The BackPain.online Posture Quiz

Does sitting with bad posture cause damage to people's spines?

• Yes, of course, it does - WRONG
• No, it doesn't. Our spines are built to be flexible - CORRECT

There is no evidence that people who sit with bad posture are more likely to get back pain. Other factors have a stronger link. So stop beating yourself up.
This doesn't mean that bad posture is good for you. Your best posture is your next one.

What is more likely to contribute to someone developing chronic back pain?

• Sitting with bad posture - WRONG
• Not getting enough sleep - CORRECT
• Having negative thoughts about the cause of the back pain - CORRECT

Poor sleep and negative thoughts about back pain are more likely to cause a person's back pain to become chronic. So they are factors that should be tackled.

Ergonomic chairs are better for posture and back pain than normal chairs

• Of course, they are - WRONG
• Not necessarily - CORRECT

While helpful for many people, having an ergonomic chair does not automatically prevent or cure back pain. It's possible to have terrible habits wherever you sit!

If I don't have an ergonomic chair, I could sit on:

• An exercise ball - CORRECT
• A bar stool - CORRECT
• Any chair if I get my position correct - CORRECT
• None of the above – they will harm my back - WRONG

None of the items listed will harm your back. And if people have good habits, you can sit anywhere you want.

If your back hurts when you're working at a desk, it's most likely because:

• My chair is the wrong height - WRONG
• My desk is the wrong height - WRONG
• I've been sat still too long - CORRECT

Sitting still for too long is always the first thing to consider. The other factors, chair and desk height are worth considering, but regular movement is the winner.

My best posture is...

• The one I saw on a handout about ergonomics - WRONG
• With my spine in its natural shape - CORRECT
• I don't know, I prefer to just keep moving - CORRECT

Sadly, ergonomic advice isn't helpful for everyone. We prefer our patients to focus on their natural posture, and also to keep moving. Your best posture is your next one.

When I sit in my best posture, I should stay like that all the time.

• Well, obviously I should - WRONG
• No, I should keep moving, allow my shape to change, but keep returning to the best position again - CORRECT

Getting the idea now? Sitting in a healthy shape is good, but regular movement is the key.

The best hack to getting a good sitting posture is:

• Having a neutral pelvis, easiest with knees below hips - CORRECT
• To sit with my thighs and body at a 90-degree angle - WRONG
• To use a lumbar support to push me forwards - WRONG

A neutral pelvis means our spine can find its natural shape.
Sadly, not many people can sit for any more than a few minutes with their thighs and body at 90-degrees without muscles getting tired! They then slump backwards out of exhaustion.
A lumbar support often feels good, but it is only a prop for someone who would otherwise be falling backwards and slumping. Better to have a neutral pelvis, and allow you spine to grow tall.