What is Prawn Posture?

"Prawn posture" (or "shrimp posture") is a non-medical, descriptive term for a poor, seated, ergonomic position commonly seen in office workers, characterized by a hunched, rounded spine, forward-poking neck and chin, and shoulders rounded forward while leaning away from the chair back.

Key Characteristics of Prawn Posture:

• Hunched Shoulders: Shoulders rounded forward, often leading to upper back pain.

• Rounded Spine: The back curves excessively, losing its natural lumbar support.

• Forward Neck/Chin: The head juts forward towards a screen, straining the neck (similar to "tech neck").

• Leaning Forward: The person is not using the backrest, putting pressure on the spine.

Take a look at the Prawn Posture poster below which represents this workstation positioning – and gives you the solution to avoid it

Feel better with a supported sitting posture

Avoid ‘Prawn Posture’ (also known as 'Shrimp Posture') and feel better by following these posture tips:

• Balanced head, looking ahead not down

• More upright yet supported spine, with natural curves

• Be close to the desk with elbows at desk height

• Lower back in contact with the chair for support

• If you use a laptop, pop it on a laptop stand and use a separate keyboard and mouse.

For more information, see the Posturite Art of Sitting guide and follow the ergonomic guidance.

Want to learn to adjust your office chair correctly too? Office chair adjustments help improve your posture so take the time to adjust your seat height, depth and back angle for a transformation in comfort.

You could also try a sit-stand working routine for greater comfort, health and productivity. Vary your postures throughout your day.