Don’t let the Office Suck Away your Flexibility

Chances are you are not as flexible as you used to be

This is a perfectly normal occurrence: as we get older, our activity levels decline and our sedentary endeavors rise while posture remains a constant struggle. It is only natural that as our bodies age and weight is harder to keep off, our flexibility suffers. But the degree to which we let it deteriorate could make the difference between and old age full of pain and one of independence. If you are an 8-hour a day office worker, we want to help you preserve your flexibility to empower your life. When your body is flexible, every day motions are easier: the lifting, twisting and turning that occurs from the first second you step out of bed should not cause you pain. 

Stretches to reverse the harm of excessive sitting and preserve flexibility: 

• Fold forward: move to the edge of your chair and extend your legs straight with feet hip width apart. Sit up straight and inhale deeply; on the exhale fold your upper body forward reaching with your hands toward your feet. Grasp as low down on the leg as you can reach and hold for 15 deep breaths. 
• Release the chest and shoulders: Simply take your hands off the keyboard, sit up straight and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10 seconds.
• Gentle twist: again take your hands off the keyboard, sit up straight and gently twist to the right looking with your head over your right shoulder. Hold 15 seconds and repeat on the other side. 
• Release the neck: sitting upright, turn your head to look directly left, feeling a stretch in the neck. Hold 10 seconds and repeat on the other side. 

Why stay flexible? 

Posture is, of course, tantamount to preserving the integrity of your spine, and these stretches will release tension from the muscles that support an upright posture, making it easier to sit up straight. Loss of flexibility is pervasive in the office, so let’s start doing something about it. At our office in Milpitas, we can help you identify harmful patterns of movement and turn them into something positive. Let’s start moving more and moving differently to change the way your body feels and impact flexibility. Give our office a call to schedule an appointment today. 

Dr. Gregory Lind, D.C.