Poor sitting position or staying in the same position for long periods can lead to a myriad of health problems, one of them being back pain. If you are usually seated at an office desk for many hours then you must use an ergonomic chair to prevent health issues. Ergonomic office chairs are designed to maximize back support as well as maintain good posture while sitting down. These chairs are intended to modify the office so that the user is comfortable, thus minimizing the risk of fatigue and discomfort. This article will look at everything you need to know about the best ergonomic office chair for lower back pain.
Which Is the No.1 Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Lower Back Pain?
How Do Ergonomic Office Chairs Relieve Lower Back Pain
Many features of ergonomic desk chairs are designed to help relieve lower back pain. Here we will take you to have a deeper look at how these features do you a power of good.
1. Provides More Support
First, ergonomic chairs are designed to support natural posture and reduce stressful forces on the human body. These chairs have full-length backs that extend from shoulders to the seat. It has a section in the lower back that curves forward slightly thus matching the natural curve in the lumbar spine. This is what is known as lumbar support which helps protect the lumbar spine.
Best Support – Gaming Computer Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Massage
2. Encourages Natural Alignment
Second, a good office chair should offer a proper hip and pelvis alignment. Most of us tend to sit with the pelvis tilted backward in a sacral-sitting or pelvic tilt. When you sit in this position, the PSIS is quite lower than ASIS and bears weight more on sacrum than ischial tuberosities. This means that if the pelvis tilts backward, the lumbar spine will flex which results in greater strain on the muscles and ligaments in the low back. Therefore, you are also more prone to hip pain.
3. Prevents Slouching
Third, an ergonomic office chair prevents forward head posture and slouching. The contour of the seat back which supports the lumbar spine as well as adjustable seat depth prevents slouching thus promoting proper sitting position. Using an adjustable ergonomic chair prevents forward head posture and slouching.
4. Stops Trunk Flexion
Fourth, ergonomic chairs are beneficial to lower back pain because they reduce the need for repetitive trunk flexion. When you are seated in a slouched position, you may find it difficult to reach out to things on your desk without leaning your trunk forward.
Best for Good Posture – DRAGONN Ergonomic Kneeling Office Chair
5. Ensures Comfort
Fifth, ergonomic office chairs are made from higher-quality materials than budget chairs which helps improve comfort. They have back cushions and seat cushions which may be thicker to improve the fit. Some chairs have additional lumbar support that is built into design and armrests which can be raised to support the elbows.
Most Comfortable – Homall Gaming Office Chair with Thick Padding
What Type of Office Chair Is Best for Relieving Lower Back Pain?
Ergonomic office chairs can reduce back pain by promoting good sitting posture which allows proper alignment of hips, shoulders, and spine. This reduces abnormal body strain and prevents harmful positions like forwarding head and slouching.
There are different types of ergonomic chairs that can be used in an office. If you have a lower back problem that does not seem to go away then you should use ergonomic office chairs. This type of office chair includes ergonomic features such as a headrest, built-in lumbar support, and adjustable armrests, tilt, and height, making it suitable for long-hour jobs.
If you are a short person, you may prefer to use office chairs for short people. Compared to conventional chairs, this type of office chair is lightweight, smaller, and constructed from thinner fabric, making it fit confined spaces. Look for office chairs which have a lower gas lift as well as a lower base to offer added comfort to people with smaller body frame.
Best for Short Person – Flash Furniture Mid-Back Mesh Chair with Flip-Up Arms
Office chairs for overweight or tall people are perfect for users with a height of up to 6’6″. This type of office chair has features such as tilt, swivel, and seat height adjustment. Conference chairs are another type of office chair that comes with several adjustment features that ensure you are seated comfortably in a meeting. These chairs have cushioned armrests, height adjustment, and tilt features.
Best for Tall People – Hon VL705 Heavy Duty Chair, 500 lbs Capacity
How to Pick the Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Lower Back Pain Relief
It goes without saying that no one type of office chair is the best, which is why you should pay attention to factors such as armrest, swivel, backrest, lumbar support, and seat height. An office chair is considered to be ergonomic if they have an adjustable headrest, armrest, and reclining backrest. Ergonomic chairs with these features can help with a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions such as low back, mid-back, and neck pain. When it comes to choosing the best ergonomic office chair for lower back pain, it is recommended that you pay attention to the following factors.
1. Seat Height
The first thing you need to look at is the height of the seat. A good office chair should have an easily adjustable seat height. The easiest way you can do this is by using an adjustment lever. Ideal seat height should range from 16 to 21 inches off the floor. The benefit of this is that it will help you have your feet flat on the floor.
Flexible Height – Neo Chair Tilt Lock Fully Adjustable with Skin-Friendly Foam
2. Armrests
The best office chair should have adjustable armrests. The armrest should allow the arm of users to rest comfortably while the shoulders should be relaxed. In addition, the lower arms and elbows should rest lightly while the forearm shouldn’t be on armrest while you are typing.
Adjustable Armrests – SPACE Seating Professional Chair with Tilt Control
3. Seat Depth And Width
The seat should have enough depth and width which support users comfortably. The standard width should range from 17 to 20 inches wide. Make sure you check if the depth of the seat is enough such that users sit with their back against the backrest of an office chair, which leaves about 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees as well as the seat of the chair.
Best Ergonomic Seat – Herman Miller Embody High-End Executive Chair
4. Backrest
The backrest of an ergonomic chair should be between 12 and 19 inches wide. In case the office chair has a backrest that is separate from the seat, it should be adjusted in angle and height. In addition, it should support the natural curve of your spine, with great attention given to the support of the lumbar region. If the office chair comes with a backrest and seat as one piece, the backrest should adjust in back and forth angles, with a locking mechanism that secures it.
