Remember when your mother said things like, “Eat all of your vegetables.” And “Always look both ways before crossing the street.” And let’s not forget, “Sit up straight! Don’t slouch!” Well, that last one, in particular, was excellent advice, especially when you sit most of the day.
So many people work in sedentary jobs in this technological age. However, that requires sitting for most of the workday. But, whether you’re at a desk, in front of your television, at a football game, or in front of a TV, chiropractors want you to understand that good posture is essential for optimal spinal health.
Are you putting undue stress on your spine? Check your answers to these questions.
- Do you sit with your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle?
- Do you make sure your buttocks, shoulders, and back are against the backrest of your chair?
- Does the chair you sit in provide enough lumbar support?
- Does the backrest of your chair fit into the natural curve of your spine?
- Are all your spinal curves adequately supported when you’re sitting in the chair?
- Are your shoulders even and relaxed and not hunched in a forward position?
- Is your body weight distributed across both hips equally?
- Are your knees on the level with or a slight bit higher than your hips?
If the answer to any of these questions was “No,” you’re likely exerting stress on your spine from improper posture.
Postural Tips for Spinal Health
Be aware that it is not a good idea to remain seated in the same position for more than 40 minutes at a time. Chronic slouching can adversely affect the discs between the spinal vertebrae and may cause bulging or herniation. You should be mindful of taking the time to stand up and stretch your back and legs periodically, or take a short walk. If it’s hard to stay on top of the time during a busy workday, try setting intermittent alarms on your smartphone to remind you to check your posture.
The chair you use for sitting a length of time should provide adequate lumbar support and allow the backrest to fit comfortably into the curve of your lower back. This helps to avoid pressure on the spine and prevents the back muscles from becoming overly fatigued. If your chair doesn’t have a backrest, you can invest in a lumbar support pillow even use a rolled towel to provide you with the proper amount of support for your lower spine. If you remain seated for long periods, it is very likely a wise investment.
Seek Help from a Chiropractor for Back or Neck Pain
If you have been suffering from back or neck pain, it’s time to begin your road to recovery. Call a chiropractor today, to discuss methods that could assist you with the rediscovery of health and wellness. Or, chiropractic care could offer you a new sense of balance and well-being that you’ve never experienced before. If you want to end chronic pain, schedule an appointment to speak to a chiropractor today.