One of the worst things you can do for your back is something you’re probably doing right now − sitting. Sitting with correct posture is especially important for college students who spend hours sitting in class and at the computer on a daily basis. Have you ever noticed the longer you spend staring at a computer screen, the more you slouch forward towards it, which is often accompanied with an uncomfortable soreness in your back? Sitting with poor posture for long periods of time can make the pain even worse. The key to good posture is to maintain the alignment of the back’s three natural curves when sitting.
Why bad posture causes back, shoulder and neck pain:
· When you slouch forward or lean back, you compromise your spine’s natural alignment
· Your muscles have to work harder to keep your head up, leading to muscle contractions and spasms
· These contractions cause the muscles surrounding the spine to tighten, causing pain and discomfort
How to sit with correct posture:
· Good alignment is critical, meaning that your vertebrae should be stacked evenly
· To maintain proper alignment, your back should be touching the back of your chair
· Keep your shoulders relaxed and down so they’re not holding any tension
· To relieve neck tension, adjust your desk chair so that your arms rest at a 90-degree angle on your desk
Another thing to remember is that the spine was made for motion. Sitting actually puts more stress on the vertebrae than standing. If you’re going to be seated for long periods of time remember to take breaks to stretch and walk around.
For more information read McKinley’s informative guide on better student posture and study habits: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/Handouts/posture_study_habits/posture_study_habits.htm