Sitting Positions That Will Save Your Spine
By Sara Butler
Many people spend more time sitting than they should. Not only is this bad for your overall health and wellness, but it’s bad for your spine too. Still, some sitting isn’t optional since you have to do it for work or for school. To help save your spine during those times, here are a few sitting positions to keep in mind.
A Healthy Spine
How do you determine a healthy spine? Well, part of it is determined by its alignment and part of it is determined by the ability of the spine to move properly. Being able to engage your glutes (buttocks) and your abdominal (core) muscles is really important, but it's rarely done when sitting. That’s why you need to know sitting positions that promote a healthy spine.
Sit on the Ground
When you sit on the ground you are able to actively engage your core and your hips. This is a more natural way of sitting since it engages those muscles. When you sit in a chair it puts more stress on your lower back, hamstrings and glutes than is considered healthy.
Another great thing about floor sitting is to assume the position you have to do to do a squat. This movement takes your hips through their natural and normal range of motion and that’s good for your back and your hips.
Passive Sitting
When you’re at home and taking a load off, you need to follow a few guidelines to ensure you’re sitting in a position that is going to be healthy for your spine. You should:
- Make sure your head is in a neutral position with your spine.
- The backrest of the chair supports the natural curve of your spine.
- Your legs are either on the ground at a 90-degree angle or they are supported in a reclined position.
Passive sitting is a position that allows you to relax, but also ensures you are able to relax in a way that will support your spine well.
Humans are certainly made to sit, but the problem is humans simply tend to do too much of it – in America, anyway. How you sit, how often you sit and how much maintenance you provide to your joints through chiropractic care will all influence the health of your spine. Following these simple suggestions can have a big impact on the health of your spine.
If you have any other questions about the best sitting positions for you, talk to your chiropractor about it during your next visit to The Joint Chiropractic!