Do I have bad posture at work?
Many people assume that “bad posture” is the main cause of back or neck pain, but posture itself isn’t the problem - staying in one position for too long is.
If that is sitting for a long period of time through the day at a desk, driving to different locations or working on your feet, your body likes movement, not stillness. Small changes in your daily life can make a huge difference in reducing stiffness and discomfort.
How does posture affect your pain?
When you hold the same positions for long periods throughout the day, the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back tire and tighten.
Over time, this can lead to aching, reduced mobility and difficulty concentrating at work. However, a few simple habit changes directed by our physiotherapists in Swansea can help prevent symptoms from building.
Some helpful strategies we can support with –
Move little and often – Frequent breaks are one of the best things you can do. Standing, stretching or utilising some gentle mobility exercises, which only take a few minutes, can help.
Or this could consist of taking a coffee break or a lunchtime walk along Swansea’s waterfront or many local paths.
Support of your spine – Keep your feet flat on the floor, with your eyes at screen level and hips level or higher than your knees.
You may also want to see one of our local physiotherapists at the Swansea clinic, who can advise you on posture correction and provide specific tips and tricks to keep pain at bay.
Strengthening key muscles – This is one of the most effective long-term ways to reduce workplace pain. Building strength in the glutes, deep core muscles, and upper back also improves posture naturally. We are adept at providing tailored strengthening targeting specific muscle groups targeting your needs.
How our OH One physiotherapy clinic helps:
Understanding what’s driving your symptoms
Improve mobility and strength
Get a tailored exercise plan that suits your job demands
Build confidence in managing symptoms in the long term
Provide sports massages to help relieve tension in the impacted muscle groups.
