A woman slouches at her desk over her laptop. Today, poor posture is more than just a bad habit — it's a health epidemic. While most people are aware of the common problems of poor posture, such as neck and back pain, they don't realize that the issues can extend much further. In fact, sitting and standing poorly, usually while at work, can contribute to increased stress, decreased lung capacity, and reduced productivity. The truth is that the human body was designed for regular motion. However, many of our jobs now require us to sit in front of a desk for hours on end, day after day. This change in habits has contributed to problems with depression, fatigue, and pain. Ultimately, the only way to fight back is to take positive action. Here, we'll look at some of the dangers of poor posture, and what you can do to fix your office health woes.

1. Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain

The most common outcome of poor posture is pain. The more you sit in positions that aren't natural or supportive for your body, the more likely you'll experience discomfort in and around your neck, spine, and shoulders. These are the areas that take on the most stress during your work day. Over time, continued problems with posture can cause misalignment in the spine, and contribute to additional pain, along with excessive joint stress. The joints in your body are protected by connective tissue, but when the spine is misaligned, those cushions can start to deteriorate.

How to Fix It

Usually, one of the toughest parts of tackling poor posture is remembering to adjust your sitting and standing behaviors. An ergonomic chair without a backrest can teach you to sit upright without conscious effort or focus. The more your body gets used to naturally adjusting to the right position, the less likely you are to ultimately suffer from spine problems.

2. Increased Depression and Stress

Both stress and depression are common problems in today's modern world. Though we often learn ways of coping with our emotions, issues with posture can make it harder to manage. One study in San Francisco showed that students who slouched experienced higher feelings of depression, combined with lower energy levels. When the body remains in a slouched seating position for an extended period, your internal processes begin to slow down, and you may end up feeling tired, aggravated, and overwhelmed.

How to Fix It

Slouching in your seat causes undue stress on internal organs and muscles. By spreading the weight of your body out more evenly, such as in a balance or gravity chair, you can achieve fuller support and comfort.

3. Decreased Productivity

High productivity and efficiency are essential in today's competitive world. Unfortunately, slumping over at work not only drains your energy levels, but it can also make it harder for you to concentrate. One study found that participants with poor posture in an office environment showed less focus and reduced confidence. What's more: when you're sitting hunched over your desk, you're less likely to portray a professional air to your colleagues, which could reduce your opportunities for career growth.

How to Fix It

Slouching at your desk diminishes focus and convinces your supervisors that you're tired and unmotivated. However, if you can improve the way you carry yourself with the right ergonomic seating, then you can improve alertness, decrease fatigue, and become more productive within your role.

4. Reduced Lung Capacity and Poor Breathing

Your lungs are designed to function at their best when the rib cage and diaphragm have enough space to fully expand. Unfortunately, poor posture crushes your lungs inwards and restricts oxygen flow around the body, making it harder to speak and breathe. Not only does this make it harder for you to have the right impact when you're speaking to managers and customers, but also ensures that you're more likely to struggle with respiratory problems outside of the office, too.

How to Fix It

Supportive ergonomic solutions can help to take some of the strain off your back and open the space around your lungs. For instance, a foot rest could help you to adjust your weight more appropriately when you're seated at your desk, stretching out the right parts of your body and delivering a better supply of oxygen.

5. Digestive and Stomach Issues

Sitting poorly at your desk not only constricts your lungs and heart, but it also cramps your intestines. This often makes digestion an uncomfortable experience, and can also lead to a range of complicated issues. If you already suffer from things like irritable bowel syndrome, you might want to think about how you sit at work. Beyond weakening your digestive system, poor posture can also make it more likely that you develop stomach fat, or those abdominal pouches that most people dread. In other words, proper posture not only improves your health — it makes you look good, too.

How to Fix It

One of the best ways to fight back against digestive issues is by strengthening your abdominal muscles. The power in your core will greatly impact your ability to support your full body. A chair that allows you to move and work on your abdomen in the office could be an incredible first step towards better health. Ultimately, poor posture can cause a lot of problems for office workers, but the good news is that there are solutions available to help you overcome these issues. From ergonomic chairs, to footrests, the right tools can give you the support you need for better health and productivity at work. The Back Store sells furniture designed with health in mind, whether at home or in the office. Check out our inventory online today.