Esther Gokhale
January, 2022
![It makes sense to be discerning about your backrests and to understand the ways in which they can help or hurt.](https://gokhalemethod.com/system/files/styles/large/private/220106_blogPic.png?itok=Iay1ehCc)
This blog post is about sitting with a backrest, which could be the back part of a chair, or something added to the chair for additional support and comfort.
Support and relief
Virtually any backrest will give relief that a tired back will appreciate. Support is certainly preferable when we sit for longer periods of time to enjoy reading, TV, a movie, or, if we are lucky, live theater.
With the trunk slightly inclined against a backrest, there is less compressive force due to gravity acting on the spine. In addition, the trunk stabilizer muscles get a break. When we are driving or traveling by plane or train, a backrest also confers additional protection from vibration or any untoward impact. Read more