How many of use a mobile phone, work at a computer or drive for multiple hours per day? Add this number of hours up over a week, a month a year?

How much postural awareness do you bring to these activities and what position do your upper back, shoulders, neck and head assume?
Do you experience any discomfort in any of these areas?

Something I see commonly is an upper spine that assumes the letter ‘C’ shape (rounded), shoulders which come forward and a neck which curves upwards with the head coming forward. There are no judgements here, we have all slumped at times!

So, what’s the problem? The head weighs around 5kg and architectural load is carried mostly efficiently via a vertical plumb line of gravity, when the head moves forward by 10cm, the weight effectively doubles placing undue strain upon the neck muscles. Over time, a forward shoulders position causes tightness in the chest muscles, shoulder impingement and mobility issues. The body tries to protect itself by laying down collagen and gradually sets into this position.

The power to change lies in interest, awareness and motivation to alter habits.

Try sitting with both feet on the floor, the sit bones evenly planted and the weight falling through a vertical plumb line from head to pelvis is a natural position though perhaps challenging. A firm cushion behind the mid back will help support you if the postural muscle are weak. Adjust your screen height so the eye line is on point.

An upright posture is not rigid or braced, the skill is to stay relaxed while concentrating on your work and to make micro movements with your shoulders, spine, head and neck regularly.

In addition, yoga, massage, osteopathy and other modalities are of tremendous benefit for maintenance and rehab of an issues which may have become chronic.

Go well. Will