Back Pain Relief Tips: Why Most Sitting Posture Advice For Back Pain Sufferers Is Dead Wrong!

Remember the sitting posture advice for back pain relief that you’ve heard for almost as long as you can remember? “Sit up straight”, “Don’t slouch”… remember?

Well guess what? That advice is DEAD WRONG! Here’s why…

People who sit for long periods of time are at risk for developing back pain. Over the last several years, research has suggested a change in conventional thinking relating to sitting postures. Not too long ago, a straight, upright position was recommended as the position of choice for those who sit for long periods of time. Today, by contrast, upright sitting is considered to be a significant risk factor in the development of back pain.

The recommended sitting position is one where the hips are somewhat straightened, the rear end moved forward in the chair, and the back supported. This position represents more of a slouched posture and places more of your weight on the chair’s backrest, thereby, allowing your back muscles to relax and reducing excessive stress on the discs.

When selecting a chair, three adjustments should be considered:

Seat Height:
The feet should be able to rest flat on the floor and the legs free to move into different positions.

Seat Depth:
Use of the backrest can be accomplished without any pressure behind the knees.

Lumbar Support:
Because we are all shaped differently, the lumbar support should be able to move up and down to accommodate your lumbar curve.

Chair Selection
Three of the better chairs on the market include the Aeron, the Leap, and the Freedom chairs. I have had the opportunity to evaluate all three both from my personal use as well as patient use. Based on my evaluations and patient feedback, my number one choice is the Freedom chair for its simplicity, comfort, and ease of use. Check out the Freedom chairs by clicking on the “Product Recommendation” link to the right. Just click on the office chair photo.

The Erase Your Back Pain program goes into more detail on sitting and its effects of back pain. To try this no risk back pain relief program for yourself, click here: No More Back Pain!