Bad Posture at Work causing spinal pain? Read On.

In today’s digital age, where laptops have become an essential tool for both work and leisure, many people spend long hours sitting in front of their screens. Unfortunately, most of us don’t give much thought to our posture while using laptops, and this can lead to a wide range of health problems, including spondylitis.

So, what is a bad laptop posture, and how does it contribute to spondylitis?

A bad laptop posture involves sitting in a position that puts excessive strain on your back and neck muscles. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

·       Hunching over the laptop screen: When you hunch over your laptop screen, you place a significant amount of stress on your neck and upper back muscles. This can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in these areas.

·       Tilting your head down: Tilting your head down to look at your laptop screen can cause your neck muscles to work harder than they should. This can lead to neck pain and stiffness, which can eventually contribute to spondylitis.

·   Slouching in your chair: Slouching in your chair while using your laptop can place excessive pressure on your lower back muscles. This can lead to chronic back pain, which can contribute to spondylitis.

·   Sitting for prolonged periods: Sitting for long periods without taking breaks can lead to poor circulation, which can cause stiffness and pain in your back and neck muscles.

All of these factors can contribute to spondylitis over time, especially if you use your laptop for several hours a day. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy posture while using your laptop:

·   Adjust your laptop screen: Adjust your laptop screen to a comfortable height, so you don’t have to tilt your head down to see it. Ideally, the top of the screen should be at eye level.

·   Use an external keyboard and mouse: Using an external keyboard and mouse can help you maintain a comfortable position while using your laptop, as you can adjust them to your liking.

·   Use an ergonomic chair: If your job involves sitting at a desk, consider investing in an ergonomic desk chair or standing desk. Look for a chair that supports your back and neck and allows you to sit comfortably for long periods.

·   Take breaks: Take frequent breaks while using your laptop to stretch and move around. This will help prevent stiffness and promote better circulation.

In conclusion, poor laptop posture can contribute to spondylitis over time, especially if you use your laptop for long periods. By taking steps to maintain a healthy posture while using your laptop, you can prevent this from happening and enjoy a healthier, pain-free life.

 

General tips for good posture

1.  Always sit and stand with your spine straight, shoulders squared, and head up.

2.  Don’t look down while you’re walking, and don’t slouch.

3.  Whenever possible, sit in a firm, straight-back chair, with your feet on the floor. Add a small cushion to support your low- and/or mid-back.

4.  If you use your cellphone frequently, be mindful of your posture and avoid “text neck.

5.  When driving, adjust your headrest to support your neck, and always wear a seat belt with a shoulder harness.

6.  Pace yourself. If you’re having a tough day, take short breaks to manage your fatigue. This may help reduce slouching.

 

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Medical Review: This article is written by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health) and has been medically reviewed by Dr Rashi Goel (Senior Physiotherapist at Zanskar Health). This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.