Strictly Come Slouching

313 High Road Chadwell Heath Romford , Essex RM6 6AX Tel : 0208 252 1010 : 0208 262 3140 www.chiropracticcare.co.uk

With the autumn nights about to draw in and Strictly Come Dancing started this weekend; the nation is gearing up to a series of Saturday nights slouched in front of the box. From now until Christmas, there is an onslaught of weekend entertainment programmes and the Romford & Ilford Family Chiropractic Clinic is warning that we could all be ‘Strictly Come Aching’ as a result. Research highlights that 28% of the population already spend over 15 hours seated per day Monday to Friday. But for the next three months viewers of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing could spend the equivalent of an extra two days on the sofa watching Simon Cowell and Len Wiseman put contestants through their paces. Poor posture is one of the biggest causes of back pain, and figures continue to rise, with 32% of the nation currently suffering from back pain and 62% having suffered. This additional inactivity on top of our already sedentary lifestyles means we could be in for a serious case of the Slouch Factor.

Dr James Faulkner from the Romford & Ilford Chiropractic Clinic warns: “As a nation we clearly like to sit down and whilst resting is good for our bodies there is almost twice as much pressure on your back when you are sitting incorrectly than there is if you stand up. Sitting for prolonged periods of time as inactivity coupled with incorrect posture lays us open to back pain.”

The Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic has some simple pointers to enjoy Saturday nights in front of the TV safely: • Sit up! Sit in chairs that provide full support for your spine and make sure your shoulders, hips and knees face the same direction. • Stand up! Avoid sitting in the same position for more than 40 minutes, less if possible. When you do take a break, walk around and stretch a little. • Exercise! Compensate for inactivity during the ad breaks by doing some light exercise – anything to loosen your muscles. See our spinal hygiene handouts for further exercises.