Ge You Lying on Office Chair

"Ge You Lying" poses a significant risk to the lumbar spine and is not recommended for prolonged periods.

Although "Ge You Lying" may seem relaxing, it actually carries numerous health risks. In this posture, the waist is suspended in mid-air, and the lumbar spine loses effective support, causing it to arch backward. At this point, the weight of the upper body concentrates on the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum, placing a tremendous burden on the lumbar spine. Studies have shown that the pressure on the lumbar spine while standing is 100, while in a correct sitting position, it is 150. However, during "Ge You Lying," the pressure on the lumbar spine can reach as high as 300, which is three times that of normal standing and twice that of a proper sitting posture.

Maintaining the "Ge You Lying" posture for extended periods can gradually lead to chronic strain in the waist. The lumbar intervertebral discs may also deform and protrude due to prolonged high pressure. Office workers and students, who often sit for long periods, have relatively weaker muscle strength and are more significantly affected. Office workers, whose jobs already require prolonged sitting, may further increase the burden on their lumbar spine by frequently adopting the "Ge You Lying" posture, leading to discomfort such as waist pain and stiffness, which affects work efficiency and quality of life. Students, who are in the stage of physical development with bones and muscles not yet fully mature, may experience adverse effects on the normal development of their spine, potentially leading to serious issues like scoliosis.

To avoid the health risks associated with "Ge You Lying," it is advisable to place a cushion behind the waist when resting on a sofa or office chair. The cushion can provide support for the lumbar spine, maintaining its natural curvature and preventing the waist from being suspended in mid-air, thereby effectively reducing the pressure on the lumbar spine. Additionally, each rest period should be limited to less than 20 minutes to avoid prolonged maintenance of the same posture and reduce the risk of waist fatigue and injury.