Back problems when sitting poorly

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Back problems at work can be avoided with small daily changes. Today we will tell you about the main back problems here.
When we work in front of a computer, we spend a large part of our day sitting. In this case, it is important that we maintain a correct posture and have the appropriate furniture, in order to avoid back problems that may bother us in the future. Do you know that many back problems are caused by poor posture? Our spine is shaped like an "S" because it adapts to the upright posture. When we sit down, the lower curvature of the spine flattens. Man with back pain working at a laptop This causes the pressure on the lumbar discs to increase, as they try to cushion the weight and movement. This excess pressure, sustained for many hours in a row can cause muscle pain in the lower back or herniated discs.

The importance of sitting properly in a chair

In reality, our body is not designed to withstand long periods of time sitting. Our physiology is designed to keep it moving. We must be aware of how important it is for our health to sit correctly and take breaks to take short walks, as when we stand up, the spine returns to its natural shape and relieves the pressure on the discs. Generally, we start our day by taking care of our posture, but as the hours go by, we forget and end up sitting in any way. A common bad posture is sitting on the edge of the chair with a hunched back, perhaps with elbows resting on the table. This causes even more pressure on the back and the vertebrae suffer greater impact. Poor posture leaning the elbows on the table Another common case is placing the computer screen at an inappropriate height, especially when it comes to laptops, where it is often too low: in front of our chest. Thus, we are forced to lean our neck forward, which also places tension on the shoulders, neck, and upper back.

Common back problems from poor sitting posture

The most common issue in these cases is suffering from muscle pain, which can range from mild to intense. Experiencing pain makes it difficult to concentrate, increases stress, and affects mood. Additionally, the hip and leg muscles tend to weaken. A common case is when the vertebrae press on the nerves in the cervical area. Remember that the spinal cord is housed in the internal cavity of the spine and the nerves exit through the space between one vertebra and another. When maintaining poor posture for hours, the spine shortens and the vertebrae reduce that space. In this way, the bones end up exerting pressure on the nervous system, especially in the brachial plexus and some nerves that control the neck and head. This causes multiple problems, such as dizziness, hypotension, blurred vision or migraines. Woman with back pain sitting on the sofa Blood circulation is also affected by the habit of poor posture when sitting. Poor circulation is related to problems such as cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or hypertension. It also negatively affects our legs, increasing the likelihood of suffering from varicose veins, restless leg syndrome, fluid retention in ankles and calves, or thrombosis. Regarding the skeletal system, it weakens due to lack of activity. When we walk or run, our bones are stimulated to increase their thickness, which stops when we spend most of our time sitting and can lead to brittle bones. Spinal deviations are another of the main consequences of poor sitting posture, which can cause serious problems, such as herniated discs.
 
The posture we adopt when sitting has a significant impact on our long-term health and well-being. Spending long hours in an incorrect position can lead to a series of back and spinal problems that can ultimately affect our quality of life. Understanding these issues is essential to take preventive measures and maintain proper posture in our daily lives. Next, we will examine some disorders that may arise as a result of poor posture and their implications for health.

Cervicalgia

Cervicalgia is one of the common consequences of poor posture when sitting. It is characterised by pain and discomfort in the cervical region - the neck, and may be related to nerve compression in this area.
 

Lumbalgia

Lumbalgia is another frequent problem that can arise due to poor posture when sitting. This condition manifests as pain in the lower back, which can significantly affect quality of life and mobility. Specialists indicate that knowing how to sit correctly with lumbago can help reduce and prevent this problem.
 

Hyperlordosis

In addition to cervicalgia and lumbalgia, poor posture when sitting can also contribute to the development of hyperlordosis, which is an excessive curvature of the spine in the lumbar region. This can cause discomfort and back problems.
 

Herniated disc

Finally, continuous pressure on the intervertebral discs due to poor posture when sitting can increase the risk of developing a herniated disc, a serious condition that can cause intense pain and require medical treatment.

Ergonomic chairs to avoid back problems

There are several ways to avoid these back problems if we work many hours sitting. Tips like getting up to take a short 5-minute walk every hour and taking care of our posture at the computer are important. However, our work environment must be well arranged to achieve good posture. Adjusting the chair height for good posture The keyboard and computer screen must be positioned at the appropriate height and distance. For this, it is essential to have a suitable desk and an ergonomic chair. These chairs help prevent back diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle. They are one of the most important elements to prevent ailments. Ergonomic chairs have a shape that guarantees the correct position of the spine while you work, correcting poor postures and adjusting to each user's comfort. Every person's body is different: the idea of such a chair is the ability to adapt it to different body types. These chairs are adjustable. You can choose aspects such as height, angles, and supports to increase comfort and achieve an optimal body posture. This will help you avoid habits like sitting on the edge or leaning your back against your work table. Another advantage is that they help to increase work performance. Being in a comfortable and pleasant position reduces stress and increases concentration, especially when the workday is long. As you can see, it is also an advantage for the company to provide its workers with the right working conditions. Do you know that there is an international standard that regulates the use of suitable desks and chairs? Among other things, the ISO-5970 establishes the appropriate dimensions and measurements for these elements, taking into account the age of users from 3 years to adulthood. For all these reasons, it is important to choose office furniture wisely and opt for elements that comply with this standard. ergonomic chairs for posture Poor postures while working can be avoided if we take the appropriate measures. Being aware of the importance of good spinal position for our health is the first step, but not the only one. Choosing a good chair for your back and a suitable desk, placing the computer screen at face height, ensuring that keyboard use is comfortable for the arms, and getting up to take short walks during the day are measures that will prevent back problems. It will have good impact on health and increase the work performance of your employees. For all these reasons, having the right furniture is an investment that will be worth it.