At home, at school or college, at work, or even on the move, many of us are spending large parts of our day using a computer. At Shrewsbury Chiropractic many of the musculoskeletal complaints we are presented with by patients can often be blamed upon incorrect posture, as this can be harmful to your spine.

So what should you do to help reduce the strain put upon your body?

• Your eyes should be roughly level with the top part of the screen.
• You may need to put the screen on a stand or even place a ream of paper underneath to bring it to the right height.
• Your arms should be roughly horizontal to the keyboard.
• Your feet should be flat on the floor with your hips slightly above your knees.
• You should sit up reasonably straight, with the chair supporting your back.
• Relax when sitting into your chair, making sure you have your bottom against the seat back with your shoulder blades touching the back rest of the chair.
• Take regular breaks. Never sit at the computer for more than 40 minutes; less if possible.
• When you take a break, walk around and stretch a little; do something completely different.

We are all different heights and shapes, and as more people desk share its important to check that you are in the best posture you can be after someone else has been at your desk.

Take a look at the British Chiropractic Association video clip above and if you would like any further advice, please give us a ring on (01743) 231600. Keep an eye out for the next blog which will be on LAPTOPS.