Why We Slouch?
We've all been reminded to sit up straight and not slouch, but have you ever wondered why we slouch in the first place? Sometimes it's just a bad habit we developed when we're younger, and sometimes it's because of our professions that require us to sit for hours. Let's dig in a bit into the physiological side of why we slouch:
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The human spine has natural curves to resist load on the spine in an upright, weight-bearing position. The cervical and lumbar spine have a lordosis, or forward convex curve. The thoracic spine and sacrum have a kyphosis, or backward convex curve. The musculoskeletal system is comprised of soft tissue structures designed to provide both active and passive stabilization to the spine. Muscles move our skeletal system, but they also help to provide resistance against movement. They also mitigate forces exerted on passive stabilizing structures such as ligaments, joint capsules, and intervertebral discs. A prolonged seated or standing position fatigues the muscles that stabilize the spine from the forces of gravity and body weight, just as a lifter or runner becomes fatigued when performing exercises at the gym. When the fatigued muscles no longer provide stability, the spine must rely on the passive structures of the musculoskeletal system for support. Without muscular support, the spine gradually loses its natural cervical and lumbar lordotic curves and becomes more kyphotic or slouched. Initially, slouching can provide a feeling of relief due to relaxation of the fatigued muscles; however, in the long term, repetitive or prolonged stress to the passive structures of the spine can result in injury to those tissues. Common examples include disc herniations, ligament inflammation or damage, and osteoarthritis.
Thankfully Perfect Perch has the solution to your slouching problem! Other than paying attention to your posture, stretching constantly, we have got the right chairs that help you sit up straight when you are working hard and staying focused on the tasks at hand. Check out Dove and Stork and see how they can help you feel brand new and painless again!