Sitting up straight may harm your lower back

Misconception about sitting up straight may lead to lower back pains. As you recall in your childhood days, you are told to sit up straight. But Scottish researchers said Monday in Chicago that when looking at the spine with a new imaging technology, the spine is strained when sitting up straight with a straight back and thighs parallel to the floor. In fact, it’s better to lean back a bit, even if it looks like slouching.

“Really the best position is what you get in a La-Z-Boy, although that wouldn’t work well for someone using a computer,” said Dr. Waseem Amir Bashir, who led the study conducted in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Bashir’s basis about this findings confirms with ergonomic experts. By using a designed magnetic machine he can view the back while sitting. He said he was able to capture instabilities and deformations not otherwise seen.

It is estimated by the National Institute of Health that 8 out of 10 Americans suffer lower back pains. It is the second most common reason why paople go to the doctor besides colds and flu. “People weren’t designed to sit for hours at a time. With an open sitting position, one can minimize the risk of back pain.” Bashir said.

A person can’t easily operate a computer from a recliner, but it’s possible to keep one’s feet on the floor while raising the chair to open up the angle between the thighs and the back, he said.

Leaning forward as people do while playing computer and video games is even more stressful to the spine than sitting upright, he said. His decision stregthened ergonomists who studies workplace issues. He made images of spines of 22 healthy volunteers. “I would agree with their conclusion,” said Bill Dowell, research director at Herman Miller Inc. of Zeeland, which makes office chairs.