Flipbook - TBF Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 40
Autumn Alert:
Why Desk Workers Need to Prioritise Spinal Health This Season
By Vanessa at Banchory Spinal Health
As the warm days of summer
give way to the cooler, crisper
air of autumn, many of us
find ourselves spending more
time indoors. While this
change in season is a welcome
shift for many, it can quietly
contribute to a spike in spinal
health issues - especially for
desk workers.
T
he sedentary nature of office work
is already a significant factor in
common complaints such as backache, shoulder tension, and neck
pain. But as the days grow shorter
and the temperature dips, we tend
to move even less. Lunchtime walks become
less appealing, and long stretches in front of a
screen without movement become the norm.
This reduction in daily activity, combined with
poor desk ergonomics and prolonged sitting,
can lead to muscle stiffness, poor posture,
and increased spinal stress. And that’s before
we’ve factored in that you’ve likely sat in your
car to get to and from work,
ork, and then when
you get home, all you really want
ant to do
is…sit down!
Posture-related complaints tend
end to
rise as Autumn progresses.
ses. One of the
most common issues is forward
d head
posture - where the head leans
forward due to poor monitor
placement or slouching - which
puts undue pressure on the
neck and upper spine. Add to
this the tendency to hunch
The Banchory Fly |Autumn 2025 Page 40
over phones and laptops, and it’s easy to see
how tension builds in the shoulders and upper
back.
Lower back pain is another frequent concern.
Sitting for long periods weakens the core
muscles that support the spine, leading to
increased strain on the lower back. Without
regular movement, joints become less mobile,
and circulation to the spinal discs decreases,
making discomfort more likely.
So what can you do?
First, awareness is key. Recognise the impact
seasonal habits have on your daily movement.
Set reminders to stand up and stretch every
30 to 60 minutes. Make use of a standing
desk if you have access to one (although
remember you still need to move regularly!)
Try incorporating gentle movement into your
day, even if it’s just a few stretches between
Zoom meetings or a brisk indoor walk around
the office. And be sure to stay hydrated!
Being kind to yourself during this time is one
of the most important aspects of returning to
running. Progress will come with consistency,
rest, and patience.
Seek advice if you need to from healthcare
specialists who can advise on posture,
ergonomics, and exercises
workplace erg
throughout
that support spinal health thr
your workplace
the colder months – y
may even be able to offer help for you
to do this.
So as autumn settles in and the pace
pac
of life
lif slows, don’t let your spinal
health slip
s into hibernation. Stay
proactive
and stay moving to
pr
help keep
your body aligned
k
and pain-free
pain-fr all season long!
