Are sedentary lifestyles affecting your posture?
Introduction to sedentary lifestyle and posture
Does sedentary lifestyle affect our posture? Chiropractors have always advised people to keep moving for good joint health. A recent study found that over 70% of chiropractors have treated patients with injuries linked to sedentary lifestyle habits.
- screen time – 78%
- commuting – 88%
- sitting for too long – 93%
Use of technology has been found to have the biggest adverse impact on people’s back health.
Research regarding sedentary lifestyle
68% of chiropractors have seen an increase in children complaining of back pain. According to a recent survey from The British Chiropractic Association. This is linked to the amount of time that they spend on screens and with technology. The trend has become more noticeable in the last five years in particular. In one case, a chiropractor reported seeing a four year old child complaining of back pain. Apparently the child had been using a tablet device for several hours a day!
Sedentary lifestyle and posture -Children are using technology more and more. This is have a noticeable affect on their posture.
Over the last 30 years disability, due to back pain, has risen by 50%. Several factors could be at play. However research has shown that a lack of activity is a big risk factor for causing back pain. A lot of strain is placed on the muscles, joints and ligaments of the spine when:
- Spending a lot of time watching television or
- slumping over a tablet, laptop or mobile phone
A recent study by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found that :-
Less than 10% of British teenagers followed the recommended guidelines for sleep, exercise and screen time. Furthermore, more than 3/4 of teenagers spend more than the recommended two hours a day interacting with screens.
Tips for help postural aches
- Sit comfortably with your back supported in the base of the chair. Make sure you sit with your head facing forwards and directly in line with your spine. Strain will be put on your spine if: you look at a screen to one side, or have to turn your head to watch the television, this will put strain on the spine
- Try and move every 20-30 minutes. ie: stand up when you make a phone call
- Go for a walk in your lunchbreak.
British Chiropractic Association program – Straighten up UK
The British Chiropractic Association has created a program of three minute exercises called “Straighten up UK”.These can be incorporated into a quick daily routine to improve balance, strength and flexibility. You can find these exercises on : https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/straighten-up-uk/
For further advice and treatment, contact the Iveson Clinic in Long Melford on 01787 374964
