Slouching when you’re seated is often given a lot of the blame for back pain. It’s an understandable assumption, given that the spine is not properly positioned when your body is unnaturally hunched forward. While there are many ways to adjust the way you sit in a desk chair, it’s a bit harder to follow those guidelines on a soft, cushioned couch. Here’s what to know about assessing this key piece of furniture and the way you sit on it.

How Do Couches Worsen Back Pain?

Couches are naturally plush. While comfortable, they aren’t nearly as supportive as harder and more ergonomic chairs. That’s because the soft materials and more malleable components, such as fluffy back pillows and thick, sunken cushions, invite the body to naturally fall into a slouching position. Muscles don’t receive adequate support in this stance, making it more difficult to sit up straight and focus on your posture.

Given that the upholstery is so unsupportive, the back and neck may begin to feel strained over time, particularly if you’re seated on the couch for extended periods. The accumulated time spent slouching can put excess pressure on the back, causing the ligaments to stretch and the discs that make up the spine to become stressed. You may notice an increase in frequent back pain as a result.

What Is the Best Way to Sit to Prevent Pain? 

You can still enjoy sitting on the couch if proactive steps are taken to manage the pain before it worsens. To prevent more discomfort, simply change the way you sit. First, orient yourself by making sure the knees and hips are level with one another. The back should be pressed firmly against the back pillows, and both your feet should touch the ground squarely.

Avoid crossing your legs at the knees or even at the ankles, as both of these lead to postural changes that may aggravate discomfort in the back. Similarly, putting your feet up can force the body into an uncomfortable position, especially if there's not a supportive pillow to place behind your head. 

While it's OK to lounge around and curl up sometimes, it's wise to be mindful more often when reading or watching TV. The more you practice sitting properly on the couch, the easier it will become with time. 

If you're experiencing frustrating back pain due to sitting on the couch or another reason, turn to the reliable team at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. Proudly serving patients throughout St. Charles County, MO, the clinic provides a variety of effective pain management and physical therapy solutions designed to help you enjoy a greater quality of life. To learn more about how they'll help you, visit the website. Call (636) 978-3000 to schedule an appointment.