If you spend most of your day sitting - working at a desk, driving, or lounging - your spine is likely hanging out in a lumbar flexed position for hours on end. This means your lower back is slightly rounded forward, and your spinal tissues are under low-level, constant tension.

That position isn’t "bad" in itself. Your body is built to bend, flex, and round. The problem? It’s always in that position.

Over time, the lack of variety in movement leads to:

• Stiffness and achiness in the lower back

• Reduced spinal mobility

• Decreased tolerance to other positions (like extension or rotation)

• A general feeling of tightness, even when you're “doing nothing”

The Solution Isn’t Just Stretching - It’s Moving Differently

Instead of focusing solely on loosening up your back or stretching the "tight" spots, perform movements aim to reverse the repeated flexion by reintroducing extension, rotation, and gentle spinal control. Think of it like giving your spine a new direction to explore - the opposite of what it’s been doing all day.

These movements aren’t meant to be aggressive. In fact, if they feel too intense, scale them back. Go slower, reduce the range of motion, or do fewer reps. The goal is to introduce movement in a tolerable, consistent way so your back learns to feel safe again in other positions.

Move More, Sit Smarter

It’s not about avoiding sitting - it’s about breaking up the sameness. Give your back some variety. A few intentional minutes of mobility work each day can go a long way in building a more resilient, pain-free spine.