Poor posture, tension, neck pain or back problems - more than 80% of the population have painful experiences with back problems. The causes often lie in one-sided, back-straining postures at work or when sitting. In addition to the postural muscles that our body activates for standing and sitting upright, the intervertebral discs in our spine do a lot of hard work.

The mobile part of our spine consists of 24 vertebrae and 23 individual intervertebral discs. This structure enables the trunk and head to move forwards, backwards and sideways. An intervertebral disc consists of a firm outer fibrous ring and its soft inner gelatinous core. The high water content of around 85% makes the intervertebral discs very flexible. They adapt to the physiological curvature of the spine and distribute the pressure generated during movement evenly. In their main function, intervertebral discs act like shock absorbers, softening and cushioning impacts and shocks.

In an upright posture, the intervertebral discs are compressed during the course of the day, lose water and become flatter. During sleep at night, the relieved intervertebral discs absorb water and nutrients and "unfold" again. The constant alternation of strain and relief is therefore the basis for good care of the intervertebral discs.

The intervertebral discs lose their elasticity with increasing age and due to overloading. The outer fibrous ring can lose its stability and protrusions of the intervertebral discs can form. Due to the high mobility of the cervical and lumbar spine, these sections of the spine are particularly affected. If the protrusion is more pronounced, the displaced disc can press on the spinal cord or nerves. This can cause pain, discomfort or even paralysis.

Sitting poses a similar risk to the intervertebral discs as lifting heavy loads.

A sedentary lifestyle has a decisive influence on our bodies. Unfortunately not for the better. We sit in many situations: at the breakfast table, on public transport, in the car, at our desk, in front of the TV, on the couch while reading and on other occasions. On average, we sit for over nine hours a day and spend 85% of the working day sitting.

However, the human body and spine are designed for upright posture and movement. Prolonged sitting has a direct impact on our musculoskeletal system. Sitting is an overloading bad posture and weakens the deep-lying, stabilizing muscles. The constant compression of the intervertebral discs can lead to tension, pain and restricted movement. The intervertebral discs do not distinguish between overloading due to prolonged sitting and prolonged lifting of heavy loads. A reason to take action.

If you sit, then sit properly!

Healthy sitting means staying in motion. However, not everyone is able to alternate between sitting, standing and walking in their everyday working life. Nevertheless, healthy sitting is possible on almost any chair.

Healthy and back-friendly sitting means maintaining and supporting the physiological double-S shape of the spine. In this way, the entire spine and therefore the individual intervertebral discs are evenly loaded. Sitting should also be active and dynamic. This is possible by using seat supports that enable and encourage active movement through tiny, unconscious compensatory movements while sitting. These micro-movements strengthen the deep-lying, stabilizing muscles along the spine and simply promote the relief and metabolic activity of the intervertebral discs.

Active sitting - how does it work?

Air-filled seat cushions are suitable for active and dynamic sitting, as they make individual adjustment easy thanks to the variable pressure. The desired effect is clearly noticeable after just a short time. Suitable seat cushions are also wedge cushions that promote pelvic alignment and "guide" the user into a physiological spinal position. Sitting thus loses its bad reputation and becomes an active workout for the deep-lying muscles and intervertebral discs.

What to do if the pain or tension causes acute problems?

Exercise, relief and warmth can do wonders for tension and overloading - be careful, no inflammation! - can work wonders. In the area of the lumbar spine, deep, moist heat is particularly helpful and soothing.

Special products such as SISSEL® Hydrotemp store moisture from the ambient air and then release it again after heating in the microwave or oven. This means that moist heat can be used conveniently, quickly and easily where it is most effective.