It can be an all too familiar story when it comes to the aches and pains in your neck and back after a long day. Often people can’t figure out what is causing the pain, as their job does not entail much manual labour and no heavy lifting has been done. However, it may be that it’s all in the way you sit. If you have a tendency to cross your legs, you could well be pushing your body out of its natural alignment.

Researchers have revealed that sitting with your legs crossed for more than three hours a day may cause pain in your joints. You may adopt a forward head posture as your head aligns further forward, which, when coupled the our increased usage of laptops and mobile phones, is really asking for trouble.

Seeking an assessment from qualified chiropractors in Bristol is the best way to establish the underlying cause of the pain, and once identified, look at the implementation of a rehabilitation programme to reduce or remove the pain, realign your joints, and correct your posture.

Ultimately, crossing your legs for a short period of time is unlikely to hinder you, but if the timeframe is extended, and you notice aches and pains, it is important to assess how you are sitting, and adapt any seated positions to minimise the impact it has your body. Where possible, try and keep your pelvis and spine in a neutral position, and minimise the length of time that your legs are crossed, or one leg is tucked under your buttocks, with can also displace the alignment of your spine.

If you know that you will be in a seated position for a longer period of time, makes sure that you carry out some appropriate stretches and exercises when you get the chance to stretch you body and realign your spine.