The work-from-home culture has made professional life more flexible, but it has also brought a growing health concern into focus. Backaches, neck stiffness, shoulder discomfort and hip pain are increasingly common among people who spend long hours working at their desks without adequate movement or ergonomic support.
Pulmonologist Dr Shivani Swami on what your body could be telling you ) “The human body is designed for movement, not prolonged sitting. When we remain in one position for hours, our muscles and joints are subjected to sustained mechanical stress. An unsuitable chair, a laptop positioned too low, inadequate back support and incorrect screen positioning can encourage awkward postures. However, posture is not the only factor contributing to musculoskeletal pain; repetitive movements, stress, sleep quality, previous injuries and overall fitness also matter. “Movement breaks should become a routine part of the workday, not something we do only after pain begins. The work-from-home lifestyle is here to stay, but maintaining musculoskeletal health requires balancing desk work with regular movement, exercise and adequate recovery. A comfortable workstation and consistent activity breaks can help reduce the strain associated with prolonged sitting.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ashish Agrawal, Department of Physiotherapy, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, explains how prolonged sitting and poor ergonomics contribute to musculoskeletal pain and shares practical ways to prevent it. (Also read: Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep but still feeling exhausted?
Over time, this can contribute to stiffness, discomfort and reduced functional mobility ,” says Dr Agrawal. A short walk, a few gentle stretches or simply changing position regularly can help interrupt prolonged sitting and encourage a more active working pattern,” he says.
