DESK DISEASE

Sedentary lifestyles putting health at risk

How much time do you spend in front of computers and other electronic gadgets like tablets and smart phones?

This sedentary behaviour has detrimental effects on the posture health of young and older bodies, resulting in the creation of a new term, ‘Desk Disease’.

If left untreated, Desk Disease can have prolonged negative effects on your health and musculoskeletal system.

At work and home, we often have unhealthy desk set ups. We sit incorrectly, our computer screens are too high or too low, we sit in poor quality chairs and our arm rests and computer mouses are at the wrong height.

When you peer forward to look at your computer screen, this creates excessive loading or force through your facet joints in your cervical spine and muscle tension at the base of the skull.

Sequence Osteopathy’s Dr Rachel Perry said the subocciptal muscles at the base of the skull can become shortened with forward head carriage.

“Muscle tightness through the suboccipitals can lead to headaches, a foggy head and feelings of lethargy. Tightness through the pectoral muscles at the front of the chest causes the shoulders to rotate further forward and inward, increasing the thoracic flexion,” Dr Perry said.

In clinic, Dr Perry sees patients presenting with upper neck, back, hip and shoulder pain, numbness and referred pain up to the head.

Some of the other major physical issues include forward head carriage, excessively rounded upper backs (kyphosis), elongated, inactive and weak upper back muscles, shortened hamstring muscles, tight hip flexors and weak glutes.

“As osteopaths, we aim to decompress the strained neck joints and improve alignment to allow for freedom of movement and optimal blood flow to the head,” Dr Perry said.

“Stretching, massage or other muscle releasing techniques can improve tension through the pec muscles helping to create length and open up the front of the chest.”

Sequence Osteopaths believe the best thing you can do is take regular breaks throughout the day and remind yourself to get up and move.

Avoid prolonged periods of sitting, take stretch breaks and short walks around the home or office to get your blood flowing through your muscles.

For more, check us out on Instagram at @sequenceosteo for some simple stretches you can perform at your desk, in the office and at home.

Mention this article for $10 off your initial treatment with any of our talented and experienced Osteopaths. Book online at sequenceosteo.com or phone the clinic on 5261 5766.