Office Worker Sitting Posture: Back Pain
Research carried out at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland has clearly shown that sitting straight in office chairs is bad for backs.
Three groups of patient were taken and under controlled conditions asked to take up three different seating positions; a slouched position, where the body is hunched forward as if leaning over a desk or video game console, an upright 90 degree sitting position and a relaxed position where the patient leaned back at 135 degrees with theor feet flat on the floor.
Researchers then took spinal anngle measurements and using MRI technology looked at how the discs had moved in the patients sitting in the different positions.
Results showed that least disc movement took place at the 135 degree sitting angle, suggesting that less strain is placed on the lower back in this position. Disc movement in patients in the slouched position showed a higher rate of wear and tear on the lowest two spinal levels.
From these studies it is widely believed that opening up the angle between the trunk and thighs when sitting puts less stain on the lower back, leading to less pressure and back pain relief. Whilst an angle of 135 degrees may not be practical, an angle of 120 degrees or slightly less would be beneficial, helping to maintain the natural S-shape of the spine.
As Dr Waseem Bashir of the Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Alberta Hospital, Canada explains:
“Sitting in a sound anatomic position is essential, since the strain put on the spine and its associated ligaments over time can lead to pain, deformity and chronic illness”.
Workers particularly at risk who may suffer from back pain in the work place include:
Office workers, nurses, drivers, labourers, teachers and nursery staff.
AÂ beneficial sitting posture can be achieved using a combination of Seat Back Supports, Spinal Supports, Lumbar Rolls and Seat Wedges, all available from Support4Physio.
