Choosing the Best Chair For Back Pain Relief

Sitting for a prolonged period of time can be quite paradoxical. After a long day at work, all I wanted is to get home, plop down on my couch and unwind from the chaos.

I realized that having to sit in the same position for more than six hours a day resulted in a terrible backache and serious strain from head to toe. The pain is worsened by sitting on a poorly designed office chair in a hunched-over or slouched position. Poor sitting posture combined with workplace hazards from prolonged sitting contributed to my recurrent episodes of back pain.

It was quite a relief when my wife found out about how an ergonomic chair can enhance back support and maintain a good sitting posture. However, it was apparent that no single chair solution could perfectly fit all body types and sizes.

How do you determine whether a particular piece is best designed for you? What is the best chair for lower back pain relief?

Sitting for a prolonged period of time can be quite paradoxical. After a long day at work, all I wanted is to get home, plop down on my couch and unwind from the chaos.

I realized that having to sit in the same position for more than six hours a day resulted in a terrible backache and serious strain from head to toe. The pain is worsened by sitting on a poorly designed office chair in a hunched-over or slouched position. Poor sitting posture combined with workplace hazards from prolonged sitting contributed to my recurrent episodes of back pain.

It was quite a relief when my wife found out about how an ergonomic chair can enhance back support and maintain a good sitting posture. However, it was apparent that no single chair solution could perfectly fit all body types and sizes.

How do you determine whether a particular piece is best designed for you? What is the best chair for lower back pain relief?

Don't Just Look at the Chair, Sit on it!

The only way you can tell whether a particular ergonomic chair is good for you is by testing it out. Needless to say, if it is uncomfortable, you can easily recognize it.

Today, some sellers allow a "test run" for a day or two before making a purchase. What to take into account to acquire a correct ergonomic chair?

Check the following;

• Is the backrest adjustable, and does it follow your spine's shape? Does the backrest support your lower back? - If not, this may not be the right chair for you.

• Check how close to your body is your arm rests. They should be close for your shoulders to relax, but not too close that you cannot effectively move.

• Ensure that your ergonomic chair swivels with ease. This reduces the chances of straining or twisting your back when reaching for items in different parts of your desk.

Does the Chair Hurt or Help Your Back?

When making my first ergonomic chair purchase, I remember thinking how easy it would be. All I had to do was to choose one that fits my height.

I was wrong. There are a few things that need to be considered when making a chair purchase.

If not selected according to the fit to your body or seating preferences, the chair may end up worsening the existing injured back. For lower back support, your bottom should press against the back of your chair. A good ergonomically designed chair should have adjustable lumbar support that causes your lower back to arch slightly and ensure that you seamlessly fit into the chair. This provision is fundamental to preventing a back strain that may worsen and easily become sciatica.

It would be distressing if you spent so much money on this piece of furniture to ease your back pain, only to worsen it. Another crucial feature to consider is the chair's depth adjustment which helps to reduce or avoid slouching, subsequently reducing unwanted spinal pressure. The chair should also fit your back well whether you lean back or opt for straight sitting.

Is the Chair Height Suitable?

When I purchased my chair for the days I had to work from home, I realized that I had made a purchase for an entire family and some friends!

I once came home to find my busy wife sitting on my chair, doing a report. This was a few days after my best friend had used the same chair for a 4-hour video call to a loved one stationed overseas.

When I sat down to use the chair after both cases, I had to readjust it to suit my height preference. Thus, before making a purchase, it is crucial to test out and see whether the chair allows you to place your feet flat on the ground.

This is where the chair's adjustability feature comes in. I found that the best seat height is one that ranges from around 16-21 inches. The ability to adjust my seat was one of the best features for my back's comfort.

When I purchased my chair for the days I had to work from home, I realized that I had made a purchase for an entire family and some friends!

I once came home to find my busy wife sitting on my chair, doing a report. This was a few days after my best friend had used the same chair for a 4-hour video call to a loved one stationed overseas. When I sat down to use the chair after both cases, I had to readjust it to suit my height preference. Thus, before making a purchase, it is crucial to test out and see whether the chair allows you to place your feet flat on the ground.

This is where the chair's adjustability feature comes in. I found that the best seat height is one that ranges from around 16-21 inches. The ability to adjust my seat was one of the best features for my back's comfort.

Does the Chair Offer a Comfortable Headrest?

Imagine buying a chair to ease your back, only to find that you cannot rest your head comfortably? If your chair's headrest does not suit your body type, you will only worsen your back pain and bring more problems to the body.

When the headrest does not support your head well, your shoulders and upper torso will be subjected to increased and unwanted tension. This will be a zero-sum game because, in an effort to ease back pain, you will be suffering from new pains and reduce productivity in return.

Before making the purchase, ensure that the headrest is comfortable to lean on and prevent your body from falling forward. Over time, your body will adjust to staying upwards, rather than hunching and putting pressure on your back.

Are the Armrests Adjustable?

A chair with well-fitted and adjustable armrests helps you when you are standing up and helps to reduce the chances of straining your back.

Armrests also come in handy when you lean back and need to take a breather. Personally, leaning back with my eyes shut, helps my body to rejuvenate and keeps it energized throughout the whole day.

I have purchased ergonomic chairs for both home and office use for a while now. 

Subsequently, I know the essential features of a good armrest.

• You should select an ergonomic chair with both seat height and width adjustability.

• Ensure that the armrests are strong enough to accommodate your weight when you exert pressure on them.

• You can consider an ergonomic chair with movable armrests. They can be pushed behind when you do not need to use them.