Researchers are using a new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to show that sitting in an upright position places unnecessary strain on one’s back, leading to potentially chronic back pain problems if one spends long hours sitting. The study was conducted at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland, and was presented earlier this week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Using some new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, Scottish and Canadian researchers have found that sitting in an upright position places unnecessary strains on one’s back. According to researchers, sitting in an upright posture for long periods of time (hours) can lead to chronic back pain.