Chances are, you’re probably slouched over your desk reading this article, or hunched over your phone in the dark?
Either way, prolonged usage of our phones and computers have led to an epidemic of bad posture among us.
It may come as a surprise to you, but bad posture over time can result in increased frequency in headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, middle back pain, low back pain and stiffness!
Common Causes of Bad Posture
1. Sitting For Long Periods Of Time
Desk-bound jobs get their bad rep for a reason. Sedentary jobs are one of the most common causes of bad posture. When you sit all day, it fatigues the muscles that hold you upright, leading to persistent aches and muscle knots. Old or poorly designed desk chairs can exacerbate this problem
Solution: Provide additional ergonomic support such as backrest cushions to support the lumbar.
2. Using Your Laptop Or Phone Below Shoulder Height
Why below shoulder height? At that height, you end up bringing your head forward and down to look at the screen. This places more pressure on your spine, increaseing the amount of work that your neck and shoulder muscles have to do to stay in position.
Solution: Lift your device to above shoulder height! Phone and laptop stands are your lifesaver in this case.
3. Incorrect Gym Form
Been making good on your 2023 New Year’s resolution and hitting the gym regularly? Maintaining constant physical exercise can help you remain upright and not slouch by default. By activating and working important postural muscles, it gives you more energy to sit up properly for longer periods of time.
However, do take note that poor exercise form can run the risk of injury. Overtraining and incorrect training can also change the position of your muscles.
Solution: Find out if you have an anterior (forward) or posterior (backward) pelvic tilt. This can help determine whether to focus on abs, glutes, hamstrings or hip flexors to help correct posture.
4. Poor Lifting Technique For Manual Work
If your job requires copious amounts of manual labour, it’s high time you learn how to lift heavy weights the proper way. If you curve your low back or lean too far forward as you tilt, it may place too much pressure on your low back or knees, worsening your posture and increasing the risk of injury.
Solution: Know your personal limits! For example, never lift a heavy weight above shoulder weight.
Try these quick hacks to correct your bad posture and iron out those kinks!
The daily grind stressing you out even further?
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Make an appointment every Thursday, for the month of March! Alternatively, reach out to us via Whatsapp (8782 0561) to make an appointment!