WORLD SPINE DAY Improve your posture at work

Dr Garima Anandani 

Long working hours with increasing pressure to meet the deadlines describe the day of working professionals these days. An unhealthy lifestyle, disturbed routine and wrong posture lead to severe spine related issues.

Good posture results when your body muscles and joints are balanced and supported properly, you will be able to do everyday activities efficiently.

It is also important to maintain a strong core to attain a good posture. Strong core muscles keep your back healthy and resistant to pain and injury. In fact, you can alleviate and prevent low-back pain through spine rehabilitation & regular core training.

Sitting correctly: Sit with your hips all the way behind and feet flat and supported on the ground. Your arms should be supported on arm rest and back should lean against the backrest.

Keep gadgets at eye level: The uppermost part of the screen of your laptop or desktop should be at the eye level and a mouse should be used at the elbow bent at 90-degree level. A laptop stand can be used to increase the height of the laptop.

When using a cell phone, look down at the screen with your eyes instead of bending your neck. This reduces strain on your neck muscles when using your phone for long hours.

Bend correctly: You should always bend from your knee first than bending directly from the back. Bending directly from the back or stoop bending increase the stress on the back muscles and also on the intervertebral discs.

Lift heavy objects with caution: Do a squat bend or rather squat down completely, get the object to be lifted close to the body and then lift it. Do not stoop and lift because it increases the pressures on the intervertebral disc.

Avoid slouching: You have to sit up straight and sit all the way back in your chair. The chair should be tucked in close to desk. And, you might need lower back support like a lumbar roll.

Stand more: Stand every hour to take postural breaks, stretch, twist and turn the muscles to avoid pulling muscles.

Stretching is important: Do simple stretches throughout the day such as placing your hands on your lower back and stretching backwards. (Precaution: when in pain do not try at home exercises of stretching without medical supervision. Consult a spine specialist or spine rehabilitation expert)

Get moving: Make calls on your feet or suggest a moving meeting, walk up to a colleague’s desk to talk to them instead of using phone or text.

Get Tested: Visit a spine specialist immediately if

• You experience recurring pain for more than six weeks
• The pain radiates to your arms or legs
• You are unable to walk or stand for more than five minutes
• You experience loss of bowel control
• You have been advised spine surgery

Dr Anandani is senior spine specialist and clinical director, QI Spine Clinic