Is the stress of the deal making your shoulders tight and your neck stiff? Do you think it’s the golf that’s making your low back ache? Think again!

More likely it’s simply the position of your body as you sit at your office that causes these discomforts. "But I have a [top of the line name brand] chair!" It’s not just about the chair. You can buy the most expensive chair on the market, but if it isn’t adjusted to fit your individual body to your desk configuration, it could actually be hurting you. Your body mass needs to be properly supported against the forces of gravity in order to keep your muscles and joints from becoming strained.

• First adjust your chair height so your elbows and forearms rest on your chair or desk just at the point where they bend naturally, keeping your shoulders down and relaxed.

• Sit all the way back in your chair. Distribute your weight evenly on both hips.

• Keep your knees approximately even with your hips. Your feet should rest firmly on the floor or on a raised foot rest.

• Adjust the chair back so it supports you with your ear in line with your shoulder and right above or slightly behind the middle of your hip.

• There should be a slight arch in your low back. A lumbar roll can help you maintain this normal curve.

• Position the computer monitor slightly below eye level.

Wherever we are, we spend a lot of time sitting – at our desks, in our cars, on airplanes, while reading, watching television, at the movies, dinner parties. Learning to sit more efficiently will help you avoid some common pain syndromes.