The Sitting Trap

And Why your Back Pain might be from your Chair Time. 

It's Not Just a “ Desk Job” Problem

We often blame the office, but the “Sitting Trap” happens anytime your hips are bent for too long. Whether it’s the daily commute, a long flight, or just loaning on a soft sofa.

The “Tug-of-War-” in Your Pelvis

The front is shortened. Psoas and Iliacus (hip flexors) are shortened. Muscles staying in a shortened position, over time they tighten up. Then When you stand up, they pull on your lower spine, and your lower back starts to arch.

The Back Side, when you are sitting you, glutes are now staying in a stretched out position. Muscles that are overly stretched tend to tighten up, and can pull into the lower back.

Glutes are a primary stabilizers for the pelvis and lumbar spine. When sitting glutes can no longer stabilize this area. Causing other lower back muscles to take on more work.

Things that can help

1) If you do sit often, try switching the type of chair, I recommend a saddle chair, this allows more space in the front hips of the hips. The Glutes are not being stretched. This also allows the pelvis to sit in a better position. Helping the spine stay in an up right position.

2) Strength is Your Armor. You don’t need a Gym. I’m a fan of resistance bands. And you can also look at corrective exercises. Main Goal is to make sure you are strong enough to hold proper poster , gait follow through, and proper range of motion.

(Gait is the proper way the body moves while walking. Learn more: Click Here)

3) Move! it’s not about one workout a day, its about moving throughout the day.

To help keep soft tissue adaptable. Try to get up every 30/45 minutes and move your body. go for a walk, Yoga, Meditate.

As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I provide education on muscles, anatomy, and how soft tissue tension affects movement. I DO NOT diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments. Please consult a physician for medical concerns.

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