Wide High Back – Duramont Big and Tall Reclining Chair with Headrest
5. Lumbar Support
Another important factor to consider is whether the office chair has lower back support. In case you did not know, the lumbar spine has an inward curve shape, and if you are seated for long hours without proper back support it may lead to slouching that strains lower spine structures. The good thing about using an ergonomic chair is that it comes with lumbar adjustment (both depth and height) which helps the user to get the proper fit which supports the inward curve.
Best Lumbar Support – Herman Miller Aeron Chair for Bad Backs
6. Seat Edge Design
For people who are suffering from lower back pain, you must consider the seat edge design of an office chair. Note that if you are having back pains, the pain is not just localized to the back but can go all the way to the lower legs and thighs. In case your back pain extends to your legs and thighs, choosing an ergonomic office chair that has a flexible or waterfall edge can be vital in promoting blood circulation and reducing pressure.
Waterfall Seat Edge – La-Z-Boy Bellamy Bonded Leather Executive Office Chair
7. Seat Material
The material on the ergonomic office chair seat as well as the back should come with enough padding which is comfortable to sit on long periods. Make sure you choose between a cloth fabric that breaths over a harder surface.
Best Material – Office Star ProGrid Back FreeFlex Seat Chair for Lower Back Pain
Is Ergonomic Office Chair Lumbar Support Helpful for Lower Back Pain?
Yes, there is a lot of evidence that shows that lumbar support is a great feature that helps relieve strain and lower back pain. However, they have to be adjustable to your body or could result in more pain. Look for ergonomic chairs that have adjustable height, depth, and lower back supports. Lumbar support in an ergonomic chair, especially adjustable ones can reduce lower back pain and increase comfort.
According to research done by Herman Miller, optimal pressure distribution in an ergonomic chair at a reclined position should be in the thoracic and lumbar areas. An office chair with adjustable lumbar support cushions the lower back, thus offering long-lasting comfort, especially for people suffering from sciatica or lower back pain. According to Mayo Clinic, people with lower back pain can benefit from an ergonomic chair which has good lumbar support.
What Is the Best Position to Sit for Lower Back Pain?
Sitting in an office chair for extended periods can lead to lower back pain or worsen a current back problem. In case you did not know, sitting in an office chair can increase stress in the arms, legs, shoulders, and back and may add pressure to the spinal discs and back muscles.
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Is It Better to Sit or Stand with Lower Back Pain?
If you are suffering from back pain, especially lower back pain, you should alternate between sitting and standing. Make sure you sit for short periods only of between 10 to 15 minutes. And then sit up and even walk around from time to time. Ensure that you sit with back support like a rolled-up towel which is placed at the curve of your back. Most ergonomic office chairs have lumbar support. Additionally, keep your knees and hips at the right angle, and use footrest or stool if necessary. Do not cross your feet and ensure they are flat on the floor. The following are tips on how you can sit correctly on an ergonomic chair.
First, sit at the end of the office chair and make sure you slouch completely.
Second, accentuate the curve of your back as far as you can and hold for a few seconds. Release that position slightly and maintain a good sitting posture.
Third, sit in a high-back ergonomic chair that comes with armrests. Sitting in a soft chair will make you round your back which helps support the curve of your back.
Fourth, adjust the height of the ergonomic chair as well as the work station so that you can sit up close to work and tilt it up at you. Before you start working, you can rest your arms and elbows on your desk or chair, which keeps your shoulders relaxed.
Best for Sit-Stand Workstation – LeanRite Chair 22.5″ – 46.3″ Seat with Anti-Fatigue Mat
Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Get up from Sitting?
Your back may hurt when you get up from sitting because of bad posture while you are seated. Usually, when you are standing and walking, it can lead to enhanced pressure on your spine which makes lower back muscles spasm and tighten, thus leading to pain. Your posture is vital for proper weight distribution. Therefore, standing up then sitting up straight can help reduce lower back pain.
When Should I Be Worried about Lower Back Pain?
It is not abnormal to experience lower back pains but if it lasts for one month or longer then you should seek medical help. Some of the symptoms of lower back pain which can act as a red flag include loss of weaknesses, fever, trauma, numbness, weight gain, or loss.
Why Won’t My Lower Back Pain Go Away?
Your lower back pain may not go away if you are not resting. You may put a lot of pressure on your back if you are working for long hours. This is why you must take a rest after working for long hours. In case you did not know, your food may be a reason why your back pain does not go away.
Though back pain may indeed be a result of muscle strain, the pain may be caused by inflammation. Therefore, you can eat foods that limit inflammation if you want to reduce your back pain. It may be difficult to go to a doctor when you have back pain, and you may want to tough it out. Not seeing a professional or seeing the wrong professional can make your lower back pain not go away.
Why Do I Keep Getting Lower Backache?
You will get lower back pain if you lift heavy objects and keep twisting the spine while lifting. Having an inactive job can lead to lower backache. This is especially true if you have poor posture or sit the whole day in an office chair which has inadequate back support.
You may also get lower back pain in case you repeat certain movements such as rotating or twisting your spine, thus injuring your back. Sudden movements which place too much stress on the lower back like fall is another reason why you are getting lower backache.
Poor posture over time while working may lead to lower backache. If you want your lower back pain to go away, you need to pay attention to posture.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter whether you work at home or in an office, you must take good care of your body. Choosing the right office chair can enhance your health, comfort, and overall productivity. The best ergonomic office chair for lower back pain should promote good posture and support your back.
