Why do cats stretch so much? When we stretch all the fibres in muscles are elongated to the maximum. The blood vessels are squeezed so that the deoxygenated blood and waste products are forced out. When the muscle is relaxed, the blood vessels open up again, and supply the muscle with fresh oxygen and nutrients from the blood. One thing that will really change how you feel after sitting down at work all day is MOVEMENT. Your body thrives on motion and variety. Watch a child and they simply cannot sit still - this is because they are in tune with their bodies. We have been trained to suppress what our body tries to tell us. Pain from work is a physical warning signal and we need to retrain ourselves in naturalness. Improve your posture by conscious effort and by using equipment that improves posture automatically.

• Use the right chair. Click here for help Choosing a Chair
• Ensure your workstation is correctly set up (see At Work)
• Use a writing slope and/or copyholder - they will stop you from leaning forward and looking down

"Use short, height adjustable armrests on your chair, fixed armrests often hit the desk edge and make you lean forward or sit on the edge of your seat, away from the backrest."

Open the angle between you trunk and thighs by using a chair with a back rake adjustment. Lean back to work by using a large lapdesk and remote keyboard and mouse. Remember - the more you lean on the backrest and armrests, the less weight goes through the lumbar spine.

Other problems

• Coccyx pain Use a chair with a coccyx cut-out wedge, or a chair with a coccyx cut-out option.
• Sciatic pain Often aggravated by leaning forward, use a chair with a rake adjustable backrest and a lockable forward tilt to open your thigh/trunk angle when working forward.
• Reduced hip/knee flexion A split seat will enable you to rest the foot of the affected leg on the floor.
• Unable to sit for long Try height adjustable desking and a standing stool to enable sitting, perching and standing to work.
• Chair problems at meetings Try taking a Backfriend along.
• Car Seat problems Look at In the Car.
• Unable to walk without sticks/crutches Look at using a walkers with a seat and basket, when filing/distributing mail.
• Corner workstations Use a chair with very short armrests or fit a corner keyboard.

"Try putting a red paper dot on things you look at often: clock, coffee cup, window, and every time you see a red dot, think Posture and correct it."

The above information covers only the most common causes and is far from a complete reference. If you would like further advice or information please contact us.