The habit of sitting for long periods has become commonplace in modern society, but the impact this has on the human body should not be underestimated.
Actually, I have a patient who worked as a taxi driver, suffering from lower back pain due to their sedentary working style.
Moreover, many office workers spend their entire day sitting in front of computers, which adversely affects their health.
Thus, it is indispensable to deepen our understanding of this issue. As one means, comprehending the effects of the force exerted by the seat on the human
body can lead to improvements towards a healthier lifestyle.
Firstly, prolonged sitting places a significant burden on the spine. While standing, the human spine naturally forms an S-curve, but this curve is lost
when sitting, leading to excessive pressure on the lumbar spine. This is due to the direct transmission of force from the seat to the lumbar spine, which
can cause back pain over time.
Furthermore, sitting inhibits blood flow in the lower body. The pressure from the seat on the underside of the thighs compresses the blood vessels in the
thigh, worsening blood flow to the lower limbs. This is known to increase the risk of conditions such as venous thrombosis. Additionally, reduced blood
flow can cause muscle fatigue and swelling.
The force from the seat also affects the pelvis. An improper sitting posture can cause the pelvis to tilt backward, further increasing the load on the lumbar
spine. Since the position of the pelvis affects the alignment of the entire spine, any imbalance here can lead to neck and shoulder pain.
To mitigate these issues, proper sitting posture is crucial. Increasing the contact area with the seat to evenly distribute body weight, using a cushion
to maintain the natural curve of the spine, and regularly standing up to stretch are effective measures. Additionally, using chairs designed ergonomically
can reduce the burden the force from the seat places.
