Is an office chair suitable for Scoliosis?

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. You will notice this through symptoms such as uneven shoulders, a pitched waist, a shoulder blade that is more pronounced than the other, or one hip that is higher than the other. 

Usually, it is first diagnosed in adolescents or children. The average case of Scoliosis around the world is often mild; however, the condition can degenerate with age. The long-term cause of this is that the lungs have reduced functionality due to less space in the chest area. This problem is also due to other factors such as muscular dystrophy. 

It is monitored by physicians using X-rays. This device will help to determine whether the condition is improving or worsening. If the condition worsens, the doctors may recommend wearing a brace or having surgery. – WebMD

Types of Scoliosis

Congenital 

The spine in this scenario seems to be tilted or curved. This issue usually is due to a bone malfunction in prenatal development. This means that people are born with it, and there is not much known yet to allow successful prevention.  

Neuromuscular

If the child’s body has a problem with the supporting muscles around the spine, then there is a chance they will develop Neuromuscular Scoliosis. Muscular dystrophy is one of the top reasons why this occurs in children. 

Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis

This variant accounts for 4% – 5% of the condition. It mainly comes from postural immaturity and is, therefore, more common among females. It is generally found in people ages 10 – 18. 

How does it affect how we sit?

It leads to poor posture when we sit on a chair. This issue is because most chairs promote mature posture, i.e., sitting up straight. Many people who have Scoliosis will struggle to sit up straight for long periods, thereby causing themselves discomfort. This action leads to further consolidation of the condition because they always sit in the same improper manner.

The uneven weight distribution will cause the pelvis to tilt forward and backward, therefore, stressing out your back. People will tend to cross their legs when sleeping to relieve the tension in their lower back. This, in turn, results in poor back alignment. You will be better off having both feet on the floor. 

How to Sit in a Chair with Scoliosis

Make sure the chair is comfortable

In some instances, chairs that do not provide additional support would be troublesome for people dealing with Scoliosis. Accessories such as armrests go a long way in minimizing the pain of someone who has Scoliosis. You will need to find a chair that is ergonomic and able to provide you with optimum benefits for your spine health. This will be useful in balancing what’s your posture can allow with what is healthy. See our recommended office chairs for scoliosis.

Desk Stretches

Typically people who spend a long time sitting at a desk can develop muscle problems. Many people have resorted to performing small desk exercises that help to prevent stiff muscles. Activities such as Thoracic Extension can be performed at 30-minute intervals and provide some relief.

Distribute your weight evenly.

When you sit, you must ensure that you keep your back straight and your feet fully planted on the ground to achieve equal weight distribution. This will help remove the strain from one position on the spine and evenly spread it out. It is also essential to maintain an asymmetrical form with your chin parallel to the floor. 

Considering posture

  • It is critical to ensure you keep your feet flat or rest them on a footrest to make your posture symmetric.
  • Avoid crossing knees or ankles. This will place extreme tension on your upper back and only be more harmful in the long run.
  • Do your best to keep a fair distance between the back of your knees and the chair.
  • Try to ensure you maintain your knees at the same level but consistently slightly lower than the hips.
  • Keep your ankles some distance in front of the knees.
  • Try to make sure you have relaxed the shoulders.

How sitting may affect the spinal cord

Slouching is one of the biggest problems that affect over 80% of people who sit in an office chair for many hours a day. There is a healthy limit to the level on which your spine can be strained. Compounded slouching over many years can result in disc bulging due to extreme pressure on the spine. The spinal cord is not the only place affected by increased time spent sitting in a chair. Stress off the back, neck, arms, and legs is also pervasive due to the tension placed on your back muscles.

What is scoliosis chair support?

This is a modern chair designed to assist in helping people with Scoliosis improve their posture. Therefore, it will reduce muscle imbalances and benefit people who struggle with muscular dystrophy. You will notice together with many different exercises done consistently throughout the day. It can offer immense relief.

How to choose a chair for a person living with Scoliosis

Adjustable Height 

You must make sure to choose a straightforward chair to adjust. A modern chair with Posturepedic support can provide you with a seat range of between 16 to 21 inches. It will be significant because your feet are required to be flat on the ground. Finding the appropriate balance will also help keep your arms even on your desk. 

Size of the chair

It would help if you had a chair between 17 to 20 inches wide to allow your back to rest against the back of the chair safely. This should provide you with enough space to extend your knees to a symmetrical position. It will also help prevent you from slouching and support working on your muscle memory positively.

Elissa Smith
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