Lumbar Support Chair
It is estimated that 80% of Americans will suffer from back problems during their lives, and most of these problems are categorized as ‘non-specific’, which is to say there is no definable cause of the pain (such as a trapped nerve or herniated disc).
The lumbar area of your back is defined as the bottom 5 vertebrae, and supporting this area is vital to reduce disc pressure. Chairs without suitable lumbar support can cause you to slouch when sitting for long periods, which may result in lower back pain and muscle fatigue. Using a lumbar support chair with an adjustable backrest will alleviate this problem. It’s a good idea to choose a chair which you can adjust so it fits your lower back comfortably; this is particularly important if several people use the same chair. You want the small of your back to fit snugly into the outward curve of the backrest. The backrest should provide resistance to movement of your lower back.
Other things to look for in a lumbar support chair
As well as having a good backrest, the chair you choose should have a comfortable seat set at a height which allows your feet to rest flat on the floor. If you find this uncomfortable, then consider using a footrest. Shorter users need to check that the chair allows you to sit without the front edge of the seat hard against the inside of their knees, yet with their back still against the rest. So, being able to adjust the backrest or the seat in a forwards and backwards orientation is important. The size of the seat is also important, if it’s too short then taller people will find it doesn’t support their legs properly, placing too much pressure on the buttocks. If it’s too long, it can lack proper support and put to much pressure on the knees.
If armrests are fitted, then they should be height adjustable and made of cushioned material for comfort, set them low enough for your shoulders to be in a relaxed position. They should support your lower arm, whilst allowing your upper arm to stay close to your body, so you don’t want the arms spread too far apart for your body size/shape, but you obviously don’t want them to be so close together as to make sitting down and getting up awkward.
Lumbar support chairs need not be expensive. A good example is the Hawthorne Executive Mesh Chair