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  • Free Back Pain & Desk Work Talk

Monday October 21st 6.30 - 7pm

Take Care of Your Spine at School and Beyond!

It is that time of year. Schools, colleges, and universities are open again. Shiny shoes, freshly pressed uniforms and blank notebooks are ready for the year ahead.

The great thing about formal education is the depth of knowledge that is available for us to consume to help us learn and grow. But unfortunately, the hours spent at the desk is less than ideal for the health of our spine which is designed to move. So, I share my top 3 tips to help take care of your spine which not only will be helpful for your loved ones returning to the classroom, but also for those who sit down for long periods of time during the day:

1. Stand up every 20 minutes: Sitting down is the worst position for our spine. Over a period of time, we often sink into to a forward and slouched position, which can put extra pressure through our joints and cause our muscles to work harder to help support us. This can lead to those annoying aches and pains. Standing up every 20 minutes will help to re-set your spine, as well as getting your brain firing to keep you engaged in your studies.

2. Bags on two shoulders: Carrying multiple books at once is inevitable, but is often done using a bag over one shoulder. Using a bag which has adjustable straps and can be carried on both shoulders is the most optimal way to distribute the load. Ensure the bag is sat high on the back for additional support. Using this type of bag will help to avoid issues such as shoulder, neck, and lower back pain.
(This one applies whether you are at school or not! Shoulder bags carried for sustained periods of time can really impact how we hold our body, so be sure to rummage into your bag now and again and ask yourself the question, “do I need to be carrying this around?”

3. Look ahead: The use of computers, tablets and mobile phones can encourage us to look down over sustained periods of time. This encourages that head down posture, which puts additional stress on our spine. Where possible, hold the device up, or lift the screens slightly above the eye line so you are encouraged to look upwards. Doing this will not only help overall comfort, but also assist in preventing long term issues relating to your spine, such as headaches and neck pain.  

These are just some simple steps to help keep your spine healthy at school and beyond! If you need more detailed advice, please do ask.

With love,
Sarah

Dr Sarah Waller DC