Sitting

Sitting, even in the care to and from the doctor's office, can aggravate a bad back. 

Why?

Sitting increases the intradiscal pressures in the spine.

Researcher Nachemson documented 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!

140 pounds of pressure	185 pounds of pressure	275 pounds of pressure	100 pounds of pressure

What to do if you must sit...

Consider the Amount of Time

If you must sit, do so for 15 minutes to 30 minutes and get up to stretch. Don't sit for long periods of time.

Consider the Chair

Carefully choose your chair! Be sure it is fit for you.

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.