The Best Type Of Chair For Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common issue that affects millions of different people across the world. It can be caused by a range of factors, such as poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and various medical conditions. Sitting in a chair for extended periods can exacerbate lower back pain, making it essential to choose the right chair when working at a desk or sitting for prolonged periods.
Whilst there are many aesthetically pleasing desk chairs on the market, especially after so many more people started working from home during the pandemic, these aren’t always the best for the lower back. Posture plays an important role in lower back pain, so it’s important to choose a chair that best supports the spine.
Keep reading to learn about the best type of chair for lower back pain in Mechanicsburg and get more information on the features to look for when selecting an office chair.
Causes Of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of different factors. For example, poor posture is a common culprit as it places additional unwanted pressure on the spine and muscles in the lower back. A sedentary lifestyle, including sitting in a chair for long periods, can also contribute to lower back pain as it can lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility around the spine. Furthermore, some medical conditions, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and arthritis, can also lead to lower back pain.
Whilst it is not always possible to avoid an episode of lower back pain, there are some strategies that can help. For example, as sitting in the wrong chair for an eight-hour workday can cause or exacerbate lower back pain, it’s important to invest time and effort into choosing the right chair. Over time, this can help improve spinal posture and health, leading to reduced incidences of injury and better quality of life.
The Features To Look For In An Office Chair To Avoid Lower Back Pain
Sitting in the wrong chair, especially for extended periods, can exacerbate lower back pain. A chair that does not provide adequate lumbar support or is not adjustable can lead to poor posture and increased pressure on the lower back. Over time, this can result in chronic lower back pain.
When selecting a chair for lower back pain, several features should be considered, including the design, lumbar support, and more. Let’s get into it:
Ergonomic Design
An ergonomic design is essential in a chair, as it promotes good posture and reduces pressure on the spine. “Ergonomic” means the chair is designed to efficiently and effectively fit the human body in the working environment. An ergonomic chair will have features such as adjustable seat height, backrest height, and armrests, as well as a curved backrest that supports the natural curve of the spine.
Lumbar Support
Lumbar support in a chair is also vital, as it helps support the natural curve of the spine and reduces strain on the lower back muscles. This may include the use of a cushion or device that supports the lower back when sitting in the chair and helps to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Many ergonomic chairs on the market have this support mechanism where the base of the spine would be positioned when sitting. This can help reduce strain on the lower back muscles and prevent discomfort.
Adjustability
Adjustability is another key feature, as it allows for customization of the chair to the individual's body size and shape. Adjustable features to look for include seat height, height and angle of the backrest, height, and width of the armrests, and seat depth and tilt. Being able to adjust these features can help to ensure the chair fits the body properly, providing optimal support and reducing the risk of pain.
Seat Depth And Width
Seat depth and width should also be considered, as this can affect comfort and support. The seat depth should be deep enough to support the entire thigh without putting pressure on the back of the knees. The seat width should be wide enough to accommodate the hips without causing any uncomfortable symptoms.
Material And Padding
Finally, material and padding are also important considerations in a chair as they affect the overall comfort of the chair. A chair with good padding provides extra comfort and support, while the material should be breathable to prevent sweating and discomfort. Additionally, a chair with a breathable fabric can help prevent discomfort caused by overheating.
Workstation Design And How To Sit
Whilst the chair itself is an important factor to consider when sitting, it’s also important to consider how the chair is used. Workstation design helps ensure the body is optimally supported and well-aligned. This includes how to sit properly, ensuring the feet are well supported, the elbows are resting on the armrests properly, and the monitor is about an arm-length away and at eye level. It also includes ensuring there is sufficient leg space below the desk and avoiding awkward positions, such as slouching or rotating to the side.
Types Of Chairs To Avoid For Those With Lower Back Pain
Office chairs should be carefully chosen to help prevent lower back pain and improve overall comfort when sitting. As a result, there are some types of chairs to avoid when seeking a comfortable and ergonomic computer chair. This includes:
- Folding chairs: Folding chairs typically lack adequate back support and may be too narrow, which can put pressure on the lower back muscles. They are not recommended for prolonged periods of sitting.
- Wooden chairs: Wooden chairs are usually hard and unsupportive. As they commonly don’t have a cushion or armrests, they are not adequately designed for long periods of sitting at a desk or computer.
- Stools: Stools lack proper back support and can cause slouching, which can put pressure on the lower back muscles. As a result, sitting on a stool for extended periods of time can cause discomfort and pain.
- Dining chairs: Dining chairs typically do not have adequate back support and may be too narrow, which can put pressure on the lower back muscles. They are not recommended for prolonged periods of sitting.
- Chairs without adjustability: As each person’s body is different, the chosen chair should have adjustable features that can be adjusted to optimally fit the body. Chairs without this feature should be avoided as it can lead to poor posture and body ergonomics when sitting.
Other Ways To Alleviate Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a complex condition with many contributing factors. As a result, it usually takes more than just one treatment to successfully manage lower back pain. A combination of different treatments can be useful to manage the myriad of factors that contribute to lower back pain.
Some of the treatments for lower back pain include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and referrals to other services. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be recommended by the doctor for severe or unrelenting pain, in cases of an injury or trauma, or when other conservative measures have been unsuccessful.
The pros and cons of each treatment should be carefully weighed as there are some significant risks to some of these options, including risk of bleeding, infection, and nerve damage with surgery. As a result, consider consulting a healthcare provider to discuss all the options, as other treatments such as physical therapy may be more effective.
Physical Therapy For Lower Back Pain
Physical therapy is a large part of safely and effectively treating lower back pain. Physical therapists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of different causes of lower back pain. Each treatment plan is customized to the patient as lower back pain is multifaceted and experienced differently by different people.
Some of the treatments a physical therapist may use include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic or endurance exercises. These can help build muscle strength and fitness, which in turn can recondition the body and improve symptoms of lower back pain. The physical therapist may also educate the patient on load management, lifting techniques, and activity modification. Heat/cold therapy and manual therapy may also be used for short-term symptom management.
Prioritise Back Health
Finding the best chair for lower back pain is crucial, particularly for those who spend a significant amount of time sitting. With a wide range of options available, it is important to prioritize back health when choosing a chair. Features such as lumbar support, adjustability, and ergonomic design are all key factors to consider.
Additionally, incorporating regular movement and stretches into the daily routine under the guidance of physical therapy can also help alleviate lower back pain and prevent further discomfort. By prioritizing back health and choosing the right chair, it’s possible to work comfortably and productively while maintaining good posture and reducing the risk of lower back pain.
To get help with lower back pain symptoms in Mechanicsburg, get in touch with our experienced team of physical therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Mechanicsburg.
References
Forbes. A Guide To The Best Office Chairs For Back Pain. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-office-chairs-for-back-pain/
Physiopedia. Low Back Pain. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Low_Back_Pain
Physiopedia. Office Ergonomics. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Office_Ergonomics_and_Neck_Pain