Remember when your parents would say things like, “Eat all of your vegetables.” And, “Look each way before you cross the road.” Let’s not forget their classic, “Sit up straight!” A large amount of people nowadays add inactive jobs that need them to take a seat for much of the workday. However, whether or not sitting at a desk, a sporting event, or in front of a TV, sensible posture is imperative to your spine alignment and health. And poor postural habits are a number one contributor to back pain.

Checking Your Posture

Let’s take a glance at how you’re sitting at this moment.

Are your feet flat on the ground, with your knees at a 90-degree angle?

Are your buttocks, back and shoulders up against the support of your chair?

Does the chair you’re sitting in give enough lower back support? Does this support match into the natural curve of your spine?

Are your shoulders relaxed and not facing in a forward position?

Is your weight equally distributed across each hip?

Are your knees level with or slightly above your hips?

If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you’re most likely applying unnecessary stress on your spine; this may eventually cause back pain.

Change however You Sit

Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to sit within the same position for over forty minutes. Constant slouching affects the discs between the vertebrae and can cause a herniated disc or a bulging disc. Take the time to get up and stretch your back and legs or take a brief walk sporadically.

If you’re already finding that back pain has crept into your life, call a chiropractor near you.