Office work, with hours spent in front of a screen, is a reality for many people today. However, a crucial question arises: is it better to work standing or sitting to preserve your spinal health? While each position has its advantages, studies show that maintaining a static posture can have a significant impact on our spine, leading to pain and imbalances. In this article, we will examine the effects of sitting and standing postures on your back and how chiropractic care can help relieve and prevent associated pain.
The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting: A Threat to Your Spine
The sitting position is probably the most common in modern work environments, but staying seated for long hours can have harmful consequences on your spine. Here are some risks associated with prolonged sitting:
1. Compression of Intervertebral Discs
When you sit for long periods, pressure on the intervertebral discs—the « cushions » between the vertebrae—increases, especially in the lumbar region. If this pressure persists, it can lead to chronic pain and issues such as herniated discs.
2. Loss of the Spine’s Natural Curvature
Poor sitting posture, such as leaning forward or slouching in your chair, can cause the loss of the spine’s natural curvature, particularly in the lower back. This alteration can lead to muscle tension, pain, and postural imbalances.
The natural curves of the spine play a crucial role in maintaining healthy posture.
Cervical curve: The cervical region, located in the neck, has a lordotic curve that helps support the head and ensures that the ear is aligned with the shoulder.
Thoracic curve: The thoracic curve, found in the middle of the back, creates a slight kyphosis, contributing to chest stability and lung expansion. This curvature also helps align with the shoulders.
Lumbar curve: The lumbar curve, at the bottom of the back, is also lordotic and helps maintain the pelvis in a neutral position, aligning the ankle malleoli with the rest of the body.
Proper alignment, with the ear positioned directly above the shoulder, pelvis, and malleoli, is essential to avoid a loss or exaggeration of curvature, which can lead to pain and postural imbalances.
3. Weakening of Stabilizing Muscles
Sitting for long periods can weaken the trunk stabilizing muscles, disrupting postural balance and increasing the risk of chronic lower back pain. These muscles, including the transverse abdominis, oblique muscles (internal and external), rectus abdominis, multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas, play a crucial role in maintaining spinal stability and proper body alignment. Loss of tone in these muscles can lead to imbalances and pain, making strengthening and activating them essential.
The Effects of Prolonged Standing: Another Challenge for the Spine
Standing work seems more beneficial for the spine, as it reduces pressure on the intervertebral discs. However, standing for too long can also have negative effects. Let’s explore some of these:
1. Muscle Fatigue and Joint Overload
Standing for long periods heavily stresses the muscles of the legs and back. Poor weight distribution, such as putting too much weight on one hip or one leg, can cause imbalance. This prolonged posture can lead to muscle compensations and tensions, contributing to pain in the lower back, hips, knees, and ankles.
2. Circulatory Problems
Standing can also hinder blood circulation, especially in the legs. This can lead to cramps, pain, and even varicose veins in the long term.
3. Joint Stress
When standing, your joints, especially the hips, knees, and ankles, are under constant pressure. If this pressure is not properly distributed, it can cause joint pain and inflammation.
Alternating Positions: A Solution to Preserve the Spine
It is essential to alternate between sitting and standing positions to prevent chronic pain and bodily imbalances. Transforming your static workstation into a dynamic one is key. This involves moving, stretching, and alternating positions throughout the day. Height-adjustable desks offer an excellent solution, allowing easy transitions between positions and ensuring flexibility beneficial for your back.
By changing positions every 30 to 60 minutes, you reduce pressure on your discs and joints, while stimulating blood circulation. Additionally, it is recommended to incorporate stretching or gentle movements during breaks. Regularly alternating positions not only promotes spinal health but also helps improve focus and productivity throughout the day.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Pain and Preserve Your Spinal Health
Chiropractic care is an effective approach for treating pain related to poor posture, whether sitting or standing. Through manual adjustments and gentle manipulation techniques, chiropractic care relieves tension and corrects spinal misalignments. These adjustments aim to realign the spine, restore its optimal function, and prevent chronic pain from developing.
A chiropractor also helps strengthen the trunk stabilizing muscles and may recommend stretching exercises to improve mobility and flexibility in the spine. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic care enhances blood circulation and reduces pressure on the joints, thereby decreasing muscle fatigue. Finally, personalized posture advice for your work environment will help you maintain spinal health.
Conclusion: Finding Balance to Preserve Your Spinal Health
Whether you choose to work standing or sitting, it is essential to find a balance to preserve the health of your spine. Alternating between these two positions, taking regular breaks, and adopting proper posture are key strategies to prevent pain and body imbalances.
If you think you have poor posture or experience pain related to it, don’t hesitate to consult a chiropractor. At the Chiropratique du Portage clinic, our chiropractors are here to assess your condition and treat it appropriately. Through targeted spinal adjustments, muscle strengthening exercises, and personalized advice, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and prevent future problems.
Take care of your back today to avoid pain tomorrow!
Dr. Émilie Gaudreau, Chiropractor
Dr. Patrick Gaudreau, Chiropractor
Consulted Sources:
Association chiropratique canadienne. 2022. Conseils pour le dos au travail. https://chiropractic.ca/fr/conseils-pour-le-dos-au-travail/
Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec. 2018. Ergonomie au service du chiropraticien. https://www.ordredeschiropraticiens.ca/app/themes/chiros/public/docs/2-Ergonomie%20au%20service%20du%20chiropraticien,%20M.pdf