(3-minute read)

As a qualified and registered osteopath with nearly 30 years' experience, many of my patients consider me to be a leading posture expert in Bristol.

I treat patients weekly with posture-related issues, including severe low back pain.

I am so passionate about tackling poor posture and bad sitting practices in Bristol that I developed and launched my very own affordable ergonomic solution, called The Z Chair.

According to statistics published by the NHS, more than 20 million people in the UK have a musculoskeletal condition such as back pain.

Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, limited movement and disability in all age groups.

The way we sit, for how long, and what we sit on, all play a major part in determining back health. Poor posture has a huge impact on general well-being.

Some of the common sitting myths I come across regularly at my Henleaze clinic include:

Sitting straight prevents back pain

While posture is important, sitting up straight in a chair is not going to prevent back pain.

The bigger issue is often the length of time in which a person is sitting. Office workers, for example, can remain in a poorly-designed chair all day. Sitting up straight is the tip of the iceberg.

A good sitting position can prevent back pain - find out more here. Moving regularly is also key.

Micro Breaks are also a critical factor - find out more here.

Desk chairs need a back and armrests

One of the most common sitting myths among Bristol workers is that their office chair needs to have a back and armrests to provide perfect postural support. The reason people need these is due to poor chair design.

Our bodies are designed to give us all the support we need, without comfort-laden chairs.

As a posture expert in Bristol, I advise patients on how to sit well. Read this for details.

Ergonomic chairs are expensive and don't work

There are many ergonomic chairs on the market, and choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task. Prices range from £150 to over £1,500 in what is a massive market.

I developed and launched The Z Chair in 2022, and have sold units across the UK, Europe and the USA. It's an eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable choice for home and office.

Ergonomic chairs do work and can be cost-effective. Find out more here.

Is there really a link between poor posture and back pain?

I've written a detailed article answering this question. Visit here to find out more.

Movement is vital, as well as adopting a variety of working positions at a computer.

Some of my patients work on a computer sitting on a Z Chair, then standing up, with micro breaks every 20 minutes, as well as stretching exercises to prevent back pain issues.

For a consultation with a posture expert in Bristol, please book with me online here.