Sitting on a stool or saddle seat also encourages Active Sitting, which helps to strengthen your core and back muscles, all of which can lead to improved comfort and productivity in the workplace.
You are forced to sit up straight using your core muscles with no backrest. This forces you to have good posture, puts less pressure on your spine and helps reduce tension and pain in your Back.
Why Sitting on a Stool is Good for Your Back?
Sitting on a stool might be bad for your Back since stools usually don't have backrests to keep you sitting up straight. But that's not true!
Without a backrest to rely on, your spine and pelvis will automatically assume the most neutral position, the natural S curve, which puts the least amount of pressure on your spine. In this position, you will be less at risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Actively using your muscles to keep your Back straight will lead to stronger back muscles and develop muscle memory, which helps you maintain good posture even when in chairs.
Stools VS Office Chairs
Stools don't have a backrest; stools force you to assume good posture since that's the least stressful position for your Back.
And since they encourage active sitting, stools help develop the muscles needed to support good posture. With stronger muscles, you can maintain good posture for longer periods.
In comparison, office chairs have backrests that let you lean back and have your spine supported by an external force.
This often encourages you to slouch since you rely on the backrest to do all of the work and relax your core muscles completely.
In conclusion, stools are better than office chairs overall.
Reasons why Back Hurts while sitting on a stool
Some of the most common reasons why people experience back pain while sitting on a stool are:
- Sciatica
- Herniated disc
- Muscle strain
- Degenerative disc disease/ osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Poor posture
- Not being in shape
It is important to start by determining the cause, seeing as how, based on the root of the problem, you might need to take a specific approach.
How to recognize that the back pain is from sitting on a stool?
How can you recognize that your back pain is caused by sitting and not some other cause? So, in order to start getting the right diagnosis, you have to be honest with yourself. You can do this by answering the following questions.
- Are you leading a sedentary lifestyle?
- Is your chair ergonomic?
- Are you slouching behind your desk?
- Has the pain evolved gradually?
Answers to some of these questions may contain the key to your problem.
You see, it's not just about sitting. If that were the case, almost everyone would have back pain problems. It's sitting in an improper chair, sitting for too long, sitting in an unhealthy position, as well as ignoring these problems for far too long. One should also do some research on Proper sitting in order to be able to recognize if they're not doing something right.
Treatment Plan For Improve Your Posture
Medical Treatment
Medication in terms of muscle relaxers was also known to work in some cases. Then, there are nerve blockers and steroid injections, which are known to help with pain relief.
Physical Therapy Treatment
Physical therapy does wonders in this, and it can give you a reliable method of strengthening your back muscles in order to help them provide more support for your Back.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is an option for those who would like to take a more aggressive approach to find relief when other options have been depleted.
Home Remedies
Some People try applying ice, using a heating pad, using a support for the area in question, and even taking over-the-counter medication. Other people are considering massage or even trying Yoga.
How to sit properly on a Stool so that the Back Won't hurt?
If you think you're sitting improperly on a stool and that's what's causing your back pain, then it's time to learn how to sit properly!
You can follow these easy steps:
- Sit down in the middle of the stool.
- Check that your knees are slightly below your hips.
- Sit up in a straight, neutral position. It would help if you weren't slouching or overarched.
- Position your ears over your shoulders.
- Use your side abs to relax and lower your ribs.
- Relax your shoulders.
And, of course, try to take a 5-minute break for every 30 minutes you sit.
Stand up, walk around, stretch, or sit in another chair so that your muscles don't become fatigued!
Conclusion
Stools are much better for posture than chairs, and they promote a healthier and more active posture which not only increases the blood flow and oxygen going to your brain but also keeps your organs in shape.
You should probably consider using stools while sitting and working at your office for a healthier lifestyle unless you have specific health issues that warrant it.
