Blogging Is Bad For Your Back

Online, May 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - 3/4 of bloggers suffer from back pain

If you have ever experienced back or neck pain caused by the way you use your computer, then you could be one of the many suffering from 'Bloggers' Back.'

A recent study of 200 bloggers by posture-correcting footwear brand MBT (http://uk.mbt.com) revealed the Internet has put us out of touch with our bodies, as 74% of bloggers reporting backache, a headache or eyestrain due to their extended computer use.

While 94% of bloggers are spending up to 15 hours in front of their computers, nearly six in ten (58%) aren't taking any precautions to protect their posture and back, and the vast majority of bloggers even admit to accessing the Internet in front of the TV (95%) or even in bed (94%) allowing poor posture and serious damage to their backs.

These findings come prior to the launch of postureage.com, an online tool that reveals a person's 'posture age' and provides suggestions on how to improve poor posture. The test asks bloggers about their daily routines, from how they carry their bags to how many pillows they sleep with, highlighting their bad habits along the way.

Experts from the MBT Academy suggest that improving your posture can be crucial to reducing your risk of developing back pain and further health issues. Chartered Physiotherapist Joshua Wies, of the MBT Academy, explains: "It's easy to get into bad habits when such a huge part of your day involves having to access a computer or mobile device.

Apart from trying posture-correcting footwear like MBTs that challenge your body, improve posture and activate core muscles that support the spine and joints, there are a couple of simple improvements you can make to help you walk tall and pain free:

Don't slouch - imagine you're being lifted by a thread through the top of your head, like a puppet

Sit on chairs that support your back; tempting as it is to sprawl across the sofa

Bend your knees, not your back if you need to lift something. Don't twist and lift at the same time

Get up and walk around at regular intervals. Make some tea, go outside or do a dance if you really want to!

Don't cross your legs while sitting down. Instead, distribute your weight evenly when you're sitting at a desk - feet shoulder width apart.

It might look good, but putting all your weight on one foot with your hip jutting out when you're standing can end up being painful in the long run!

Exercise is your friend! Pilates, walking or swimming are excellent ways to keep you in good general health. Strong core muscles can reduce your chance of back injury."

Key findings from the survey revealed:
• 74% of bloggers have had backache, a headache or eyestrain due to their extended computer use

• 58% don't take any precautions to correct their posture while only 11% of laptop users use a separate stand, keyboard and mouse

• 30%, including 34% of men, have gone online in a hospital

• The vast majority of respondents (95%) blog and access the internet in front of the TV, and in bed (94%)

• 61% even go online when they are on the toilet, including three quarters of men (77%).

• 94% of bloggers spend six or more hours day in front of the computer, 35% are actually online 11+ hours

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For further information: Dirk, Bridey or Louise @ Rabbit 0208 123 9541 or [email protected]