In today’s day and age, many jobs have us working in front of our computers, whether that be in an office or at home. The more we work at our desks and stare at our computers, the more we begin to slump forward. As we repeat the same movements throughout the day, if we aren’t focused on keeping our back straight and our shoulders low and back, we will easily create bad habits that can have long-lasting effects on our health. After a few months of these behaviors, we can find ourselves permanently slumped over with our shoulders and heads forward and, if left untreated, it can lead to stiffness and many future health issues.
Thankfully, we spoke with Dr. Monica Hanna from Hope Chiropractic, our doctor who works on a lien basis in Glendora, about what we can do to counteract the bad posture we are accidentally giving ourselves from our time in front of the computer. Dr. Hanna suggested two simple, easy stretches that anyone can do from anywhere that can help fight against the bad posture we’re developing.
Stretch 1- The Doorway Stretch
Stand in a doorway and put one arm up and out to your side at a 90-degree angle.
Then, take a step forward with the leg that is opposite of the arm you are using. For instance, if you are stretching your right arm, step out with your left leg.
Then, lean into the stretch by leaning forward.
Do this with both sides and repeat a couple of times.
Stretch 2- Seated Stretch
This seated stretch will help with your shoulder range of motion. You can do this sitting anywhere. You don’t even have to get up.
First, reach straight up high with your arms. Then, bring your arms back down after stretching up.
Then, do the same by reaching out straight in front of you. Then, bring your arms back in.
Finally, reach straight out to your sides. Then bring your arms in.
By repeating these movements roughly 10-15 times, you will begin to stretch your shoulder and slowly increase its range of motion.
Additional Tips
When stretching, be sure to never push yourself if you feel any pain. And if you do feel pain, be sure to speak with a doctor right away.
Remember, in the end, it’s ideal to prevent this posture altogether by avoiding what’s causing it. Instead of slumping at the computer, try to remember to keep you back straight, your shoulders rolled back and down, and your head held high as you type and work. While it may feel strange at first, it can easily become a solid routine with practice and focus.
Finally, getting injured in an accident can only aggravate your bad posture and the discomfort you may feel, so, if you’ve been injured in an auto accident, be sure to speak to one of our doctors who works on a liens basis to help you on your road to recovery.
