(3-minute read)
As an Osteopath in BS6, much of my time with patients at my Henleaze clinic is spent helping them to prevent back pain from poor sitting posture.
Diagnosing, treating and preventing back pain for my patients on a daily basis is a privilege, as I know it makes a massive positive difference to their quality of life.
Back pain from poor sitting posture is incredibly common and causes significant physical and mental suffering. I have seen patients who really struggle at home and at work as a direct result of it.
I see my job as an osteopath in BS6 not just as diagnosing, treating and helping people in pain but also as preventing their suffering in the first place.
For patients who have had issues with back pain from poor sitting posture, I advise on lifestyle and give them bespoke exercises to help prevent a recurrence of their pain.
Why wait until there’s a problem with your back when preventative measures can keep your back healthy and functioning at an optimal level?
According to research carried out by the University of Bristol last year, 5% of all GP appointments are related to lower back pain.
A massive proportion of the back issues I see and treat are preventable.
One of the biggest contributors to back pain and back-related problems is poor sitting posture. How we sit (and how long we sit) is a major contributor.
Sitting poorly puts our backs under unhealthy strain and, over time, damages discs, decreases core muscle stability and puts lower back joints under unnecessary strain.
By sitting more healthily and actively, we can reduce back pain from poor sitting posture.
Often, the problem starts with the chair. Poor seating switches the core muscles off and places the back into an unhealthy position, resulting in pain and potential injury.
A chair should enhance posture and encourage your back to maintain its natural healthy curve (lumbar lordosis).
Sadly, most chairs do the opposite and encourage us to sit in an unhealthy C-shaped (slouched) position. we lose our lumbar curve, which leads to unhealthy loading on the discs.
A very quick way to help with this issue is to ensure your chair is high enough. Your knees should be below your hips so that your thighs slope gently forward; this then helps the pelvis and spine maintain their natural curve.
I have designed the Z Chair to achieve this simple yet effective way to better spinal health and to effortlessly promote good sitting posture. Find out more here.
How long we sit for is also key. Standing up for periods of the day (sit stand desks) is a good way to break up the sitting. I also recommend my patients take micro breaks every 20 minutes - discover their importance here.
Micro breaks also help prevent brain fatigue and eye strain. The result is better overall work productivity and a healthier back.
Moving regularly through the day is critical in helping to prevent back pain. We are designed to move, so I recommend plenty of short walks, stretching, and gentle exercise.
To make a booking for a consultation at my osteopathic clinic in Henleaze, please visit here.