The Prevalence of Lower Back Pain

LBP is a major public health concern. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, LBP is the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) globally. Approximately 80% of adults in the United States will experience LBP at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that musculoskeletal conditions, including LBP, are the largest contributor to disability worldwide, affecting about 1.71 billion people (Physiopedia).

The Role of Sitting in Lower Back Pain

In today’s world, many people spend a significant part of their day seated—whether at work, during commutes or at home. The way we sit can greatly influence our spinal health. Prolonged sitting, particularly with poor posture, is strongly linked to the development of LBP. Our bodies are not designed to remain in static positions for extended periods, leading to various musculoskeletal issues.

Hunched and Slouched Postures

Consider a typical office scenario: you’re working at your desk, gradually hunching over as the hours tick by, this is simply due to the fact that most people tend to not lean against the backrest and therefore the lumbar support is not forcing the natural “S” curvature.

This position often involves:

● Rounded Shoulders: The shoulders slump forward, creating a curvature in the upper back.
● Posterior Pelvic Tilt: The pelvis tilts backward, flattening the natural lumbar curve.
● Increased Lumbar Flexion: The lower back rounds, placing additional stress on the lumbar spine.

These postural habits are not just uncomfortable; they are detrimental to spinal health. Over time, such postures can lead to significant musculoskeletal strain and discomfort.

Scientific Evidence on Posture and Lower Back Pain

Numerous studies have explored the relationship between posture, seating, and lower back pain:

Musculoskeletal Strain● Callaghan and McGill (2001): Their study, “Low back joint loading and kinematics during standing and unsupported sitting”, confirmed that sitting on flat-surfaced chairs promotes a posterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar flexion, leading to greater strain on the lower back muscles and intervertebral discs.

Increased Muscle Activity and Fatigue● Szeto et al. (2009): This study compared muscle activity in office workers using flat-surfaced chairs versus ergonomic chairs with lumbar support. It showed that flat-surfaced chairs led to higher levels of muscle activity in the lumbar region, indicating increased stress and fatigue.● Claus et al. (2016): The study “Sitting posture and trunk muscle activity in adults with chronic low back pain” indicated that prolonged sitting in a slouched posture leads to increased muscle activity and fatigue in the lower back. 

Lumbar Spine Loading ● O’Sullivan et al. (2012): Their research demonstrated that a slouched posture significantly increases lumbar spine loading and muscle activity, elevating the risk of LBP compared to an upright or slightly reclined posture. ● Makhsous et al. (2009): This study showed that sitting with a posterior pelvic tilt and rounded lower back increases the mechanical load on the lumbar spine, contributing to LBP.

Conclusion

The correlation between seating, posture, and LBP is well-documented. Poor seating, particularly on flat-surfaced chairs, promotes hunched or slouched postures that place undue stress on the lumbar spine, leading to discomfort and pain. By understanding these factors and implementing strategies to improve posture, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing LBP and improve their overall spinal health.