Seven good habits to avoid back pain. Habit 5

5 - Sitting with both legs to one side on the couch – Many people have a habit of sitting with both of their legs to one side on the couch while watching TV, using the computer etc.  I have had children as young as six and eight attend my clinic with back pain – usually around the base of the rib cage on one side from doing just this, not to mention many adults.  This happens because if you sit with your legs to the side and watch TV, you still have to prop yourself up so that your eyes are horizontally level or it just feels weird.  The easiest way to do this on the couch is to rest one arm on the armrest which leaves your legs out to the opposite side.  As a result, your lower back and ribs are forced into an extreme curve.  And as with all habits – and lounge rooms – you tend to favour the same armrest, and same side of the couch and sit the same way all the time.  Pretty soon your body adopts this curve and you start to feel pain.  Tip number 5 – It is just better not to do this.  Sit square to the TV with your legs out in front of you.