Can I Have Good Posture When I'm Sitting?
Definitely! But it will take some practice. While the benefits of good posture are many, it can take a lot of personal reminders to be able to maintain a habit of proper spine health.
Our AFC Urgent Care Easley team highlights some ways you can work to achieve good posture even if you work from home, so read on!
What Does Good Sitting Posture Look Like?
Good posture is also known as a neutral spine. When you have good posture, the muscles surrounding the spine are balanced and supporting the body equally.
So, how are you supposed to know if you have good sitting posture? Well, when you’re sitting, your feet should rest flat on the floor with even weight on both hips. Your back should be mostly straight (you’ll have natural curves in your lumbar, thoracic and cervical areas). Your shoulders should be back but relaxed, and your ears should line up over your collarbones.
Negative Effects of Poor Posture
- Spine curvature
- Back pain
- Neck pain and headaches
- Poor sleep
- Disrupted digestion
- Lack of motivation
How Can I Improve My Sitting Posture?
Because many of us are sitting so much of the day, it can be easy to fall into bad posture habits. However, there are ways you can reverse those bad habits and keep your spine and body healthier for longer!
We’ve listed some good posture tips below.
Ways to Improve Posture When Sitting
- Switch sitting positions often.
- Make sure that your feet touch the floor or use a footrest.
- Relax your shoulders; they should not be rounded or pulled backward.
- Keep your elbows in close to your body. They should be bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
- Make sure that your back is fully supported. Use a back pillow or other back support if your chair does not have a backrest that can support your lower back’s curve.
- Make sure that your thighs and hips are supported. You should have a well-padded seat, and your thighs and hips should be parallel to the floor.
We hope you feel better informed about the importance of posture! If you have other posture-related questions or need general medical care, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Easley today.