Are you sitting comfortably..? How bad posture causes damage?
Although the person in the picture above looks fairly comfortable, sitting in this position for a long time may cause the following problems:
- The person is leaning to the left and is therefore taking more weight through their left buttock. This could quickly lead to skin damage on that side and even a pressure sore.
- The spine is curved and the rib cage is squashed down on the right side as the person tries to stay upright. This could lead to back pain or breathing problems.
- The knees are pressed together and have fallen to the left. Over time this may cause the muscles between the legs to become tight making the legs difficult to separate.
- Increased discomfort or tension in the body could make spasms or spasticity worse.
- The person is leaning on their left elbow in order to stop themselves falling to the left. This could lead to a pressure area developing on their elbow and also prevents them from using their left arm for everyday activities.
Taking care of your skin
If you have reduced sensation or feeling in your bottom and legs, you have an increased chance of developing pressure ulcers. You may be unaware that your position is causing damage to your skin, muscles or joints. It is very important that you look carefully at your sitting position, making sure that your weight is distributed evenly through both sides, and that you try and change position regularly.
It is important to check your skin on a daily basis, especially the areas prone to more pressure. Report any changes in skin colour or texture to your GP, nurse or therapist immediately.
If you are sitting in a good position and developing red areas, it is very important that you contact your therapist or wheelchair clinic as you may need a different type of wheelchair cushion.
Next page - Understanding the role of the pelvis in achieving a stable posture