Modern city life consists mostly of office work – sitting for hours in the same position and toiling away in front of computer screens. At first glance, you might say that this cannot possibly be a dangerous or unhealthy way to live. However, what most people don’t know is that such a lifestyle can lead to serious consequences, especially for your muscles and your spine. Common symptoms are neck ache, a sore back and tightness in the shoulders, sometimes leading to chronic pain, disc problems and abnormalities in the spine. Your posture and your ability to function or move normally can be affected.

Our Office Syndrome massage offers relief from these symptoms, but in the long term you must also alter your own way of working and work area. See later for suggestions on how to do this.

How to prevent Office Syndrome

Your way of working:

• Change your sitting or working position every fifteen minutes.
• Get up and walk around every hour. Stretch the muscles in your arms, hands, wrists and legs.
• Keep your wrists are in a straight position; do not bend or twist them too often.
• Glance away from the computer every five to ten minutes.
• Sit  upright with a straight back.
• Do not sit on the edge of your chair.

Your work area:

• Adjust your computer and keyboard to face you.
• Ensure the screen is about 500 mm from your body.
• Raise or lower the screen so the the top is above your eyeline.
• Ensure there is plenty of room for you to use the mouse.