Poor posture while using the computer for prolonged periods puts the individual at risk for a host of problems. While sitting at a computer, the tendency is to slouch in the chair with the head hanging forward, shoulders rolled forward and arms outstretched, trying to keep the hands on a keyboard that's out of reach. Too often, we sit at the computer in this very poor posture for hours without taking breaks.
Headaches
Most headaches stem from tension and originate from the base of the skull or the neck. They're caused by abnormal stress or strain in shoulders, neck and back. Prolonged poor posture can affect the muscles and joints themselves. As tension builds, muscles that must support the head-forward posture become overstressed and headaches result. Imagine trying to hold a bowling ball in front of you with one arm. This is essentially what you do when hanging your head out over the shoulders. The muscles can only hold this posture for so long without revolting.
Disc Herniation
The soft, spongy discs between the vertebrae are very good at resisting a sudden shock but do not perform well with sustained pressures. When we sit at the computer for long periods, we put a tremendous amount of stress on the discs in the neck and low back and can cause them to push out of their normal confines. Sitting too much is always damaging to the lumbar spine.
Neck/Low Back Pain
Pain in the neck or low back is a likely result if you sit at the computer for long periods. Poor posture causes stress on the muscles, joints, discs and nerves. Your pain may be due to a trigger point in the muscle, a disc or even a pinched nerve. To avoid neck and low back pain, be conscious of your posture and regardless of how dedicated you are about sitting properly, get up and stretch at least every half hour. This breaks the tension, restores blood flow, and you'll find you remain much more productive. Our bodies are designed to move.
Loss of Cervical Curve
Your spine is designed to have certain curves in it to help it function best while moving and fight the effects of gravity. Chiropractors often see patients that sit too long at the computer who demonstrate a reduced or even reversed curve in their neck. This condition leads to degeneration of the joints and discs, and causes nerve dysfunction and pain. Restoration of the cervical curve is possible but requires a great deal of physical therapy.
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