Warning over common sitting place that may trigger complications and insomnia
Health experts have issued a warning over the common position that can lead to a range of negative effects on your mind and body
If you’re a desk worker, you’ll be aware that much of your day is spent seated. However, incorrect posture can result in some rather nasty health issues over time.
Health professionals have warned that daily poor posture can lead to a variety of negative effects on our mind and body, including headaches, insomnia, and even anxiety and depression.
And there’s one particular sitting position that people are being advised to steer clear of if they want to improve their overall health.
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Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy has issued a warning to all desk workers, emphasising that sitting with a drooped neck can cause serious damage to your posture, reports Surrey Live.
This was echoed by Dr. Stefan Mindea, MD who clarified that this can put strain on the spine. He stated: “When the head is tilted forward-commonly known as “tech neck”-the effective weight of the head increases exponentially due to the angle.
“For example, at a 30 forward tilt, the head’s weight feels like 40 pounds to the neck. This unnatural strain leads to muscle fatigue, headaches, and chronic neck pain.”
According to Deborah, poor posture can trigger a range of different side effects over time. One such effect is ‘severe and throbbing’ headaches, caused by extended tension in the head, neck and spine.
This tension or inability to relax can also result in insomnia, as the neck and back pain often experienced can make it extremely difficult to unwind at night.
Anxiety and depression can also be side effects, with research indicating that slouching in a chair can make negative thoughts more prevalent, triggering anxiety and dampening your mood.
What is the ideal sitting position?
To ensure you’re sitting properly and avoiding these unpleasant symptoms, Dr Deborah suggests the ‘S’ position, which prevents your spine’s muscles from being pulled by gravity.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.
- Sit straight with your feet flat on the floor. You might need to adjust your chair’s height as you shouldn’t sit with your feet hanging or your knees bunched up
- Your knees should be level with your hips
- Your ankles should be slightly ahead of your knees
- Maintain contact between your back and the chair’s back, using a cushion if necessary
