Poor posture: the risks Poor posture when sitting, whether for work, at home or in the car, can lead to hip, back and neck pain, joint stiffness, chronic fatigue, headaches, sleeping difficulties and weakened muscles. Your spine and the discs in your back may also become dis-aligned, which can cause permanent damage and the need for long-term physiotherapy. A number of factors can contribute to poor posture without us even knowing it, such as sitting on chairs with no lower back support, perching on stools, slouching on sofas that are too soft to support us or positioning a driving seat too far from the wheel. But because we are less physically active today than we were 50 years ago, and much of our time at work is spent behind a desk, comfortable and supportive seating is crucial. Achieving good posture Needless to say there are numerous benefits to maintaining good posture when sitting. Movement becomes easier because your spine and joints are properly aligned, bones are protected against weakness and gradual deformity, your shape will improve and your muscles become less tense because they won't need to work as hard to compensate for poor bone position. Regular exercise is certainly helpful, as it strengthens your bones and helps to significantly minimise the risk of painful musculoskeletal problems, but when you're sitting for long periods of time it's vital that your back is supported correctly. An orthopaedic chair is a sound investment, and one that will be of enormous benefit to both your health and quality of life for years to come. Proper support - What to Look For What is needed is some form of backrest ithat will provides constant support to the back, shoulders and upper arms, while carefully supporting your head at the same time. There a few products for sale today throughout the world that meet these basic requirements. So what do you have to look for in the perfect back rest. Well the first area is support, the pillows must support the back, shoulders and uper arms, but it also must be robust enough, with the best systems moulding to your body and readjusting themselves every time you move, ensuring an end to poor posture and strain. Armrests that cushion your arms from shoulder to wrist are also an extra to look for. But it isn't just when standing or sitting that we need to be aware of posture. Poor posture lying down can have a huge impact on sleep, too. Just as with sitting, incorrect posture can constrict your internal organs, and lead to conditions such as sleep apnoea, where an obstruction is caused to the upper airways during sleep. Tell-tale symptoms include heavy snoring and waking in the night, which in turn leads sufferers to feel drowsy and exhausted during the day. Sound nights' sleep Therefore, it's equally important to support your body while sleeping. Physiotherapists recommend sleeping on your side or back and using a feather-stuffed pillow that won't sag, but for many of us, the necessity to rest sitting up (due to factors such as illness, fragility or pregnancy) means we need extra support. Systems that also offer a Legrest, and provide support similar to an adjustable bed are best (these raising and supporting the legs and hips to the height you require) and are ideal for relieving conditions such as varicose veins and swollen ankles, and ensuring total body support. |
