Researchers used a moveable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit to scan 22 healthy volunteers with no history of back pain or surgery. The participants assumed different sitting positions while being scanned, The Times of London reported.

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The results suggest that sitting up straight puts unnecessary strain on the spine and could lead to chronic back pain due to trapped nerves or slipped discs. The researchers concluded that a 135-degree body-thigh sitting position was optimal, as opposed to the 90-degree posture that most people believe is ideal.

"Sitting in a sound anatomical position is essential, since the strain put on the spine and its associated muscles and ligaments over time can lead to pain, deformity and chronic illness," said study lead author Dr Waseem Amir Bashir.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

One expert said this kind of research is still very theoretical. Dr Gordon Waddell, an orthopaedic surgeon at Glasgow Nuffield Hospital, said it's "human nature" to develop back pain.

"Like a headache or a cold, it seems we all get back pain and most of the evidence suggests that sitting position does not make a difference," he said. – (HealthDayNews)

November 2006
 

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