The Best Desk Accessories For Good Posture
In today’s digital age, many of us find ourselves spending long hours at our desks – whether it’s for work, studying, or pursuing hobbies. Unfortunately, extended periods of desk work on a PC, laptop or tablet can take a toll on our posture and spinal health, leading to discomfort and potential long-term issues.
The good news is that simple adjustments in your workspace can make a world of difference to neck, shoulder and back pain. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, you can pair some smart desk accessories to boost good posture at your desk with chiropractic care, making your everyday life much more comfortable. Here are some of our recommendations.
1. An Ergonomic Chair
Investing in a high-quality ergonomic chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests can significantly improve your sitting posture. Proper lumbar support helps maintain the natural curve of your lower back, reducing strain and discomfort.
An alternative option are saddle chairs. Saddle chairs are a fantastic option to improve your ergonomics as they keep your hips at an open angle reducing hip flexor tension and assisting to maintain a good lumbar spine curve.
2. Standing Desks Or Desk Risers
A standing desk or an adjustable desk riser/standing desk converter allows you to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day. Standing periodically can relieve pressure on your spine and help prevent stiffness. Many people believe that standing while working can burn extra calories, but studies don’t show many significant changes in calories burned. Still, it’s a great way to ensure better spinal health and maintain good posture at your desk.
3. Ergonomic Keyboard And Mouse Combo
An ergonomic keyboard and mouse promote a more natural hand and wrist position, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and ensuring a more relaxed posture. These accessories include specially designed peripherals that are crafted with user comfort and natural hand alignment in mind, minimising the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and promoting good posture at your desk.
4. Monitor Stand
Position your computer monitor at eye level using a monitor stand to prevent neck strain. Your eyes should be level with the top of the screen, and the monitor should be an arm’s length away. You can simply use a stack of books to achieve this if money is tight!
5. Lumbar Roll Or Cushion
A lumbar roll or cushion provides additional support to the natural curve of your lower back when sitting, supporting good posture at your desk. It also helps maintain proper alignment and reduces the risk of slouching. They can be a helpful and affordable addition if you don’t want to spend money on a new office chair.
6. Footrest
Many people underestimate the importance of where you put your feet whilst seated at a desk, but using a footrest can promote better circulation and reduce pressure on your legs and lower back, leading to good posture at your desk. A footrest is especially beneficial for shorter individuals whose feet may not comfortably reach the ground when seated.
7. Anti-Fatigue Mat
If you have a standing desk or use a desk riser, an anti-fatigue mat provides cushioning and support for your feet, minimising discomfort during prolonged standing. This can be particularly useful if you’re new to standing desks, giving you some extra comfort whilst you adjust to the sit-stand work lifestyle.
8. Document Holder
Positioning a document holder at eye level or slightly below can help reduce strain on your neck when referencing documents while working on your computer.
9. Desk Organiser
A clutter-free desk allows you to keep essential items within easy reach, reducing unnecessary twisting and reaching movements that can strain your back and shoulders and supporting good posture at your desk.
10. Exercise Ball Chair
Using an exercise ball chair as an alternative to a traditional office chair engages your core muscles, improves balance, and encourages better posture. It’s like working on your back, and working on your office tasks, all at once.
By incorporating these ergonomic essentials into your workspace, you create an environment that supports proper posture and spinal health. And remember to pair these with chiropractic care for the optimal support.
