Why does slumping at your desk contribute to lower back pain? 14 Aug 2019
We all know that we should maintain good posture when sitting rather than slumping (poor posture) to avoid lower back pain, but why? The human spine is an upright bendy column and in someone with good posture it’s an S shape. With perfect posture a straight line can be drawn through the ear, the tip of the shoulder, the front of the knee joint and the back of the ankle. The spine is made of 24 vertebrae or segments. If we look at the S shape it consist of the cervical lordosis which is the arch in the neck, this is followed by the thoracic kyphosis which is an arch in the chest in the opposite direction, this is then followed by the lumbar arch or lumbar lordosis which is the hollow in the lower back. Perfect lumbar lordosis (or perfect arch in your lower back) helps- Ensure the correct distribution of your body weight
- Allows your lower back to bow forwards slightly when walking to absorb the impact during walking
- Choose a chair that allows you to rest both feet flat on the floor while keeping your knees level with your hips. If necessary, prop up your feet with a footstool or other support.
- Sit back in your chair. If the chair doesn't support your lower back's curve, place a rolled towel or small pillow behind your lower back.
- Stretch the top of your head toward the ceiling, and tuck your chin in slightly.
- Keep your upper back and neck comfortably straight.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed — not elevated, rounded or pulled backward.