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Emergency Sitting Advice

Rapid Home Fixes

Feeling that familiar ache in your back? It's a common complaint, and often, our daily habits – especially how we sit and move (or don't move!) – are big contributors. At Back in Action, we believe that the best seating position is always the next one, and that movement is medicine for your back.

While specialist furniture can transform your posture and well-being in the long run, what can you do RIGHT NOW to find some relief and set yourself on the path to a healthier back? Here are a few rapid home fixes and principles to get you started.

For free caring and informative advice, call us: 02079359120

Rapid Home Fixes
Get Up and Get Wiggling!

The Power of Movement

Get Up and Get Wiggling!

We often become "sacks of potatoes" when we sit, forgetting that our bodies are designed for movement. Children naturally bounce and shift; we need to re-learn that instinct! Even short bursts of movement can make a huge difference.

  • Take Micro-Breaks: Set a timer for every 20-30 minutes. When it goes off, stand up, stretch, walk around, or even just shift your weight.
  • Walk it Out: A brisk 5-10 minute walk can do wonders for a stiff back. It gets blood flowing and gently mobilises your spine.
  • Gentle Stretches: Simple supine stretches like cat-cow, gentle twists, or bringing your knees to your chest can provide immediate relief. Listen to your body and don't push into pain.

Embrace Experimental Seating

Think about Peter Opsvik, who designed the iconic Tripp Trapp chair for his son – recognising that children don't need soft, sedentary surfaces; they need to move! This philosophy extends to adults too.

  • Vary Your Positions: Don't get stuck in one spot. If you're working at a desk, try standing for a bit, then sitting differently. If you're on the sofa, try sitting on the edge of the seat with your knees lower than your hips for a while, then move to another position.
  • Knees Below Hips: This is a golden rule for many. Whether standing or sitting, try to maintain this alignment as much as possible to reduce pressure on your lower back.
  • Let Your Back Move: We can be so delicate about our backs when they are in pain. Your first instinct may be to stop moving and in many cases that can do more harm than good. Any small movements and stretches can help keep that movement going.
Embrace Experimental Seating
The Towel Trick

Reclaim Your Posture, Even on a Sofa!

The Towel Trick

Many common chairs and sofas encourage a slouched posture, where your hips sink lower than your knees, putting strain on your lower back. Here's a super-simple fix:

  • Roll Up a Towel: Grab a hand towel or small bath towel and roll it up firmly. (You could also use a small firm or folded pillow)
  • Sit on It: Place the rolled towel across the seat of your chair, right where your sitting bones would be.
  • Feel the Difference: This subtle lift naturally brings your knees below your hips, encouraging your pelvis to tilt forward slightly and helping you sit more upright.
  • Need a little more? When you find the right angle, you will likely find that you don't feel the need to use the back rest as much. However, if you need a little more support, pop another pillow or rolled up towel in the small of your lower back to support your lumbar.

When to Seek Expert Advice

These rapid fixes are great for immediate relief and promoting healthier habits. However, if your back pain is persistent, severe, or impacting your daily life, it's crucial to seek professional help. A diagnosis from your doctor is a great starting point, and we're always here to offer "new suggestions" and demonstrate how truly supportive and movement-encouraging furniture can make a lasting difference.

Remember, your body wants to move, and movement is healthy. Start small, incorporate these quick fixes into your day, and take the first steps towards a happier, healthier back!

When to Seek Expert Advice

Emergency & Saviour Products

 

Dynamic Wedge Sitting Aid

Move n Sit

This is one of our top-favorite savior products. The firm, air-filled Move 'n' Sit wedge provides a forward tilt angle for a more neutral spinal posture and encourages subtle micro-movements while you sit, thanks to its air-filled design. 

Move n Sit

Your spine in motion

The Mobiliser

The Mobiliser isn't just ergonomic furniture; it's a tool designed to get you moving. Developed by Back in Action founder David Newbound, the Mobiliser helps restore bend and flex to your spine, so you can rediscover that flexibility. It's a perfect solution for those with chronic or acute spinal issues. Contact our team today to learn more!

The Mobiliser

Balanced Posture & Core Fitness

Human Tool Saddle Seat

The Human Tool redefines what's possible for movement on a traditional chair. This saddle seat, with its unique ball-shaped underside, can serve as an all-day chair or a powerful movement tool for an hour a day. 

Human Tool Saddle Seat

Encourage Good Posture

Seat Wedges

Seat wedges are a game-changer if you struggle with discomfort in the car. Modern car seats, particularly those with a "bucket" design or excessive recline, can often discourage movement, leading to back pain, hip issues, and general fatigue on longer journeys. Seat wedges help to counteract this by gently tilting your pelvis forward. This simple adjustment helps to restore your spine's natural curve, reducing strain on your lower back and promoting movement and a more upright, comfortable driving position.

Seat Wedges