Desk workers are being warned about the health risks associated with poor posture, which can lead to a host of unpleasant side effects over time.
Health experts have noted that prolonged bad posture can result in headaches, insomnia, and even anxiety and depression.
One sitting position, in particular, is being flagged as the most detrimental to overall health.
Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy has warned those who work at desks about the dangers of sitting with a lowered neck, stating it can severely impact your posture.
This sentiment was echoed by Dr Stefan Mindea, MD, who explained: “When the head is tilted forward-commonly known as ‘tech neck’ – the effective weight of the head increases exponentially due to the angle.”
He added: “For example, at a 30 forward tilt, the head’s weight feels like 40 pounds to the neck. This unnatural strain leads to muscle fatigue, headaches, and chronic neck pain.”
According to Deborah, poor posture can trigger ‘severe and throbbing’ headaches due to prolonged tension in the head, neck, and spine, reports Surrey Live.
This tension or inability to relax can also contribute to insomnia, as the resulting neck and back pain can make it challenging to unwind at night.
Anxiety and depression can also be side effects of poor posture, with research indicating that slouching in a chair can facilitate negative thoughts, leading to feelings of anxiety and dampening your mood.
What is the best sitting position?
To ensure you’re sitting correctly and stave off these undesirable symptoms, Dr Deborah suggests adopting the ‘S’ position, which prevents your spinal muscles from being strained by gravity.
Here’s a simple guide on how to achieve this posture:
Firstly, sit facing forward with your feet flat on the ground.
You may need to adjust your chair’s height to avoid dangling feet or cramped knees.
Ensure your knees are level with your hips. Your ankles should be slightly ahead of your knees.
Maintain contact between your back and the chair’s backrest, using a cushion if necessary.
