Anyone who has an office job spends an average of 80 percent of their working day sitting down – this is the result of a BKK health report (as of 2019): The lack of exercise is the greatest health burden that employees in the office are exposed to. So it’s hardly surprising that so many people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. But back or coccyx problems are also not uncommon and can be triggered by excessive sitting, a herniated disc, childbirth or an operation. This raises the question of how more movement can be integrated into everyday (office) life and which aids can counteract pain when sitting?
It’s no secret that lack of exercise is bad for your health, but many ignore the fact until their back problems start to appear. Then at the latest it is time to act to avoid long-term muscle and skeletal disorders. According to the Techniker Krankenkasse, which published a study on the topic “Move yourself, Germany” in 2016, almost every third adult in Germany suffers from back problems constantly or often. The frightening thing is that even 30 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 29 stated that they often or constantly had back pain. The same applies to those over 70.
“Nowadays, back problems are caused less often by particular physical strain on the job and more and more frequently by the exact opposite – by a lack of exercise,” warns TK and points out that screen spaces and automated work processes are responsible for our body suffering from the fact that we feel less move. “In addition, digital media and social networks ensure that we spend a good part of the end of the day without moving.” So the magic word is: movement. Build more physical activity into your daily routine, go for walks more often and – most importantly – get up several times a day, leave your desk and move for at least five minutes.
If you already suffer from back or tailbone problems that are most noticeable when sitting, an orthopedic pillow can help relieve the pain. A seat ring, for example, has several properties that have a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system. For this reason, it is also suitable for those affected who feel pain when sitting due to a strenuous birth, an operation or a herniated disc. The seat ring can even be useful if you suffer from bothersome haemorrhoids – and this has the following background: The recess in the middle of the cushion relieves the sacral and rectal area. The tailbone is exposed, so to speak, which in turn means that you adopt a better posture and straighten your spine. A cooling gel layer and the memory foam underneath, which is adjustable and resistant in some models, provide the necessary support and comfort.
Alternatively, you can also opt for the cheaper option: a seat ring to inflate. It has the advantage that you can determine the degree of hardness yourself and thus adapt it to your personal pain tolerance. In addition, you have more leeway to load and balance your pelvis differently in order to bring more movement into sitting. Or you can use an orthopedic wedge pillow with a washable cover, which is supposed to counteract postural damage and straighten the spine. This is made possible by the wedge-like shape, which automatically tilts your pelvis forward and you assume an upright position when sitting.
Sources: BKK health report, Techniker Krankenkasse
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