Low stools can easily cause lower back pain.
According to orthopedic specialist Tang Jiancheng (Huaxi Hospital, Sichuan University, China ), when you sit on a chair that is too low, your knees are often higher than your hips, causing your pelvis to unconsciously tilt backward. Your back then curves downward, and your body tends to lean forward. This posture causes you to almost bend over, putting more pressure on your lower back.
The lumbar spine naturally has a forward curve. When you sit too low and lean forward, this natural curve is altered, increasing pressure on the intervertebral discs and back muscles.
For young people with healthy joints, sitting on low chairs occasionally is usually not a cause for concern. Conversely, middle-aged people with problems in their lumbar spine, knees, or hips, as well as older adults with osteoporosis and limited mobility, may find this type of chair more uncomfortable.
In particular, when standing up from a low chair, the body's center of gravity can easily become unstable, putting older adults at risk of losing balance and falling.
The hip, knee, and neck joints are also affected.
When you sit for long periods in a low chair, your hip and knee joints have to maintain a highly flexed position, making it difficult for the muscles around the joints to relax. When you stand up, your knees also have to use more force to lift your body.
The cervical spine can also be affected. When elderly people sit in low chairs to pick vegetables or play with grandchildren, their bodies tend to unconsciously bend forward, causing the muscles at the back of the neck to constantly strain to support the head. Over time, neck pain and stiffness can develop.
According to doctors, the spine is a unified system, with the cervical and lumbar spines being interconnected. When the lower back is curved and uncomfortable, the neck also struggles to maintain a comfortable state.
Choose a chair that fits your waist.
A suitable chair should have a height of approximately 42cm from the ground to the seat. When you sit, both feet should be flat on the floor, thighs nearly parallel to the ground, and your hips and knees should form an angle of about 90 degrees. However, since everyone has different heights and body proportions, a stable seating position should be prioritized.
Additionally, the buttocks and thighs need adequate support; the seat should not be too narrow, too short, or wobbly. Chairs with sturdy backrests also provide better stability. Older adults should prioritize non-slip chairs with armrests for support when standing up.
However, you don't necessarily have to throw away your low stool; sitting on it for a few minutes occasionally is usually not a big deal.
Even with different types of chairs, sitting continuously for hours still causes back muscle fatigue. To reduce pressure on the lower back, in addition to choosing the right chair, it's important to avoid sitting for too long and maintain proper posture.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/vat-dung-gay-hai-cho-that-lung-nhieu-nguoi-su-dung-moi-ngay-2559686.html
