Friday, April 06, 2007
07:54
Radiologists have confirmed what ergonomists have long suspected - that sitting upright is bad for your back.
...The scans show that a 90-degree sitting position - which most people consider normal - places unnecessary strain on the lower back curvature, causing discs to be squashed. "A 135-degree body-thigh position - like that of an adjustable recliner - shows the least strain," says Bashir.
For those who spend all day sitting in office chairs, Bashir says the hips need to be higher than the knees and the feet should be flat on the floor.
"Opening up the angle between your body and thighs is what's important," he says.
-Medical Update, Reader's Digest April 2007
