Published on: 7/4/2025
Can slouching lead to lower back pain?
Slouching can strain the muscles and tissues in your back, which might lead to lower back pain, but there's no clear agreement on whether it definitely causes pain.
Explanation
Slouching is when you sit or stand with your back in a curved position. This can put extra strain on the muscles and tissues in your lower back. According to the research, slouching can increase the load on your back muscles, potentially leading to discomfort or pain.
However, not all experts agree on whether slouching directly causes back pain. Some studies suggest that while slouching can affect back muscles, it is not the only factor that might lead to pain. Other factors, like how long you sit or stand in one position, and your overall health, also play a role.
In summary, while slouching might contribute to back pain, it's not the only cause. Maintaining good posture and taking breaks to move around can help in reducing the risk of developing back pain.
(References)
- Snijders CJ, Hermans PF, Niesing R, Jan Kleinrensink G, & Pool-Goudzwaard A. (2008). Effects of slouching and muscle contraction on the strain .... Manual therapy, 17553728.
- Swain CTV, Pan F, Owen PJ, Schmidt H, & Belavy DL. (2020). No consensus on causality of spine postures or physical .... Journal of biomechanics, 31451200.
- O'Sullivan PB, Mitchell T, Bulich P, Waller R, & Holte J. (2006). The relationship beween posture and back muscle .... Manual therapy, 15953751.
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