Is Your Chair Injuring Your Low Back?

Is Your Chair Harming Your Low Back? Let's Find Out!

Hello there, lovely readers! Welcome back to Lush Living. Today, we're delving into a topic that might surprise you: the potential hazards your chair could pose to your lower back. As someone who's worked closely with clients on this issue, I wanted to share the insights I've gained. So, please pull up a seat, and let's get started.

Have you ever noticed that most chairs aren't as flat as you think? If you look closer at the chairs around your home, you'll likely see a common trend: they slope downwards towards the backrest, creating a "bucket seat" shape. This means that your pelvis tends to tilt backward when you sit down, causing your lower back to curve unnaturally. It's like your pelvis is taking a ride down a slope without your consent.

Recently, I participated in an enlightening online workshop by Katy Bowman of Nutritious Movement. Among the valuable takeaways, one stood out: adjusting how you sit to encourage a more natural alignment. Katy suggested sitting in a way that slopes you towards the front of the seat rather than the backrest. This slight shift can have a significant impact on your posture and comfort.

Imagine this: instead of your pelvis tilting backward, it leans slightly forward when you sit. This is an anterior pelvic tilt, which promotes a more vertical alignment of your pelvis. So, why does this matter? By making this adjustment, you're helping your lower back tissues, pelvis, and entire torso stay in a healthier position.

Now, let's talk solutions. If you spend extended periods on chairs—whether it's your office chair, favorite sofa, or even car seat—it's time to take action. Start by examining your seat. Does it naturally slope towards the backrest? If it does, you have two practical options to counter this problem.

Consider using a half-foam roller or a rolled-up towel to sit on for an office chair. By tilting the front edge of the roller or towel forward, you'll encourage your pelvis to follow suit. This adjustment helps to stack your pelvis vertically, reducing strain on your lower back. Similarly, you can fold up a towel or a firm blanket in your car to fill in the space causing the slope. This simple fix can make a significant difference in your comfort during drives.

Now, let's address couches and other soft seating. Placing a lumbar pillow at the back of the seat can help level off the surface, preventing the constant downhill slide towards the backrest. Remember, the goal is to create a flatter, more comfortable sitting surface that promotes a healthier pelvic alignment.

But is sitting on a chair inherently bad for your back? Not necessarily. The real issue lies in the frequency and duration of sitting. While it might be hard to avoid chairs altogether, you can adopt some strategies to mitigate their impact. When attending events or gatherings that require you to sit, try sitting on the front edge of the seat instead of leaning back into the backrest. This engages your core muscles and helps you maintain a more neutral posture.

So, are your chairs causing havoc on your low back? They might play a part, but it's not the chairs' fault entirely. Sitting on a chair isn't harmful by itself; the repetitive nature of sitting in the same position for prolonged periods contributes to discomfort. Remember, variety is vital to maintaining a healthy posture.

Take a moment to assess your chairs and make the necessary adjustments to support your body's alignment. Whether it's a foam roller, a towel, or a lumbar pillow, these simple changes can lead to more comfort and less strain on your back. And if you're ever in doubt, contact me with your questions. I'm here to help you create a healthier, more comfortable sitting experience.

That's all for today's discussion. Until next time, take care and find comfort in every seat you choose! Goodbye for now!