Take action:
Don't slouch forward while you're sitting, but keep your back in balanced alignment; keep your weight down, as extra weight weakens your stomach muscles and puts real strain on your back muscles; don't sit in one position for hours on end – get up and move around; sleep on a firm mattress and stick to one pillow; exercise regularly, as this will keep your muscles in good condition; avoid high-heeled or platform shoes; hold your chin up while you walk and point your feet forwards.
Sit your way to a healthier back
iStock
If we were made out of rubber, bad posture wouldn't be a problem. But we're not. And, every time we sit slouched, or spend hours bent over a computer screen, we're straining, compressing and twisting our muscles, nerves, organs and spines.