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Sitting

Sitting, even in the car to and from Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre's office, can aggravate a bad back. 

Why?

Sitting increases the intradiscal pressures in the spine.

Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre relies on the researcher Nachemson's documentation of the amount of pressure on your spine when in various positions: standing, sitting, moving. For this discussion on sitting, see that sitting straight exerts 140 pounds of pressure on the spine. Sitting slouched forward exerts 185 pounds of pressure. Sitting slouched forward holding weight (like a purse or baby) increases the pressures to as high as 275 pounds. Getting up to stretch drops pressure to 100mm in the standing position, so get up periodically to drop the pressure!

 
140 pounds of pressure - sitting upright
 sitting pressure on spine 140 pounds
 
185 pounds of pressure - sitting slouched forward
 slouching in chair
275 pounds of pressure - sitting slouched forward more
 slouching in chair with weight
 100 pounds of pressure - standing
 standing

What to do if you must sit...

Consider the Amount of Time
  • If you must sit around at a Toronto baseball game or event, do so for 15 minutes to 30 minutes and get up to stretch. Don't sit for long periods of time.
Consider the Chair 
  • Carefully choose your chair! Be sure it is fit for you, especially if your work in Toronto requires a lot of sitting.
  • Be sure it is a supportive chair with arm rests. 
    Use the arm rests to push on as you rise out of the chair.
  • Use your leg muscles as well.
  • Be sure your feet to rest flatly on the floor.
  • Sit straight with your shoulders relaxed.
  • Sit with your back against the chair's back.
  • Use a towel to accommodate the lumbar spine's curve if your chair is too straight.
  • Remember to get up periodically.
 
Contact Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre if you would like to discuss ways to cope with Toronto sitting to minimize its painful effects on your spine.
 
Reference
  1. Nachemson A: The lumbar spine: an orthopedic challenge. Spine 1976;1(1):61
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."