Help! I can't sit properly

[fisil]

I've just been to the doctors cos I have had a really bad headache for 5 days now and she said my neck muscles are in spasm. I've just started my first ever desk job. The GP talked about how to sit properly, but I just can't do it. I just want to cross my legs the whole time. Should I get a special chair? What can I do to stop myself crossing my legs?

Your employer has to ensure your desk is at the correct height and that your chair is comfortable and suitable. We have Health and Safety people that help us with this but I work for a large firm. It is very important that you are comfortable if you are sitting for long periods. Don't ignore it. Hope your headache improves soon. Could the screen be causing it? If you don't usually look at a screen for long periods it might cause headaches.

Also a foot rest helps you sit properly - don't balance on a chair that is too high by crossing your legs. Get a footrest from your employer and sit with a magazine on your lap so if you cross your legs it reminds you not to when it falls off.

Bossy aren't I - but I suffered RSI for a long time due to sitting with poor posture/wrong desk height for long periods of time and it's a subject close to my heart.

info on posture

I love the magazine idea - I'm trying it now. Will book my H&S assessment too.

alexander works website

You're chair also has to be sufficient to give you lumbar support - where I work a doctors note to advise of back issue with a member of staff to accompany the DSE assessment was enough for him to be given a chair with more support than the usual ones