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“Sit up straight!” and “Don’t slouch!” are probably some of the most common phrases that we heard growing up as kids. However, with some 65 million Americans reporting recent episodes of back pain that led to 83 million days of work lost per year, maybe it’s time we take a closer look at what’s going on.

Poor posture is extremely common, yet few appreciate that it can make you tired, give you headaches and diminish your mental acuity. Your head is a 10-pound bowling ball perched above your spine. When your head protrudes forward or you slouch, you interfere with nerve flow to your neck and brain leading to pain, headache, loss of concentration and more. A slouched position compromises your oxygen intake, leading to fatigue and brain fog. 

Here are Dr. Vikki Petersen’s top three tips for combatting bad posture:

Tip No. 1: Be smart about your throne
The best work chair has many adjustments available to you. The chair should not only move up and down, but the lumbar support (seat back) should be adjustable, along with the height of your arm rests. It’s worth the investment, and can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day.

Tip No. 2: Elevation is key
Consider investing in a desk that moves up and down, alternating between the sitting and standing position. If that is too much of an expense, there are small desktop devices that will elevate your computer to allow you to stand and keep working. Standing desks have grown tremendously in popularity, and for good reason. You’ll notice the difference in how you feel quickly when using one.

Tip No. 3: Think outside the chair
Consider an exercise ball that you change out for your chair. The ball will utilize different muscles in your neck and back, and the good news is that it is almost impossible to slouch on it without falling off! Using an exercise ball as your chair is a great way to stabilize and strengthen core muscles without much added effort.

 

Dr. Vikki Petersen is a certified clinical nutritionist, chiropractor and certified functional medicine practitioner. For more information about telemedicine opportunities, visit rootcausemedicalclinics.com.