Yes it’s that time of year again when students throughout Australia are hitting the books hard and sitting through long stressful exams.
It’s hardly surprising, that so many of them get headaches, back and neck pain.
The combination of sitting, which we know is one of the worse postures for your back and neck, along with the use of computers, and leaning over books is made even worse by the added stress that exams inevitably cause.
Stress tightens the muscles, particularly around the neck and upper back and this just adds more pressure to joints and muscles already strained by prolonged sitting.
Headaches, neck pain, back pain, and even arm pain can all be attributed to these problems.
Posture usually doesn’t help the situation with many students already being somewhat rounded in the shoulders.
The final nail in the coffin comes with the lack of exercise that inevitably happens whilst studying for exams.
This is usually the thing that keeps people supple and avoids headaches, back and neck pain, but during exams is restricted due to time.
So what do we do to help avoid this problem?
- Regular study breaks not only help concentration, but also help avoid back and neck pain
- Stretching and mobility exercises during study breaks will help to get the circulation going, as well as take the pressure off joints and muscles that are strained hunching over desks
- Regular physical exercise and activity help concentration and memory retention, but also assist in avoiding headaches, back and neck pain.
The last thing you want is a headache, back pain, or neck pain whilst going through some of the most important exams of your life.
Your local Lifecare physiotherapist will be able to accurately assess and treat any these problems and quickly get you back on track.
For further information, see your local Lifecare practitioner. Click here to find your closest Lifecare clinic.