevent strains and sprains, often it doesn’t matter how ergonomically sound the desk, chair and computer are if you sit for 10-12 hours a day with minimal breaks.
If any of this sounds like you, then I would suggest making an appointment to see an Osteopath to find out what they can do to help with your various aches and pains. Osteopath Heath Williams is owner and director of Principle Four Osteopathy & Corporate Work Health Australia. To find out more about these two businesses, please go to www.principlefourosteopathy.com and www.corporateworkhealth.com. We are located at 29 Somerset Place, Melbourne City CBD 3000. Please call 03 9670 9290 or book online @ www.principlefourosteopathy.com