Gaby
“If you slouch, you’ll end up with scoliosis,” our parents and teachers used to tell us in childhood. It turns out that the belief that slouching can lead to back problems is nothing more than a myth. The recommendation from doctors to maintain perfect posture to supposedly prevent these issues is also a myth.
Physical therapist Chris McCarthy, a spinal health consultant and researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, stated that there is no single “correct” position for the back. Dr. McCarthy advised us to forget everything we’ve been told about “ideal” posture. He described the archaic fears surrounding slouching as “just nonsense.”
Essentially, this means that poor posture won’t cause back pain, and good posture won’t prevent it.
How the Expert Justified His View
In his article for The Conversation, Chris McCarthy wrote: “There’s a compelling reason why slouching doesn’t damage our spine. It’s because our spine is designed to accommodate a wide range of movements, from Olympic weightlifting to aerial dancing.”
Dr. McCarthy referred to the habit of slouching as “not that bad.” Moreover, he stated that a slouched position is just as beneficial as any other.
However, he added that any position held for too long can be harmful.
“You’ll experience muscle fatigue in any position. And that can lead to some discomfort, which is a signal that you need to change your posture,” the expert explained.
Our Bodies Are Made for Changing Positions
According to Dr. McCarthy, “changing our movements is what we’re designed for.”
He suggested following the “20:20:20” rule. This means taking your eyes off the computer screen every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, and then changing your position, as reported by the Daily Mail.
This practice is beneficial not only for the spine. A new movement every 20 minutes can improve our mood, positively affect eye health and concentration, and keep the muscles of the spine toned.
The physical therapist noted that most modern recommendations focus on regular movement, breaks, light stretching, and physical activity throughout the day.
“Long periods of static standing are no more comfortable than prolonged static sitting. Transitioning throughout the day between sitting and standing, without a doubt, is the best strategy for reducing discomfort in the back,” the doctor remarked.
