Prevent Aches While Watching TV
By Brandi Goodman
The fall television season is still underway. With both new shows on the roster and fan-favorite returnees still going, you may have a lot to watch on your to-do list. Don't sit for hours in one position, letting your back ache. Instead, prevent aches while watching TV with some tips in mind.
Exercise While You Watch
Television time provides an excellent opportunity for exercise. If you didn't get any physical activity into your day, now's a great time to add it in. Exercise while you watch your favorite shows so you're moving your body and giving it the workout it needs. You don't have to sit to enjoy a show. Jog in place. Do tricep dips on your couch. Pull out the exercise bike. Get moving and burn those calories all while enjoying your favorite program. It's a win-win.
Get Up and Stretch Regularly
If you do plan on sitting down for the duration of your show, you at least need to make sure you're getting up to stretch. Sitting for an hour or more will not do your body any favors. You need to stretch out your muscles and joints regularly so stiffness -- and therefore pain -- does not set in.
Put Your TV at the Right Height
Sometimes, the height of the television is the problem. If you have your TV mounted high up on the wall, you're straining to your neck to view it. You may find your neck tilted upwards for an extended time, allowing pain to set into both your neck and shoulders. On the other hand, a TV that sits low to the ground may make you tilt your neck downward. This common tech-neck problem can also lead to pain and discomfort. Put your TV in your direct line of sight with your head facing forward -- no tilting necessary. It will make a big difference.
Sit Upright
Don't sit slouched to the side while you watch. It can lead to some serious tension in one side of your body. People often complain about lower back pain in particular. Make sure you're sitting upright and using proper posture even while you're relaxing. It can make the difference between feeling fine and feeling sore.
Your TV-watching experience doesn't have to lead to discomfort. Make a few changes and you can have a worthwhile television-bingeing session that promotes better health. Just be sure you always stick with it going forward whether you're watching your typical fall programs or fun winter/holiday movies.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rock Hill, S.C.