Your mother was right: Sitting up straight is good for you.

Awareness about yourideal body alignmentandcore musclesis key to this.

This article takes a step-by-step approach to ensuring the optimal body position while sitting.

Computer worker diagram shows desk height, hip and knee angles and more

Andy Zito / Illustration Works / Getty Images

But, people often focus solely on straightening the spine, particularly thelumbar spine.

Sitting up straight is ultimately a process that has to be learned.

There are also useful tools and tricks to help you avoid back, hip, and neck pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sitting up straight is uncomfortable because it is not natural.

Modern life requires us to sit for much longer than the human body was intended to.

A supportive chair should curve inward at the lower back to support the lumbar spine.

Start by paying attention to your posture during the day, correcting it whenever you find yourself slouching.

Exercise can also help enormously.