Why conventional sitting is the leading cause of back problems

When it comes to issues caused by inactivity, the primary factor is the way we sit.
Sitting on a conventional chair exacerbates the problems caused by a rounded back, body tension, and high-pressure points on the body. These issues are significantly reduced when sitting on a high-quality saddle chair with a central gap and rocking mechanism.

In such a chair, relaxed upper body muscles, slight rocking movements in the pelvis/core, and open angles for the lower limbs help maintain good fluid circulation. If the individual also stands for 10–20% of their working time and walks at least once an hour, inactivity-related issues can be eliminated.

However, a lack of understanding about back and sitting-related inactivity problems is common, even among doctors and physiotherapists.

The 90/90 sitting position (knees and hips at 90-degree angles) is the predominant cause of lower and upper back problems, as well as worsening postural issues. This position forces the back into a rounded posture due to the structure of the pelvis.

When the back is even slightly rounded, about 30% of the support from the facet joints is lost. This increases pressure on the intervertebral discs, compressing them into wedge-like shapes. Over time, this leads to disc degeneration and herniated discs.

Additionally, ligaments and small muscles surrounding the vertebrae become stretched to improper lengths, worsening postural defects that often begin in adolescence.

A saddle chair with a central gap and rocking mechanism offers several health advantages:

• It provides space for the soft tissues of the pelvic floor and the pubic bone, allowing the pelvis to adopt a natural “standing posture,” which supports correct spinal alignment.
• The rocking mechanism encourages micro-movements in the spine, which enhance critical fluid circulation (blood and lymphatic fluids) in and around the vertebral tissues. This is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and removing waste products.
• The central gap in the chair reduces sitting pressure on the genitals and pelvic organs, improving fluid circulation and overall health in these areas.

These significant health benefits cannot be achieved with a conventional chair, regardless of modifications.