Back rests on chairs are responsible for many back pain problems
Tamworth osteopath John Williams thinks that back rests on seats and chairs are the worse thing that has been invented and the cause of many back pain problems.
Support muscles around the lower spine such as the rectus abdominus and erector spinae should help maintain and support your low back when sitting and standing, however with the introduction of back rests on chairs we make these muscle redundant. No longer are the support muscles in your low back needed to support you because instead you lean backwards and let the backrest do the work.
Over time the muscles become weak and you cannot support yourself especially when sitting. For example imagine a tall bar stool in a pub and sit on it. You will soon become uncomfortable and develop a backache. Watch people who sit on bar stools and notice the slumped posture they develop as the muscles give way leaving the spinal ligaments to support them.
Its something we have to live with as backrests are here to stay but we need to recognise the problem and exercise the core muscles.
Paraspinal ligaments get stretched when posture is poor and this in turn results in an ache type pain in the lower back. Sitting up straight for prolonged periods is impossible for many people now and we need to introduce awareness of the problem.
Tamworth osteopaths at Atlas Pain Relief Centre can advise on the best way to correct poor posture www.atlaspainrelief.co.uk
Telephone for an appointment 01827 712436
