Relax in your recliner or lounge then try to bend your back. You may be surprised to find your back is already is as bent as it is possible to be. When we sit in “full flexion” it makes our discs bulge and puts pressure on the ligaments and muscles in the small of our back. In addition, we are bearing weight on the small of our back rather than on our sit bones (ischeal tuberosities). It is almost impossible to sit with a “neutral spine” up on your sit bones when sitting in a lounge or recliner. Even the words give it away…we sit in a lounge and in a recliner rather than on a chair.
So, what can you do?
- Sit in a neutral position.
- Get fit enough that sitting is no longer a risk to your back.
- The easiest solution is to get up and walk about around more often and to lie down flat instead of sitting.
In any event the less we sit the healthier we are. If you would like to know more, come talk to us at Back to Health Physio in Newport to find solutions for your posture, sitting or back pain. We would be delighted to help you and your back!
