Sir, Research shows that activity is the best treatment for back pain and people who stay active are seven times less likely to have back pain one year after a back pain episode than people who stay recumbent (report, Nov 28, letter, Nov 29).
The Royal College of General Practitioners has issued guidelines to advise patients with back pain to stay active and take painkillers.
High disc pressures prevent infection and scans showing bulging discs are so common that this is a normal finding. Pain specialists are taught that you can’t see pain on a scan.
The finding that slouching reduces disc pressure is of interest, but nowhere near as important as telling people with back pain to remain active.
DR G. M. KNOX
Clinical Director
Pain Solutions Ltd
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Sir, Why is it assumed that a body-thigh angle of 135 degrees must be achieved by inclining the back rest, rather than inclining the seat? Achieving this angle by tilting the front of the chair seat down (as many office chairs now allow), or by using a seat wedge, or even by sitting on the edge of the seat with feet tucked under, has been the recommendation of physiotherapists for some years.
KEITH BARLOW
Brighton