How you sit makes a huge difference to back pain
ARE recliner chairs bad for your back? We all know that slumping and hunching can lead to backache — and being upright can cause problems, too. But reclining is not bad for back pain, explains TV’s Dr Rob Hicks (right), medical expert at Mobility Furniture Company. In fact, research shows that sitting in a reclined position is better for your back than sitting upright. ‘Of course, it comes down to trial and error for each person’, says Dr Rob. ‘Some experts have found that the offloading sitting posture may reduce back pain in people whose situation requires prolonged periods of sitting. ‘The off-loading posture means sitting with the back part of the seat tilted back 20 degrees in comparison to the front part of the seat. ‘Another research group discovered that a 135degree body-thigh sitting posture is the best sitting position. This is when you recline backward 135 degrees while your feet remain on the floor.’ So, enjoy trying out various different reclined positions. When you feel really comfortable, make a note of the approximate angle so you can replicate it at other times. Living with back pain can bring you down, but how you sit can make a huge difference. Once your pain levels improve, so should your overall quality of life.