The expert warned about the dangers of the habit of slouching

The habit of slouching is most often formed in adolescence, when the body is actively growing, and the time spent at the study table increases significantly. Svetlana Semenova, Head of the Department of Modern Wellness Technologies and Adaptive Physical Education at the State University of Education, told Izvestia on April 19 about the serious consequences of improper posture and ways to correct it.

"Prolonged retention of a slouched posture can lead to the development of kyphosis of the thoracic spine, and then your constant companions will be back pain, with its spread to the arm and neck, due to muscle strain and deformation of the vertebral discs," explained Semenova.

The expert warned that muscle stiffness leads to compression of the vertebral arteries feeding the brain, which causes frequent headaches and decreased central nervous system functions.

A particular danger is compression of the lungs in a constant bent position, which increases the risk of developing respiratory failure. In such conditions, the heart also experiences constant pressure and is forced to work with overload.

"We can say that this problem leads to a significant decrease in the quality of life. And these problems do not appear in old age, they can be fully felt by the age of 25-30," the specialist warned.

To solve the problem, Semenova recommends, first of all, self-control over the position of the body: the shoulders should be lowered, the shoulder blades should be brought together, the spine and crown stretch upward, the stomach slightly tightened. Children and adolescents are often prescribed special posture correctors, which can be picked up in orthopedic salons.

According to the expert, when working at a computer, it is important to observe ergonomic conditions: use a comfortable chair with back support, place the monitor at eye level and take regular breaks to warm up. In everyday life, you should include a set of exercises for stretching and strengthening the muscular corset, such as a plank (1.5–2 minutes), half-hanging on a crossbar or a Swedish wall. Before going to bed, it is useful to lie on a roller placed under the shoulder blades, with your arms stretched out behind your head — you can also use a fitball for this purpose.

Semenova also paid attention to the organization of a sleeping place. She clarified that it is important to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and pillow. If this is not possible, a wooden board should be placed under a regular mattress to avoid uneven and sagging surfaces.

"As a physical activity, we can recommend practicing QIGONG, yoga, and swimming. Remember: the sooner you start practicing, the easier and faster it will be to get rid of the problem," the specialist recommends.

Earlier, on February 21, Roxana Portnova, a general practitioner at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about the causes of the widow's hump. According to her, one of the reasons for its occurrence is a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to slouching and prolonged tension of the neck muscles. This contributes to the formation of fat deposits in this area. Cervical hyperlordosis can also occur in some endocrine diseases that are associated with increased cortisol, or when taking medications, such as corticosteroids.