What Is Shrimp Posture & How Do You Fix It?

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Learn why a curved spine can be bad for your health
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You’re scrolling through TikTok when you stumble across an image of a shrimp at a desk. Huh? This is a rendition of “shrimp posture,” or a term used to describe poor posture caused by texting or typing. If you’re hunched over your phone or laptop reading this article right now, chances are, you have shrimp posture, and you definitely don’t want to stop reading. Shrimp posture can lead to chronic pain, which is why it’s important to learn how to improve your posture right away. Keep reading to learn more about this internet phenomenon and how you can avoid it.

Shrimp Posture 101

Shrimp posture is when you sit with your back and head hunched over, curving your spine. TikTokers call this position “shrimp posture” because it resembles a prawn. Doctors say this posture can lead to chronic back pain or tech neck.

Section 1 of 6:

What is shrimp posture?

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  1. Do you spend your time sitting at a desk or looking down at your phone? If so, it’s possible you’ve had shrimp posture before. Shrimp posture is when you sit with your shoulders rounded and your head dropped. This posture causes your back to curve, making you look like a shrimp. And while this posture is a silly online meme, it’s also a real thing that can be painful or harmful to your overall health. [1]
    • What causes shrimp posture? Shrimp posture is most commonly caused by using electronic devices, such as cell phones and computers. Hunching over and looking down at a screen can negatively affect your posture over time. [2]
    • Why is it called “shrimp posture”? When you sit with your shoulders and back rounded and your head down, your form looks very similar to a shrimp’s.
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Section 2 of 6:

Shrimp Posture Origins & Memes

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  1. Shrimp posture started out as a meme on TikTok and has continued to take the internet by storm, becoming a playful but serious reminder to check your posture. Online creators have even made comic-style memes, skits, and merchandise to poke fun at their bad posture.
    • “Shrimp posture meme” even has its own explore page on TikTok full of creative and entertaining content!
Section 3 of 6:

Is shrimp posture unhealthy?

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  1. Your posture plays a big part in your energy levels and overall wellness. If you have shrimp posture, you may experience back, neck, and shoulder pain. In severe cases, it can also increase the chances of arthritis. [3] \
    • Shrimp posture can lead to tech neck , a form of chronic neck or shoulder pain. [4]
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Avoid Shrimp Posture

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  1. Looking down at your phone may be the cause of your shrimp posture. To avoid hunching over your phone, hold the device up higher so it’s at eye level. [5]
    • We know this may not always be possible, so try limiting your screen time to see more improvements in your posture and overall health.
  2. One of the main causes of shrimp posture is looking down and typing on a computer. Here are some medically proven ways to improve your posture while using a computer or laptop: [6]
    • Place your scream 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm) away from your eyes.
    • Use a computer monitor or laptop stand to raise the screen about 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) above eye level.
    • Sit with your back straight and shoulders rolled back.
    • Keep your wrists straight and your elbows bent at 90 degrees while typing.
    • Keep your feet flat on the floor and knees aligned with your hips.
  3. Keep yourself from looking like a shrimp by improving your posture . These exercises and stretches can help alleviate shrimp posture and tech neck symptoms: [7]
    • Wall angels: Stand with your back against a wall with the back of your head, shoulder blades, hips, and legs touching the wall. Face your palms out and gaze forward as you slowly slide your arms up and down like you’re flying.
    • Doorway lunge: Stand in an open doorway with your arms at your side bent at the elbows. Place your palms on either side of the doorway and lunge forward. Repeat for a few seconds on each leg.
    • Shoulder blade push: Lie on your back with your knees bent and palms facing the ceiling. Push your shoulder blades down and back into the ground.
    • Pelvic tilt: Lie on the floor with your arms at your sides. Round your pelvis forward, hold for a few seconds, then relax.
    • Seated neck stretch: Sit up straight with your shoulders back. Hold the bottom of your chair with your right hand and lower your left ear to your left shoulder. Hold for a few seconds, then repeat on the other side, holding with your left hand and bringing your right ear to your right shoulder.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Improve Your Posture

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  1. Tightening your stomach muscles can help you straighten your posture and stay upright. Focus on your abdomen and slightly suck your stomach in to activate your core muscles. [8]
    • This isn’t something you have to do all the time but try focusing on your core muscles every once in a while to check your posture.
  2. Believe it or not, what you wear on your feet can play a big part in your posture. Aim to wear shoes that are comfortable and well-fitting. Avoid shoes that force your feet and ankles into odd or uncomfortable positions. [9]
    • Opt for sneakers and wedge heels for the most support. [10]
    • Now, this isn’t to say you can’t wear fun shoes every now and then! But aim to wear a comfortable, supportive shoe the majority of the time.
  3. Keeping your body strong and healthy is a great way to improve your posture. Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes every day—do something you enjoy! [11] Something as simple as walking, dancing, or lifting a few weights can help strengthen your muscles so it’s easier to stand up straight. [12]
  4. Being aware of your posture can help you correct it throughout the day. So, when you’re working, watching TV, checking your phone, or walking the dog, do a quick posture check. Roll your shoulders back and lift your chin to be parallel with the floor. [13]
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Section 6 of 6:

What is good posture?

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  1. To have good posture , all you have to do is keep your head above your shoulders and hold your shoulders above your hips—it’s as easy as that! [14] Simply roll your shoulders back and keep your chin parallel to the floor. [15]
    • Keep in mind that there’s no such thing as “perfect posture.” Everyone’s bodies are different, and posture changes over time. As long as you aim to keep your back straight (however that may look for you), you’re golden. [16]

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/feb/08/ybad-posture-is-the-key-to-back-pain-and-10-ways-to-improve-yours
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/effect-of-technology-on-your-neck
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/effect-of-technology-on-your-neck
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/effect-of-technology-on-your-neck
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/effect-of-technology-on-your-neck
      7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/posture-exercises
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture
      1. ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/the-best-and-worst-shoes-for-your-feet
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/guidetogoodposture.html
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture
      6. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-good-posture-matters
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/posture

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