Why should you sit up straight?

Postural hygiene affects your health

Remember when your mother used to say things like, “Eat all your vegetables.” And, “Look both ways before crossing the street.” Let’s not forget her mantra: “Sit up straight!”

Many people today have sedentary jobs that require them to sit for most of the time.

However, whether you are sitting at a desk, watching a soccer game, or in front of a television, good posture is essential for your spinal health. And poor postural habits are the main factors contributing to back pain.

In Spain, 10% of the population dies each year from sitting for many years and many hours

Checking your posture

Let’s take a look at how you are sitting right now.

• Are your feet resting on a footrest or on the floor, with your knees forming a 90-degree angle?
• Are your buttocks, back, and shoulders against the backrest of your chair?
• Does the chair you are sitting in provide enough lumbar support?
• Does the backrest conform to the natural curve of your spine?
• Are your shoulders relaxed and level, not hunched forward?
• Is your body weight evenly distributed between both hips?
• Are your knees at the same level or slightly higher than your hips?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you are likely putting undue stress on your spine; this will eventually cause back pain.

Changing how you sit

Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to sit in the same position for more than 40 minutes. Chronic slouching affects the discs between the vertebrae and can cause them to bulge or herniate. Take the time to stand up and stretch your back and legs or take a short walk periodically.

If you are already finding that back pain is creeping into your life, call us. Sitting is like sugar for your teeth.