Anyone who works in an office spends an average of 80 percent of their working day sitting – this is according to a BKK health report (as of 2019): The lack of exercise is the greatest health burden that employees in the office are exposed to. It is therefore hardly surprising that so many people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. But back or coccyx problems are also not uncommon and can be caused by excessive sitting, a herniated disc, childbirth or an operation. The question here is how more exercise can be integrated into everyday (office) life and which aids can counteract pain when sitting?
It’s no secret that a lack of exercise is bad for your health – but many people ignore the fact until the first back problems become noticeable. Then at the latest it is time to act to avoid long-term musculoskeletal diseases. According to the Techniker Krankenkasse, which published a study on the subject of “Get moving, Germany” in 2016, almost one in three adults in Germany constantly or often suffers from back problems. The shocking thing is: 30 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 29 said they often or constantly had back pain. The same applies to those over 70 years old.
“Nowadays, back problems are less often caused by particular physical demands at work and more and more often by the exact opposite – due to a lack of exercise,” warns the TK and points out that screen space and automated work processes are responsible for our bodies suffering as a result of us being less active move. “In addition, digital media and social networks ensure that we spend a good part of the evening without moving.” So the magic word is: movement. Incorporate more sporting activities into your everyday life, go for walks more often and – very important – 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 particularly 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 experience 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 annoying hemorrhoids – and this is because the recess in the middle of the cushion relieves the sacral and rectal areas. The tailbone is, so to speak, exposed, which in turn allows you to adopt a better posture and straighten your spine. A cooling gel layer and the underlying memory foam, which in some models is adjustable and provides resistance, should provide the necessary support and comfort.
Alternatively, you can also opt for the cheaper option: an inflatable seat ring. It has the advantage that you can determine the level of hardness yourself and thus adapt it to your personal level of pain. In addition, you have more scope 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 posture problems and straighten the spine. This is made possible by the wedge-like shape, which automatically tilts your pelvis forward and allows you to assume an upright position while sitting.
Sources: BKK health report, Techniker Krankenkasse
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