While you're working, how many times do you stop and consider that the way you're sitting can be bad for you in the long run? If you rarely do, it's high time that you start because a poor posture may lead to a slew of musculoskeletal complications and chronic or acute back, neck, and shoulder pain. Not to mention, it may also cause frequent headaches and migraines.
According to research posted by Harvard University, it has also been determined that poor posture can lead to fatigue and heartburn. This doesn't just apply to sitting and working. Even if you're using your phone, watching a movie, or reading a book sitting in an incorrect position, you may develop several postural problems.
So, if you see your employees sitting hunched over their computers for long hours or if you suffer from poor posture, this blog is for you. We're going to talk about why good posture is important, how a poor one can lead to health complications, and what you can do to correct your posture.
The Role of Ergonomics in Improving Employee Health
Ergonomics can play a significant role in helping your employees achieve healthier postures and boost their productivity. It's about using functional yet comfortable office equipment. An excellent example can be the use of a standing desk. The desk is specifically designed to help employees alternate between sitting and standing, allowing them to improve their blood circulation, promote a sense of exercise (yes, standing is also considered an exercise), and enable them to stretch and move while working.
You have to understand that a poor posture can lead to a variety of health problems as sitting slouched or hunched for hours without moving can put a high degree of stress on your joints, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. Some of the most common health issues associated with poor posture are carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, stiff neck, constant lower back pain, pinched nerves between the shoulder blades, and more.
Fortunately, there isn't a lot you have to do to help yourself and your employees steer clear of postural deficiencies. All you have to do is implement a comfortable, ergonomic, and functional work environment. Investing in an ergonomic chair that comes with back and neck support can easily help promote that natural curve in your spine, leading to better posture.
Some Major Health Concerns That Stem From a Poor Posture
Poor Blood Circulation
Sitting hunched or slouched for extended periods can be detrimental to your blood circulation. Why? Well, when you're sitting down, no matter how relaxed you feel you are, your blood flow will start to slow down. What this is going to do is allow fatty acids to gradually stick to your blood vessels, which inadvertently may lead to heart problems in the long run.
Digestive Complications
Have you ever stood up from sitting down for a couple of hours and felt a bit lighter than usual? The fact is slouching/hunching or sitting in any way that causes you to abnormally lean forward will eventually start compressing the organs in your abdominal cavity. This includes your entire digestive tract. Failing to correct your posture may lead to problems such as a weak metabolism, heartburn, and quite possibly, nutritional deficiencies.
Spinal Complications
If you sit for 3-6 hours consecutively and stand up to take a break, you may experience some aches or pains in your back and/or neck. You see, a bad posture, over time, can cause your spine to curve unnaturally, causing pinched nerves and muscle pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. Sitting for too long can also cause frequent rotator cuff discomfort and pain. Not to mention, you'll have difficulty walking in a correct posture with your shoulder slightly rolled back and your neck raised.
What Can You Do to Correct Your Posture?
While correcting your posture will take a bit of time and perseverance, it can be done before it's too late. And it's easy. You have to stop sitting for so long and move around. Now, while you're working, one of the best ways to achieve that is through a height adjustable desk. The beauty of these desks is the fact that they're designed to help employees stand and sit while working, making sure that they move around, optimizing their blood circulation, and decompressing their spine.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, a glimpse into how a bad posture can cause a variety of health problems and what you can do about it.
