11/08/2021
One of the biggest complaints amongst individuals that work desk jobs is low back pain/ discomfort. Low back pain is often manifested overtime due to poor sitting posture, prolonged sitting and weak core muscle and decreased flexibility. Below are some strategies you can implement to decrease low back pain:
1. Proper sitting posture is very important in low back health. ** Proper sitting posture is demonstrated by having both feet flat on the floor (not crossing the legs), having chair height set appropriately so that your knees and hips are at approximately a 90-degree angle. Your back should be against the seat back, a lumbar roll/ rolled up towel may be helpful if placed at the lower back to promote that natural Lordotic curve of the lumbar spine. And shoulders should be relaxed** Image below shows proper sitting posture with and without a lumbar roll
2. Strengthening your core and back muscles will also aid in decreasing low back pain and discomfort. Your average individual is usually underconditioned when it comes to core strength and stability. Bridges, Superman’s and Standing or seated marches while maintaining good upright posture are some of my favorite exercises to increase core and back strength. Images provided below.
3. Stretching the lower back to increase flexibility and decrease low back tightness. Sitting in a chair day after day causes our bodies to become tight and not friendly to movements outside our familiar ranges of motion. A few stretches that work great for decreasing low back tightness are cat/cow stretch, pelvic tilts on our back, Low back rotational stretch while laying on your back and knee to chest stretches while also laying on your back. Images provided below.
4. Avoid long periods of sitting. This can be tough depending on your career but every hour try to make a point of getting up and walking around for a couple of minutes. With low back pain we often feel like we need to rest but light activity can help warm up those back muscle. Long periods of rest can cause increased tightness and discomfort especially if you are resting in positions that are promoting improper low back posture.
As always if low back pain persists or worsens, contact you doctor. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or feel free to message me.