Water and hydration: how does chronic mild dehydration affect muscle tone and posture in IT specialists during many hours of work at a PC?

Many developers and designers spend ten or more hours a day at the computer, often forgetting to take breaks to drink. Chronic mild dehydration sets in unnoticed, but it directly affects the state of the musculoskeletal system. Human intervertebral discs consist largely of water, which acts as a natural shock absorber. When the body experiences a moisture deficit, the discs lose their elasticity and compress faster, which increases the load on the spine and leads to rapid back fatigue.

In addition, a lack of water reduces the elasticity of fascia—the connective tissues covering all muscles. Under static loads during sedentary work, this causes stiffness in the neck and shoulder area and the lower back. Muscles begin to overwork, trying to fix the body in an uncomfortable position, which provokes chronic pain and poor posture.

To minimize these risks, specialists recommend maintaining a stable level of hydration throughout the workday.