Sitting, even in the car to and from Rosenberg Wellness Center's office, can aggravate a bad back. 

Why?

Sitting increases the intradiscal pressures in the spine.

Rosenberg Wellness Center relies on the researcher Nachemson's documentation of the amount of pressure on your spine when in various positions: standing, sitting, moving. For this discussion on sitting, see that sitting straight exerts 140 pounds of pressure on the spine. Sitting slouched forward exerts 185 pounds of pressure. Sitting slouched forward holding weight (like a purse or baby) increases the pressures to as high as 275 pounds. Getting up to stretch drops pressure to 100mm in the standing position, so get up periodically to drop the pressure!

 

 

 

 

What to do if you must sit...

• Carefully choose your chair! Be sure it is fit for you, especially if your work in New York City requires a lot of sitting.
• Be sure it is a supportive chair with arm rests. 
  Use the arm rests to push on as you rise out of the chair.
• Use your leg muscles as well.
• Be sure your feet to rest flatly on the floor.
• Sit straight with your shoulders relaxed.
• Sit with your back against the chair's back.
• Use a towel to accommodate the lumbar spine's curve if your chair is too straight.
• Remember to get up periodically.