What are postural transitions?

Answer: the movements you make when changing positions. These little movements range from slight adjustments like sitting up straight from slouching, to full postural changes like the transition from sitting to standing. Postural transitions have taken on a whole new gravitas as more and more Americans are transferring into the white collar work scenario. As an office of chiropractic, we wince at any job that asks you to sit for up to 8 hours a day.

• Out of all normal positions you will adopt throughout the day, sitting is the worst position for the human spine: most experts agree that it puts an average of 125kg of pressure on lumbar intervertebral discs. 

However, we also realize that if that is how you earn a paycheck, you can use all our help in keeping your body healthy despite the burden of sitting. Postural transitioning is a key way you can do this. 

Postural transition recommendations

Sitting or standing for long periods of time is harmful to the body. From a spinal health perspective, remaining in one position for an extended period of time compresses the spine, putting excess pressure on the intervertebral discs and decreases circulation to these same discs. The overall result is a loss of flexibility, a feeling of stiffness and, quite often, pain. As part of a healthy ergonomic routine, it is recommended that you change postures several times per hour. This can be as simple as lifting one or both feet up onto a foot rest, doing a quick back stretch, or standing up to walk to the water fountain. All of these simple, subtle movements will keep your circulation flowing and your core muscles engaged. 

If you are interested in finding small ways to significantly improve your spinal health, we are your go-to spinal specialists in the Sacramento area. Give our office a call and find out how you can start moving more and feeling better today.