Did you know that good posture is one of the easiest ways to keep your spine healthy? It might take a little practice and focus, but a good posture can give your back the support it needs, especially if you sit in an office chair or stand for a long time – and, let’s face it, that’s most of us these days.
When you sit or stand with proper alignment, you improve blood flow, keep your nerves and blood vessels healthy, and support your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. You are also less likely to have those pesky back and neck pains. Sit up straight and find the right chair – seating matters.
Why is good posture so important?
When we first learn how to sit, we do it with ease – with the pelvis and spine in a straight line. Then, as time goes on, we blame gravity and tiredness for the way our backs bend, and the way our feet dangle. But improper posture can lead to an imbalance of weight distribution which over time can lead to pressure injuries and even fatalities. We owe it to ourselves to sit up straight.
And yet, it’s not easy. We become so accustomed to poor posture that we forget how to sit and even stand properly. It’s not unusual these days to see someone sitting all day on a dining room chair, with one leg tucked under the other. And then we wonder why your back aches and your bones creak when you stand up. Seating matters, and so does good posture.
Maintaining good posture is crucial as it:
- Enhances balance and ensures even weight distribution
- Promotes proper form during exercise, reducing the risk of injuries
- Improves muscle and joint function, increasing your performance in various sports and activities
- Reduces back and neck pain by minimising the strain on supportive structures
- Aids in digestion by preventing compression of internal organs
- Supports spine health, reducing the risk of developing spine-related issues
- Boosts your overall mood and energy levels
Why is it important to buy the right chair?
When it comes to good posture and a healthy body, seating matters. When you’re sitting all day, it’s important to find a chair that meets all the safety requirements. Over time, a bad chair can lead to poor posture and a decline in health.
Let's examine the four principles of proper seating:
- Body Load: Ensure that your chair is appropriately sized for your body type by considering factors such as seat depth, width, footplate height, and angle.
- Postural Support: Verify that the chair provides adequate support to maintain a midline posture and evenly distribute pressure throughout the body.
- Effective Repositioning: Seated individuals should change their position every two hours to enhance blood flow and oxygenation. Look for chairs that allow for a 45° tilt to alleviate pressure.
- Proper Surface or Cushioning: Chairs must have suitable, breathable cushioning to help relieve any additional pressure.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices on the market, which is why a clinical seating assessment might help you identify the particular chair to suit your needs, both now and in the future. Book your free seating assessment with Seating Matters today.
We Specialise In Everything Mobility
At Equip U, we see a disability as a possibility and have made it our mission to go above and beyond the standard offerings from other retailers.
Our point of difference is that we don’t just stock mobility scooters and other accessories, but we also offer in-home trials to residents who live in Queensland and offer maintenance and servicing for any mobility products. We believe that access to this shouldn’t be limited based on where you live, and being NDIS registered, we can provide funding options as well.
Ultimately, it’s our mission to work with you to bring your vision for improved mobility to life. Should you have any queries about the types of products we offer or how they work, or would like to schedule a free at home product demonstration, please get in touch with us today.