SITTING AT A DESK

We sit at desks to perform tasks and usually it requires a level of concentration whether it is writing, typing, reading or perhaps craftwork.  

This distraction reduces our awareness of how we hold ourselves and increases the risk of developing postures that may be harmful.

We have all seen pictures like this demonstrating the ideal posture when at a desk, and it is true...but there is more to it.

This is an ideal starting position with the back straight, shoulders relaxed and elbows around 90°. But it requires muscle work to stay in an  upright, erect position...and muscles get tired over time.
 
 

As the large spinal muscles relax, the spine hunches over and places the head in a more forward position. The neck/shoulder muscles then have to work harder to keep the head up and subsequently may lead to tension and strain.

In this example, sliding forwards in the chair, reduces the thigh support, and increases pressure on the buttocks. Increased low back arching changes the position of the trunk as it leans on the back rest. This leads the head  to be more forwards (relative to the trunk) and may cause neck pain. In addition the arm reaches farther forward and without proper support may cause shoulder pain and increased contact pressure at the wrists.