If the fetal position is such a natural sleeping position, why does slouching while sitting down negatively affect the spine over time?
In: Physics
All of the above answers are good! Adding in the added idea that when you slouch you are reversing the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) curves, as well as increasing the thoracic (mid back/rib) curve. It also tends to cause forward head posture, especially if you are slouching at a computer screen.
Your spine is built in such a way that the curves act like a spring. They are supported by postural muscles whose express purpose is keeping you upright (and sometimes movement too). When you slouch, other muscles have to kick in to support the weight of your body. The head alone weighs about 8 pounds, which is a lot of weight given the size of the muscles that move it.
Additionally, putting the body in this position causes some muscles to stretched out and others to tighten from being out of alignment. It can also cause joint capsules to stretch, making you more susceptible to injury. This is especially relevant at the shoulder and hip.
Both joints can become imbalanced. At the shoulder girdle slides forward, stretching out the back and tightening the pecs. At the hip, the pelvis tucks under and can cause shortened hip flexors, leading to low back pain.
TLDR: slouching makes the wrong muscles work and puts others in a position where they can’t work as well, frequently leading to pain.
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