Is it harmful to sit leg to leg - correct postures for posture and health

Phlebologist of the First Professional Network of Orthopedic Salons ORTEKA

What is the danger of sitting with your leg over your leg?

Let’s start with the fact that sitting is basically an unnatural position for a person, because of which the body experiences a huge static load. The situation is aggravated by the fact that many people do not watch their posture at all, for example, often sit with their leg over the leg. Constant sitting in the wrong position leads to rapid fatigue, reduced productivity and negatively affects the musculoskeletal system.

The risk of varicose veins increases

In any case, all static loads (work at a computer or on your feet) negatively affect the venous system of the lower extremities. During the day, you should try to move more, so that the muscles contract and help the outflow of blood. Warm-up breaks should be taken every hour. To prevent or treat varicose veins, it is recommended to wear compression knitwear, which improves the outflow of venous blood from the legs to the heart.

The intervertebral discs are rubbed off

Sitting in the position “foot on foot” can turn into pain in the lower back region, which is explained by overstretching the muscles. Any deviations from the natural posture are dangerous for the spine. If a person leans heavily when working at the computer, excessively lowers his head, puts his foot on his foot or puts his feet under himself, the spinal axis shifts. As a consequence, the intervertebral discs are compressed. Such a load contributes to their destruction, which is accompanied by chronic back pain.

How to sit correctly

To minimize the risk of such problems, it is enough to control your posture. Try it right now!

Keep your back straight, without tilting it forward. This is the most natural position possible. When you sit, your head, shoulders and pelvis should be in a straight line. Relax your shoulders and place your elbows on the table so that you have a 90-120 degree angle. Keep your knees bent at a right angle too. Place your feet completely on the floor.

Position the monitor correctly. Make sure it is in line with your eyes. A suitable distance to the screen is 50-70 cm. Use an orthopedic pillow under your back, which will help control your posture. Such a product supports the spine in the correct physiological position, reducing the load on it.

A sedentary lifestyle in general negatively affects the work of the whole body, so do everything possible to minimize the harm from static loads. Try to move throughout the day. Get in the habit of walking for at least an hour a day. Nordic walking, morning exercises, warming up during breaks from work, cycling, swimming – all this will help to take care of the health of your legs and the entire musculoskeletal system.