HUNCHED BACK AT WORK?

A hunched upper back or kyphosis is a common dysfunction amongst office workers due to poor posture for prolonged periods.

If you are sat down for lengthy periods, it can be uncomfortable and damaging too.

But the good news is you can do something about workplace postural issues such as a rounding of the shoulders, hunched back, phone cradling and pointing chin.

In this article, we will focus on a hunched back and steps to prevent long-term pain and postural dysfunction.

What causes a hunched back?

There are many causes of kyphosis including from birth, injury, or disease, however postural kyphosis is a condition which can be both remedied and even prevented.

Common issues

A hunched back can cause severe discomfort. As we sit for prolonged periods the muscles around our neck, shoulders upper back and chest all become tight and over time cause pain and lack of movement.

If left untreated this continues until we cause a curvature of the spine causing postural kyphosis. Alongside pain and postural issues, other symptoms include a loss of balance, lack of movement and even in extreme cases fractures to the spine.

What can be done to treat and prevent a hunched back?

Set up your workstation correctly

An improper workspace set-up, a lack of mobility and the natural need to feel ‘comfortable’ can cause postural kyphosis.

At work, we will find what feels most comfortable for us in our workspace. For many, this includes leaning on the desk or slouching back into the chair, as opposed to sitting up straight with proper support.

Over time this causes muscular and tendon dysfunction and postural issues. This is even more prominent for remote workers who may be working at home in the kitchen, on the sofa or even in a coffee shop without proper postural support.

Seek advice or try a human-based DSE assessment.

Movement and exercise

The sedentary lifestyle many of us live with, especially at work, leaves us needing movement more than ever.