How to Relax Your Back in a Chair

Office jobs are sometimes thought to be less strenuous than other career fields; however, they are one of the hardest professions on backs. The back problems that can occur after long-term sitting in a nonrelaxed state demonstrate the importance of relaxing one's back in a chair. Researchers are now saying that sitting fully upright in your chair can actually trigger chronic pain, as it can put too much strain on your spine.

Instructions

• 1

  Sit down, moving your trunk to the back of the chair so that you will have proper lumbar support throughout your spine. Slowly roll your entire back against the chair backrest.

• 2

  Lean back so that your back and legs make a 135-degree angle. This position, according to a study presented at the Radiological Society of North America, causes the least amount of pressure on the disks in your back.

• 3

  Keep your head at the same natural angle as the rest of your body; don't lean it forward or back. If you are in an office, you may need to reposition your monitor so you can still see comfortably.

• 4

  Rest your feet on the floor so that they can support their own weight or use a footrest. Don't cross your legs at either the knee or the ankle.