We all have hurt our lower backs at one point in time or another. If not, we at least know a friend, colleague, or family member that has. Sadly, most lower back pain can be prevented if only people were more aware of what to do and not to do. You’d be surprised to learn that the number one cause of back pain that we see in the Allied clinic stems from simply sitting too much!

Because of prolonged sitting, our bodies don’t move like they once did. As a result, when we go to play golf, walk on the beach, or bend to pick up an object, we throw our backs out.

Why Sitting Hurts Our Back

Sitting hurts our backs for many reasons, but the number one reason is because our spines were not made to handle the stress of sitting. For instance, research has demonstrated that the simple act of sitting is what puts the most pressue on our spinal discs. As a result, the discs and spine are more susceptible to injury. It is no wonder Americans  spend nearly $100 billion (yes – Billion – according the World Health Organization) every year in management of lower back pain.

What You Can Do About It

To take stress and strain off your back you can simply stop sitting as much! It really is as simple as that: get-up out of your chair more often and do the reverse of sitting (in most cases).

But if you must spend a substantial amount of time sitting, you can at least do something about changing the way that you sit. 

Please download our free eBook, “Back Pain: Ten Ways to Reduce or Eliminate Low Back Pain and Sciatica,” to learn strategies for preventing low back pain – as well as how to sit properly, if you must.

Conclusion

Americans currently spend $100 billion each year year on the management of lower back pain. Perhaps we need to rethink our strategy as a health consumer – and country – by not sitting as much, or as long, and getting back to our roots as human beings of standing upright. If our discs and spine have the most pressure while sitting, wouldn’t it make sense to stand more?