The human spine is basically the same model that was designed for use by our four-legged ancestors, and walking upright puts it under extra strain. Add to that our tendency to slump in chairs and on sofas and it’s not surprising that well over half the population will suffer back pain at some time.
The problem is compounded because of the interconnection of all the bones of the skeleton: if one part of the system is out of alignment it affects others. (This is why hairdressers are taught not to cut the final length of a style while their client has their legs crossed: it throws their spine out of alignment and means their head will be tilted slightly to one side.)
So:
Here we will focus on the spine when sitting. In Unit 6 we will look at the optimum standing position.
Unfortunately, standard chair design works against good posture. In a natural sitting position your thighs should slope forward slightly, rather than the backward slope most chairs encourage.
The golden rule is: Do not lean against the back of the chair: sit with your spine unsupported.
Counter-intuitively this is less tiring for your back muscles than resting against the chair back. It allows your body to find its most efficient sitting position and also keeps you more alert.
Again what’s natural may not be ‘normal’ for you, so be prepared for the position to feel wrong to start with.
To achieve the best position on a standard upright chair:
Q: How does your normal posture on an upright chair compare with the recommendations here? Which position makes you feel better?
The human spine is basically the same model that was designed for use by our four-legged ancestors, and walking upright puts it under extra strain. Add to that our tendency to slump in chairs and on sofas and it’s not surprising that well over half the population will suffer back pain at some time.
The problem is compounded because of the interconnection of all the bones of the skeleton: if one part of the system is out of alignment it affects others. (This is why hairdressers are taught not to cut the final length of a style while their client has their legs crossed: it throws their spine out of alignment and means their head will be tilted slightly to one side.)
So:
Here we will focus on the spine when sitting. In Unit 6 we will look at the optimum standing position.
Unfortunately, standard chair design works against good posture. In a natural sitting position your thighs should slope forward slightly, rather than the backward slope most chairs encourage.
The golden rule is: Do not lean against the back of the chair: sit with your spine unsupported.
Counter-intuitively this is less tiring for your back muscles than resting against the chair back. It allows your body to find its most efficient sitting position and also keeps you more alert.
Again what’s natural may not be ‘normal’ for you, so be prepared for the position to feel wrong to start with.
To achieve the best position on a standard upright chair:
Q: How does your normal posture on an upright chair compare with the recommendations here? Which position makes you feel better?
