Sitting straight not the most ergonomic way to sit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around ergonomic seating positions and their impact on lower back pain. Participants explore various angles of sitting, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of angles greater than 90 degrees versus traditional straight sitting. The conversation includes personal experiences, anecdotal evidence, and references to scientific studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a 2006 study suggesting a 135-degree angle is optimal for sitting, contrasting it with the common advice to "sit straight."
  • Another participant agrees that sitting at less than 90 degrees is detrimental and shares their preference for sitting between 120 to 135 degrees, attributing past back pain to lack of regular exercise.
  • A different participant mentions that varying sitting positions and incorporating yoga helped alleviate their back issues.
  • There is a suggestion that regular exercise may be beneficial for preventing back pain, although the specifics of how exercise impacts back problems are questioned.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the types of exercises that might help with back issues and whether exercise can reverse spinal disc shifting or muscle soreness.
  • A reminder is issued that medical advice should not be provided in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that sitting at less than 90 degrees is harmful to the back. However, there is no consensus on the best ergonomic angle for sitting, as opinions vary on the effectiveness of different angles and the role of exercise in managing back pain.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the mechanisms by which exercise may alleviate back pain, particularly regarding spinal disc health and muscle soreness. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

annoyinggirl
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I have recently been experiencing lower back pain from sitting improperly. So i came across this 2006 study that suggests 135 degree is the best: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6187080.stm
This was very surprising to me, since all my life i have been told by well-intention ed people to "sit straight". I hear it all the time on the media as well (from things like movies, not documentaries)

what do you think? From personal experience, observations, and other scientific research, do you think 90 degree angle or greater than 90 degrees is better, ergonomically speaking? I know from personal experience that < 90 is bad for the back.
 
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I would agree that less than 90 degrees is bad for your back. I do tend to sit in the 120 to 135 range. I have had times where I had back pains from sitting too much. However, they were all directly attributable to times when I wasn't working out regularly. IMHO, regular exercise is the best way to avoid back pain regardless of how you're sitting - excluding unnatural sitting positions < 90 or underlying back problems.
 
The advice I got when I was having lower back problems was not to sit in anyone position for too long. It was starting yoga that did the trick though.
 
PeroK said:
The advice I got when I was having lower back problems was not to sit in anyone position for too long. It was starting yoga that did the trick though.
Sounds like back exercises to me. :)
Definitely agree on not sitting too long. Even getting up and walking a few minutes every hour makes a big difference.
 
Borg said:
I would agree that less than 90 degrees is bad for your back. I do tend to sit in the 120 to 135 range. I have had times where I had back pains from sitting too much. However, they were all directly attributable to times when I wasn't working out regularly. IMHO, regular exercise is the best way to avoid back pain regardless of how you're sitting - excluding unnatural sitting positions < 90 or underlying back problems.
what kind of exercise did you do (strength training or cardio or stretching)? Also, how does exercise help with back problems? Back problems caused by too much sitting could be due to shifting of the spinal discs or sore muscles. Do you think exercise helps reverse shifted spinal discs and sore muscles?
 
We do not allow medical advice. Please see a doctor if you have questions.
 

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