Between lectures, study sessions and catching up on your favorite shows, it’s common to feel a little stiff after a long day of being hunched over your laptop. The good news is that the discomfort you’re feeling is normal and not usually a medical concern. However, these minor aches can snowball into more chronic issues if ignored.
Why might you be feeling pain while studying?
It’s tempting to blame posture, but research has largely disproven posture alone as the main culprit behind study-related pain. It’s actually the lack of movement from sitting still for long periods of time that’s more likely to lead to discomfort.
What can you do to feel better?
Focus less on posture, more on movement
While ergonomic setups can offer support, the real key is avoiding long periods of inactivity. Sit upright with basic support, but don’t stress about achieving a “perfect” posture.
Take micro-movement breaks
This is the most important thing you can do on a daily basis, not just during long study sessions. Short movement breaks throughout the day—just five minutes every hour—can go a long way in keeping your body feeling good.
Try exercises like cat-cow stretches, open books, thread the needle, or low trunk rotations. For wrist relief, static stretches into extension (the opposite of typing posture) can help balance things out.
Not sure where to start?
A physical therapist can help you find a personalized 5-to-15-minute movement routine based on your specific pain points and daily demands. It’s a great first step if you’re unsure what’s causing your discomfort or how to manage it. Remember, your body wasn’t meant to sit still all day—and even small changes in movement can make a big impact.
Visit our website to learn about our services or call 402.472.5000 to schedule with the University Health Center’s physical therapy team today.
