A posture of a user is monitored by obtaining first pressure sensor information from a plurality of sensors upon a first item of furniture occupied by the user at a first time. First sensor position information defining the relative positions of the sensors upon the first item of furniture is also obtained. The first pressure sensor information and the first sensor position information are processed to determine a first user posture upon the first item of furniture. User posture is monitored over time and/or upon different items of furniture, and a cumulative load upon the user's spine over time is determined.