Searching for a comfortable Sitting Posture
What's happening to my posture?
Slouching at the desk and/or computer can be a by-product of a lack of support within the body (from below) - not a preexisting set of instructions that we inherit.
We often hear how important it is to find the ‘correct’ sitting position. However, finding a natural sitting position can seem difficult at first. Still, with some time and understanding, it can become second nature.
Slouching at the desk and/or computer can be a by-product of a lack of support within the body (from below) – not a preexisting set of instructions that we inherit.
Whether at work in front of the computer or at home having dinner, we all seek the same thing – a comfortable, stable, and natural way of sitting.
Why is it so difficult to find a natural sitting position?
Most of us start sitting in poor seating from early schooling onwards, using the ‘relaxed’ school of sitting. For example, sitting on a chair that slopes towards our feet allows you to feel the weight of your entire body resting on the chair’s seat and back. This eliminates any pressure on our backs, allowing the upper back to relax. Yet, when seated this way, our pelvises are misaligned, and our lower backs must create a lot of internal and external forces to stay stable.
As we build up endurance in our spine for this position, we will naturally become accustomed to this poor sitting position. Being uncomfortable becomes the norm – but only for a while.
Maintaining good posture is essential in preventing repetitive strain injuries that may occur due to improper positioning throughout our days at work desks with poor habits such as slouching all day long!
For example: if someone has been slouching when they sit down because their shoulders were too rounded, then over time, these bad habits may cause lower back pain due not only from an unnatural position but also because compensation occurs where muscles around those areas
Can your Pelvis be tucking too far under?
If the Pelvis rolls too far under (tucking the tail under), there will be a flattening of your lower back, making it likely that you will be slouching.
Is the Pelvis tipping too far forward?
If the pelvis tips too far forward, the tendency is for the lower back to move into Lordosis, with an increased curve of the lower back.
These two extreme positions demonstrate how the tilt and rotation of the pelvis impacts your postural health.
An exercise towards balance
When sitting, we are aiming for a ‘neutral’ pelvis, which allows for a gentle and natural curve in the lower back (lumbar spine).
Sitting correctly, our Pelvis has a better chance of being horizontal (not tipping too far forward or tucking too far under). But, conversely, this gives our spine its best chance of being vertical (upright).
FINDING A ‘NEUTRAL’ OR NATURAL SITTING POSITION can seem difficult in the beginning. Still, with some time and understanding, it can become second nature.
PLEASE NOTE
The information provided should not replace the advice and expertise of an accredited health care provider. Any inquiry into posture care and any potential impact on your health and wellbeing should be directed to your health care provider.