If you love to read or maybe watch some tv while lying in bed, you may be causing aches and pains in your neck, back, or even sciatica. The reason for this has to do with the way our spines and hips are designed. Our upper spine (cervical) naturally has an inward curve to it. Our lower spine (lumbar) also has an inward curve to it. When we sit like the lady in the picture, this reverses those curves which puts underpressure on our spine’s intervertebral discs, causing pain and injury.

The intervertebral discs are a circular, soft tissue between each of our vertebral bones of our spine. When we have continuous pressure on them, they can herniate or bulge When this happens, a small fragment or bubble pops out to one side, kind of like what happens if you squeeze a water balloon. That protrusion puts pressure on the nerve that exit the spinal cord, causing pain. This is why it is so important not to continually put pressure on the spine when it is curved in the opposite direction of its normal state.

In this video Craig Zuckerman explains how this seated position in bed effects the body and creates pain, such as sciatica. He then shows you exactly what to do to prevent that pain while you read in bed. These simple adjustments noted in the video have helped hundreds of Z-Line Fitness’ clients over the years. You will be amazed how a little adjustment can go a long way to relieving your pain.