We all know that hours spent sitting at a desk can leave us feeling stiff and achy. But the effects of posture go deeper than simple discomfort.
What the research shows:
- Sitting for long periods can actually reduce the height of the lumbar intervertebral discs in your lower back.
- Slouching increases the pressure on your spinal discs and joints, which over time may contribute to degenerative disc disease (DDD). In contrast, sitting upright with a natural curve in your lower back helps to reduce this strain.
- Sedentary behaviour, especially looking down at phones or leaning into computer screens, has been linked to a higher risk of neck pain.
So what can you do if you work at a desk?
The key is not only how you sit, but how often you change position. Small adjustments, standing up regularly; setting your screen at eye level; and supporting your lower back, can make a big difference to how your spine feels day to day.
At Energise Chiropractic Shrewsbury, we take posture seriously. Using posture photos, we can show you how you’re holding yourself compared to the ideal. From there, we create personalised recommendations to help you take control of your posture at work.
Many of our clients tell us that once they combine these changes with chiropractic care, their aches and pains improve significantly. We also have our Posture Desk so you can have a sit down and move around of the office equipment, so that when you return to your office, you know how it should feel.
Good posture isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving your body the best chance to move, heal, and thrive. Get in touch today to improve your posture!
R.L. Zanola et al (2024) Biomechanical repercussion of sitting posture on lumbar intervertebral discs: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
M Cho et al (2023) Biomechanical Effects of Different Sitting Postures and Physiologic Movements on the Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Study. Bioengineering
Y. Meng et al (2025) The associations between sedentary behavior and neck pain: a systematic review and meta analysis. BMC Public Health