The Ergonomic Debate: Sitting Straight vs Slouched

According to research by AXA, Brits spend on average 9 hours of their working day seated. That’s not taking into account those of us who sit during our commute and during the evenings when at home. With this amount of time spent sitting, the ergonomic debate has never been a hotter topic. Up until recently, we were led to believe that maintaining an upright posture when seated at a desk is best for our spinal health. However, research has since shown that taking on a more slouched position can be better for us. Here’s what you need to know.

Sitting up straight is something that’s instilled in us from childhood. We’re taught that maintaining a straight, upright posture is the most ergonomic way to sit. Thus, preventing back pain and other spinal issues further down the line. But is this true? Since being seated at a desk has become a way of life for many, studies into desk ergonomics have increased over recent years. Scientists and physiotherapists are eager to uncover the optimum seating position for adults. In 2006, Canadian and Scottish researchers found that sitting straight is bad for backs. Their findings came from MRI scans which demonstrated how an upright posture when seated can place unnecessary strain on the spine. They concluded that the optimum position when seated at a desk is leaning back at a 135° angle. This looks like a slouched position but can prove healthier for the spine with less direct strain.

A further study conducted by the University Hospital of North Tees found that slouching can reduce back stiffness by enabling more fluid to pass between our spinal disks. A study by the RNSA also found slouching to be better for us. They reported that when sat upright in a 90° angle, spinal disk movement is at its highest which can cause disk material to misalign and lead to back pain.

As many of us sit at a desk for seven hours or more each day, too much of one thing can be bad for us. Whilst slouching has been found to reduce the risk of back complaints, it shouldn’t be taken as gospel. The NHS warns that bad posture can lead to curvature of the spine, known as kyphosis. Sitting in a slouched position for too long can also lead to upper back and neck pain which has been linked to headaches.

The human body isn’t actually created to sit down for several hours a day with our back straight and posture excelled however modern work life has meant plenty of us are sat at a desk for 8 hours, 7 days a week. Sitting up straight for this long actually leads to a lot of strain on the spine which is associated with a number of more serious health conditions. Sitting up straight isn’t necessarily bad for your back, but when done repeatedly can lead to pains, aches and even more server issues. The best way to tackle this issue is to invest in a supportive office chair which comes with padding and adjustable features so you can adapt the way you move throughout the day.

When it comes to finding our optimum seating position, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. What works well for the person next to you may cause you pain so it’s important to recognise this. Australian researchers came to a compromise and concluded that no one permanent position is good for prolonged periods. They, therefore, suggested that a combination of slouching and sitting straight is better than maintaining one set posture.

It’s all about finding what works best for you. Identifying when something doesn’t feel right and acknowledging when it does. Office furniture has come on leaps and bounds in recent years meaning that we’re no longer restricted to a chair. Many people have taken to using standing desks whilst others prefer kneeling chairs. Remember that a sustained posture over a long period of time is never beneficial so be sure to move around when possible. If you have an activity tracker, set it to buzz every 30 minutes or so, reminding you to get up from your desk and move around. Make sure you take a break for lunch and try to go for a walk when possible. There are plenty of back exercises you can do at your desk too, so try and incorporate them into your daily routine.

Whatever your office furniture requirement, our team can help. From agile working offices for transient workers to collaborative and project-based spaces, to simple upgrades of traditional desking, seating and storage. We ensure that your office furniture is not just attractive, but it’s also comfortable and practical, as staff comfort and well-being at work is a hugely important considerations for employers in the modern workplace.

For more information on our furniture services, visit our furniture page or give us a call on 0115 939 7572.