Have you ever felt discomfort in your lower back after sitting for a long time? If the answer to this question is yes, then you are experiencing low back pain (LBP). What is low back pain? In order not to become more confused about this problem, recognizing the causes and types of this health condition will help you. If you already understand these two things, you can continue by learning how to prevent them. Check out various useful information about this here with PEXIO.
What is Low Back Pain?
Sitting on a chair is a comfortable position. Especially when you have to use a computer or laptop on a table while doing work. Students also use tables and chairs as tools to help the learning process. However, sitting for a long time plus an ineffective posture can cause problems. One of them is pain and discomfort in the lower back. This condition is commonly known as low back pain. This problem cannot be considered trivial. Because if left alone without any effort to prevent it, this can become a serious health condition and requires more treatment. The human body is designed to be able to stand upright. This helps the bones in the body become stronger, trains muscles, and improves blood flow. But when you sit down, this process becomes hampered. Gradually it will disrupt body health. So what symptoms can be felt when experiencing this condition?
Symptoms of Low Back Pain
Some of the symptoms that you can feel when experiencing low back pain include:
- Pain in the lower back
- Feeling like being stabbed or electrocuted
- Pain that radiates to the leg
- Difficult to stand
- Woke up in the morning with pain
Find out a more complete explanation of the symptoms of LBP through the following article "5 Symptoms of Low Back Pain that You Should Know".
Types of Low Back Pain
Low back pain also consists of several types which have different symptoms and causes. Recognizing this can help you find out whether your sitting habits have an influence on the pain you are currently feeling. Here are several types of low back pain for you to recognize:
1. Non-Specific Low Back Pain
This first type is something that someone will definitely experience in their life. Pain in the lower back can be felt suddenly. The exact cause of this condition cannot be determined with certainty. Therefore it is called non-specific low back pain. The pain that everyone feels is also not the same. Some experience quite severe symptoms such as pain and difficulty moving. There are also those who just feel sore muscles. As stated previously, this type does not have a definite cause.
2. Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain in the sciatic nerve, which is the nerve that runs from the base of the spine down to the back of the leg. There are several conditions that can cause this type of lower back pain, including bone spurs in your spine. The pain that appears can take the form of a painful sensation or even feel like an electric shock. Then sitting for a long time without good support can make it worse.
3. Chronic Low Back Pain
When pain in the lower back continues to occur repeatedly for more than 3 months, then this condition is in the chronic stage. You will need the help of an expert doctor to handle it.
Causes of Low Back Pain
This condition can be caused by several things, some of which include:
1. Wrong body posture when sitting
Sitting with your body bent, tilted to either side, or stretched out can put excessive stress on the body. Especially the lower back. Also read: 5 Correct Sitting Positions to Maintain Bone Health
2. Herniated Disc
Pain in the lower back can be a sign that you are suffering from a herniated disc. Pressure on the disk causes this part to be pushed out of its normal shape. This then triggers tension in the spinal cord and nerves in the area. For sufferers, they will experience severe pain to the point of numbness. This condition can also occur when lifting heavy loads in the wrong way.
3. Muscle Tension
Muscle strains in the lower back can occur when you stretch your back too much. Sitting too long in the wrong position also makes your muscles hurt more.
How to Prevent Low Back Pain
Before you experience this condition, it would be better to prevent it. There are several easy ways you can do this. Here's how to prevent it:
1. Use an Ergonomic Chair
When you have to sit for a long time because of work or your hobby, using an ergonomic chair with good design and support is a good idea. One recommendation for an ergonomic chair that you can use is the Stanley from PEXIO. Using 3D adjustable armrest, headrest, and backrest keeps your hands, back, and head in the right position. Then there is the Automatic Elastic Lumbar Support which provides the best assistance to the lower back. This feature is able to prevent low back pain. Also read: 10 Best Ergonomic Chairs and Their Prices in 2022
2. Do stretching
After sitting for a long period of time, take a moment to stand up and do some simple stretching. Relax tense muscles after spending time sitting and not moving.
3. Exercise
A healthy and strong body can certainly help you avoid various health conditions. More strength in the abdominal muscles is also very good for providing good support for your back.
Prevent Low Back Pain With PEXIO
That's information about low back pain. Starting from the definition, types, various causes, and also how to prevent it. As mentioned above, using an ergonomic chair is a good way to prevent this condition. To find a variety of other ergonomic furniture, you can contact PEXIO directly. One of them is the ergonomic desk option which has a variety of interesting features that can maintain body comfort and reduce stress on your body. What are you waiting for? You can find everything here! 
Sumber rujukan:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/lower-back-pain-when-sitting#causes
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain
- https://www.med.or.jp/english/pdf/2004_05/227_233.pdf