Are you a professional who suffers from neck, shoulder, and/or back pain? If so, you’re one of the millions seeking some type of relief. Believe it or not, most often, your discomfort is caused by the way you carry yourself while working. Fortunately, there are ways how to fix bad posture with a few simple tips and adjustments.

Owww, My Body is Out of Whack!

Some days, it’s bad enough just showing up at work. (Not that we don’t all love our jobs!) But sometimes, it’s tough to perform or be productive because of physical pain. Believe it or not, sitting can put a lot of pressure on your spine. Some report that sitting places more than 40% more pressure on your back than standing. That may be the first order of business to address.

It’s Time to Stand Up: how to fix bad posture

Some offices now have standing workstations. Some have ergonomic seating. But, if your situation doesn’t provide those things, you can still give your spine some relief. Set a timer for every half hour. When it goes off, it’s time for you to get up. Take a quick stroll to the restroom, walk to the printer, or do some standing stretches. We need to take the pressure off of our spine. This is especially true if you have a tendency to slouch over your desk.

It’s Time to Speak Up

Many of us don’t realize that talking on a traditional phone can cause neck and shoulder pain. Leaning your head to one side for long periods of time can place a strain on muscles and soft tissues. Holding your phone between your ear and shoulder will inevitably cause tension in your upper back and neck muscles.

If you must use a traditional handset, try to keep conversations brief. Otherwise, get a hands-free set or use the speaker-phone mode. There are many alternatives today. So, switch it up and follow advice on how to fix bad posture and avoid the strain.

Wear ‘em Down

We’ve already discussed the possible problems that can arise from sitting too long. Conversely, standing too long can also be a detriment to your posture. Some people may notice that they eventually develop an inward curve in their lower back. This condition, called hyperlordosis, is not that uncommon. And, unfortunately, it’s painful.
If you’re carrying excess weight around your middle, this can exacerbate the discomfort. The other thing that makes the back feel worse is high heels. Fancy footwear may be appealing and also add to your height, but, ultimately, heels are treacherous. Consider a sturdy, lower-heeled, supportive shoe if you must be on your feet for hours at a time. Also, take time for short sitting breaks.

Being Mindful When the Going Gets Tough

Whenever you’re working and you notice something aching, stop for a moment. Examine your body and its positioning. There’s no doubt you’ll catch yourself doing something “wrong.” Learning how to fix bad posture is simple once you recognize what you’re doing.
At first, making corrections will seem odd. Your body gets used to sitting or standing in certain ways. You’ll need to train yourself new habits. In no time, your back, neck, and shoulders should feel some relief.
Also, adding certain exercises daily can boost recovery from misalignment or pain. Planks, back extensions, and chest stretches can be helpful. Check out other articles on GetThrive for tips on pain relief and healing. Better yet, sign-up here for our Newsletter! We think you’ll be glad for the extra information and help.
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pages/back-pain-and-common-posture-mistakes.aspx
https://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/bad-habits-your-back-pain