If you spend hours at a desk or behind the wheel, chances are your body feels it. Neck stiffness, tight shoulders, and lower back pain aren’t just “part of the job” - they’re signs your posture and movement habits need attention.

Why Desk Work Causes Pain

Long periods of sitting encourage poor posture. Your head drifts forward, shoulders round, and hips tighten. For every inch your head moves forward, your neck takes on significantly more strain. Add a daily commute - which puts you in the same position all over again - and the load builds quickly.

Over time, this leads to muscle imbalances: some muscles become tight and overworked, while others weaken. The result is the familiar cycle of neck pain, shoulder tension, and lower back discomfort that never quite goes away.

3 Desk Stretches Physios Recommend

You don’t need equipment or extra time - just a few minutes during the day.

1. Chin Tucks
Sit tall and gently draw your chin straight back (like making a double chin).
Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Helps correct forward head posture and reduce neck strain.

2. Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Squeeze your shoulder blades together while keeping shoulders relaxed.
Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Counters rounded shoulders and improves upper back strength.

3. Seated Spinal Twist
While seated, gently rotate your torso to one side.
Hold 20–30 seconds, then switch.
Relieves lower back stiffness and improves spinal mobility.

Set a reminder to move every 1–2 hours - small, regular breaks make a big difference.

When Stretching Isn’t Enough

Stretches help, but persistent pain often needs more than quick fixes. Physiotherapy looks at the root cause of your discomfort - posture, movement patterns, and muscle imbalances - not just where it hurts. Treatment may include hands-on therapy, targeted strengthening, and ergonomic advice tailored to your workspace.

Massage therapy works alongside physiotherapy by releasing built-up tension, improving circulation, and restoring mobility - especially in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Give Your Posture a Check-Up

You service your car to prevent breakdowns - your body deserves the same care.

We’re offering a free 15-minute posture screen with any weekday physiotherapy appointment booked before 4pm. We’ll assess your posture, highlight problem areas, and give you practical advice you can use immediately.

Don’t wait for pain to become your normal.
Book your Desk Posture MOT and start finishing your workdays feeling better.