Proper Seating
Active sitting for a strong back
Ergonomics is the study of how to make our surroundings fit our needs better, blending medical and technical sciences. The main goal is to create environments that support our health, comfort, and productivity.
The Spine: Strong and Flexible
Our spine is both our support system and shock absorber, serving as a key element in movement and as the main pathway for nerve signals. It carries the weight of our head, neck, torso, and arms while staying flexible enough to allow movement in all directions. The spine is made up of 24 individual vertebrae (in the neck, chest, and lower back), with 23 discs in between, and 9 to 10 vertebrae fused in the pelvic area (the sacrum and tailbone). From the side, it naturally forms a double S-shaped curve, which helps us stand upright and absorb the everyday stresses on our bodies.
The Discs: Highly Functional and Flexible
An essential part of the spine is the intervertebral discs. These discs sit between the vertebrae, helping to stabilize the spine while also allowing it to be flexible. This flexibility lets the vertebrae rotate and move side to side. The discs act as shock absorbers, evenly spreading out pressure. Because they don't get nutrients from blood vessels, they rely on the surrounding tissue to provide fluids and nutrients, as well as to remove waste. This process depends on regular movement and rest, which happens both through daily activities and in cycles of stress and relaxation.
Muscles: Fueled by Movement
The first signs of back pain are often not due to issues with the spine or intervertebral discs. Instead, muscle tension is usually to blame, often caused by a lack of movement, which leads to poor muscle nourishment. Our common sitting habits involve little movement, requiring muscles to hold a static position. When muscles are held in this static state, blood flow decreases because the muscles stay tense without movement. This imbalance between the muscles' need for blood and the actual blood supply leads to less oxygen and fewer nutrients reaching the muscles, causing them to tire quickly and build up acidic byproducts. This can result in muscle stiffness and pain, especially in the shoulder and neck areas, where muscles are often overworked during prolonged sitting. Dynamic sitting, on the other hand, involves regular movement, with muscles alternating between tension and relaxation. This keeps blood flow and muscle needs in balance, allowing muscles to work comfortably for longer periods. Incorporating moments of relaxation into your sitting routine can help keep your muscles balanced and reduce discomfort.
