The chiropractic clinic is warning that increased time spent sitting watching TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor this fall could lead to more back pain, as viewers may spend the equivalent of an extra two days on the sofa. Poor posture from excessive sitting is a major cause of back pain. The clinic recommends sitting properly supported, taking breaks to stand and stretch every 40 minutes, and doing light exercise during commercials to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.

1. Strictly Come Slouching
313 High Road Chadwell Heath
Romford , Essex RM6 6AX
Tel : 0208 252 1010 : 0208 262 3140
www.chiropracticcare.co.uk
With the autumn nights about to draw in and Strictly Come
Dancing started this weekend; the nation is gearing up to a
series of Saturday nights slouched in front of the box.
From now until Christmas, there is an onslaught of weekend
entertainment programmes and the Romford & Ilford Family
Chiropractic Clinic is warning that we could all be ‘Strictly Come
Aching’ as a result.
Research highlights that 28% of the population already spend
over 15 hours seated per day Monday to Friday. But for the next
three months viewers of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing
could spend the equivalent of an extra two days on the sofa
watching Simon Cowell and Len Wiseman put contestants
through their paces.
Poor posture is one of the biggest causes of back pain, and
figures continue to rise, with 32% of the nation currently
suffering from back pain and 62% having suffered. This
additional inactivity on top of our already sedentary lifestyles
means we could be in for a serious case of the Slouch Factor.
Dr James Faulkner from the Romford & Ilford Chiropractic Clinic warns: “As a
nation we clearly like to sit down and whilst resting is good for our bodies there is
almost twice as much pressure on your back when you are sitting incorrectly than
there is if you stand up. Sitting for prolonged periods of time as inactivity coupled
with incorrect posture lays us open to back pain.”
The Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic has some simple pointers to enjoy Saturday nights in front of
the TV safely:
• Sit up! Sit in chairs that provide full support for your spine and make sure your
shoulders, hips and knees face the same direction.
• Stand up! Avoid sitting in the same position for
more than 40 minutes, less if possible. When you do take
a break, walk around and stretch a little.
• Exercise! Compensate for inactivity during the ad
breaks by doing some light exercise – anything to loosen
your muscles.
See our spinal hygiene handouts for further exercises.