Do you dread attending your child’s baseball game because of the inevitable back pain that follows?
The good news is that pain doesn’t have to be unavoidable when sitting in the bleachers. Since it’s Correct Posture Month, we’re sharing some small changes that can help you avoid days of pain and discomfort.
Why Does My Back Hurt When I Sit on Bleachers?
The short answer is posture, or what we sometimes refer to as ergonomics. Bleachers were not designed with good ergonomics in mind, which is why prolonged sitting there can cause pain.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to sit to avoid unwanted stress on your body and back pain is by keeping your knees at about the same height as your hips. The only way to do that in the bleachers is to be one of those people who put their feet on the seat in front of them. That’s not an optimal situation for all concerned. When you sit in typical bleacher seats with your feet on the foot plank, the angle that your hips are at forces your back out of alignment. It also strains the lower back.
Then, there’s the length of time you spend sitting on the bleachers. Researchers have said that extended sitting puts more stress on the body and could potentially be as bad for us as smoking or obesity. But how do you move around in a packed stadium?
Fortunately, that may not be the only answer.
How Can I Make a Stadium Seat More Comfortable?
Popular Mechanics suggests that the best option is to invest in a high-quality stadium seat with a cushion, back support, and arm support. The best ones include a number of features, from a slightly reclining position to a seat warmer or even a drink holder. But that will mean something else to carry to and from the game, which can lead to its own form of pain.
Physical therapists and YouTube stars Bob & Brad say that the problem is that often the seat is so low that your knees are above your hips. That makes it hard not to round your back, putting more stress on your lower back. When you have someone behind you jabbing their knees into your back, you are even more tempted to round forward, straining your back.
They suggest moving to the highest seats, so you can stand up without blocking the view of people behind you or potentially have a wall at your back. If that’s not an option, sitting at the very edge so you can slide off the bleachers to stand for a few minutes is a good idea.
Be sure to walk around during the breaks and do your best to maintain a healthy posture. And take advantage of every opportunity to get up out of that seat, whether it’s cheering loudly for a home run or starting an impromptu wave.
Total Chiropractic Care Can Help You Relieve Bleacher Back
If you have already suffered too much bleacher sitting or just need a refresher on proper posture to avoid pain, Total Chiropractic Care can help. We can evaluate your posture, identify your pain points, and give you hints to avoid future pain. Contact us online, or you can call us directly at (631) 447-2299.