How to prevent musculoskeletal disorders

Immobility in poor posture, often referred to as the traditional “rounded back” position, significantly exposes the back, shoulders, hips, and knees to degenerative changes and pain. In these cases, at least partially, we are talking about “sitting-related disorders” (SD). Lower back problems are most strongly linked to poor-quality sitting.

An effective barrier to the development of this problem would be sitting with good posture on a two-part, swinging, and anatomically designed saddle chair. Fortunately, such a chair has been successfully developed in Finland.

This type of sitting requires accompanying adjustments such as a quickly adjustable desk, preferably with a stomach recess, elbow padding, and adjusting monitors (not laptops) to the right distance and almost at eye level. Loose-fitting clothes around the hips are also advantageous.

The middle gap in the seat removes sitting pressure, providing space for the tailbone, pelvic floor, and genitals. This allows the pelvis to comfortably and effortlessly align with the chair, a prerequisite for good overall posture in the back and neck.

The rocking mechanism of the chair brings much-needed movement to the entire core, providing momentum to fluid circulation. The lack of movement is a leading cause of immobility-related issues. Movement can be further increased by rolling on the chair (roll & reach = stretches and use of the legs), occasional active standing on a balance board, and additional steps during phone calls (walk & talk).

All these actions have a significant preventive and even rehabilitative effect on most musculoskeletal disorders in the spine and major joints. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals are unaware of this and cannot advise people on this effective and affordable preventive measure.