Why do I slouch as soon as I sit down?

Apr 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

Slouching when sitting may result from a habitual preference for sitting with a bent waist, which over time develops into a poor posture. It could also be due to insufficient intake of vitamin D, leading to systemic disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and skeletal changes such as osteomalacia. Additionally, it might be caused by congenital spinal dysplasia, characterized by coronal plane spinal curvature and spinal deformity.

Sitting with a hunched back may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as vitamin D deficiency or congenital spinal dysplasia. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Poor posture while sitting—such as habitually leaning forward or slouching—may lead to the development of a persistent bad habit over time. This condition can generally be improved by correcting sitting posture.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Vitamin D Deficiency
Insufficient intake of vitamin D in the body may cause systemic disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, leading to bone changes such as osteomalacia (softening of the bones). It may also affect the function of muscles, hematopoietic system, and nerves. Treatment may include appropriate vitamin D supplementation under medical guidance.

2. Congenital Spinal Dysplasia
This refers to an inherent abnormal development of the spine, often presenting as spinal curvature in the coronal plane and resulting in back deformities. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and may include appropriate surgical intervention.

In addition, conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis may also cause the aforementioned symptoms. It is recommended that patients maintain proper sitting posture in daily life to prevent kyphosis and its potential impact on personal appearance.

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Is sleeping on a hard bed helpful for kyphosis?

For some types of kyphosis, sleeping on a hard mattress may be helpful, while for others, it may not be very effective. If the patient's kyphosis is caused by poor posture, rickets, malnutrition, or congenital developmental abnormalities, sleeping on a hard mattress may provide appropriate corrective benefits and help improve symptoms of kyphosis.

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Can push-ups treat kyphosis?

Push-ups generally cannot treat kyphosis, but they can help correct it. Performing push-ups regularly can improve posture by strengthening the muscles of the shoulders and back. This helps maintain proper alignment within an optimal range, making the body appear more upright and effectively alleviating kyphosis.