More work-at-home suggestions to reduce stress on the body:

Use a keyboard tray and pull it out over your lap. If you use a laptop, use it as a screen only, placing it at eye level with a stand or a stack of books. Get a remote keyboard to use with your laptop computer. To avoid neck pain, keep your screen at eye level whether you use a laptop or monitor. Put books underneath your monitor to raise it or use a stand, if necessary.

Shoulders should be dropped and relaxed, with elbows hanging down, centered at the seam line of your shirt. Don’t use the keyboard with your elbows reaching forward. This could cause isometric spasm in your neck and/or shoulders and arms, leading to pain and inflammation.

Keep your sternum, or breastbone, lifted. This keeps your torso, head and shoulders erect. Letting the sternum collapse down will pull the head forward and compress your torso.

Avoid forward head position. Keep your head erect, in line with your torso. keep your screen at eye level. for every inch your head is forward it increases the weight on your upper back and neck by 10 pounds!

If you use a cell phone, rest your elbows on your chest and hold the phone at eye level. Use a telephone headset or Bluetooth device so you don’t have to crunch your neck when using the phone.

Remember to take several exercise breaks throughout the day.

Your chiropractor can assist you with proper posture, including recommending exercises to strengthen your core postural muscles.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.