Saturday, August 15, 2009

Always sit straight, Right? Wrong!

Here is why it is the worst thing for your back.

A study of MRI Scans revealed that sitting at a 90 degree angle puts pressure on your lower back. In fact the pressure is strong enough to squeeze fluid out of the discs that cushion your vertebrae. They saw dramatic changes after 10 minutes of being in this position.

So what is the best way to sit? According to research, you should adjust your chair height until your hips are 3-4 inches higher than your knees. Then you should recline slightly so your back is at 135 degree angle to your thighs. For added support , you can put a small pillow behind your lower back. (Prevention magazine)

Another article from Health magazine supports this. They say you should sit with your knees level or tilting down from your thighs and your feet flat on the ground. They say that the best way to sit is not bolt upright at a 90 degree angle, but, rather, reclined at about 100 to 110 degrees.

Adjust the chair at your desk so you can lean back a little. The slight tilt helps your back and leg muscles relax, and it leaves your spine less compressed, sparing you aches and pains.

They say that it may feel strange at first, but in a few days it will feel very natural.

No comments: