Why Pelvic Support?

Lumbar Support - the facts

The theory of lumbar support is a simple mechanical error; the result of orthopeadic surgeons not having engineering knowledge and seat and chair engineers , no anatomical knowledge.

When we sit, the primary effect is the backward rolling of the pelvis, because:

• all the leg muscles connect to the pelvis so, when the thigh goes from vertical to horizontal (or beyond) in sitting, the pelvis tends to roll back too. (Tight clothing accentuates this).

• the weight of the upper body transfers down the spine, on to the back of the pelvis - rolling it backwards.

These two effects cannot be resisted by supporting the spine directly, and the result is maximum bending force where the spine connects to the pelvis. This is exactly what lumbar support causes.

Pelvic Support - the solution

The ideal solution is to support the pelvis directly -  as high up on the pelvis as possible and, not in the centre of the back but, at the sides - on the area just below the iliac crest.

Pelvic Support on th e"wings" of the pelvis

Your Body and Pelvic Support

When using a pelvic support chair/seat or accessory, this is your guide to locate the area the support should be:

1. While standing, run both hands down the ribs at the side of your body. Just below the lowest rib is a bony prominence just below waist level. This is the top of the pelvis - the iliac crest.

2. Using your thumbs, follow the ridge backwards on each side. The ridge (iliac crest) turns downward on each side and ends in a bony prominence on each side. These prominences are the posterior iliac spines and are 2 - 4" (5- 10cms) apart at the top of the buttock .......

3. This ridge and the couple of inches (5 cm or so) are where you need support.

4. Below the posterior iliac spine and centrally is the bony prominence of the sacrum, where support is not needed - Click HERE for explanation

Now that you understand the area pelvic support needs to be applied, you'll also see that the pelvic support chair or seat avoids support wher others give support, reaching the areas not reached by an ordinary chair or seat.

Want to understand more? Click below -

		Adapt the pelvic support theory to your lifestyle
		Articles and literature published by John Gorman