If you’re dealing with herniated disc pain or sciatica, one of the most overlooked causes of ongoing symptoms is how you sit every day. Sitting incorrectly can significantly increase pressure on the lower spine and aggravate disc-related pain—even if everything else you’re doing seems “right.”
When you sit with your knees higher than your hips, your pelvis rolls backward. This position increases pressure inside the lumbar discs and places added stress on already irritated nerves.
Over time, this can lead to:
Increased low back pain
Worsening leg pain or sciatica
More frequent flare-ups
Slower recovery
Many patients are surprised to learn that simply adjusting chair height can reduce symptoms.
One small change can make a meaningful difference:
Sit with your hips slightly higher than your knees.
This position helps:
Reduce pressure on lumbar discs
Improve spinal alignment
Decrease stress on the sciatic nerve
To further protect your spine:
Use a cushion or seat wedge if your chair is low
Keep your chest upright and avoid slouching
Take short standing or walking breaks every 30–45 minutes
Avoid forcing stretches or repeated bending when pain is present
These strategies won’t “fix” a disc on their own, but they can help calm symptoms and prevent worsening.
If disc pain or sciatica keeps coming back despite posture changes, it’s often a sign that disc pressure has not been adequately addressed. Temporary relief does not always mean the problem is resolved.
This is where a more targeted approach may be necessary.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in identifying and treating disc-related causes of back pain and sciatica using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000, combined with a full-body approach to support long-term results.
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“After years of sciatic pain, I finally found real relief.”
— Renee Hotchkiss
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“I was one step away from surgery. This changed everything.”
— Toni H.
Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines in one clinic
Nearly 21 years specializing in decompression care
If herniated disc pain or sciatica is limiting your life, we offer no-charge consultations, available on a first-come, first-served basis, to determine whether you’re a candidate for care.
📞 Call (619) 298-0800
📱 Text (619) 884-8298
🌐 Visit www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.
(619) 298-0800