Chairs Used for Chronic Back Pain

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on lower back pain. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and a major reason for missing work. Using an ergonomic chair to support the back can be an effective way of reducing chronic back pain.

• The right chair can ease chronic back pain.

Features

• Ergonomic chairs are designed for the body. A good ergonomic chair will be easily adjustable, with a comfortable seat width and depth. It has lumbar support to complement the arch of the lower back, along with a backrest and padded seat material. Ideally, the chair will also have adjustable armrests and a swivel base.

Benefits

• People naturally shift into a slouch after sitting in a chair for a long period of time, which can put undue stress on the spine. Sitting in one position over the course of a day can also cause problems with the back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs. Special chairs will provide maximum back support and force the user to maintain good posture. There is no one chair that is best, and users should go with what is most comfortable for them.

Identification

• Chronic back pain is pain that has persisted for three months and tends to eventually return even if it goes away. Causes are often unknown and difficult to resolve. Treatment is geared toward reducing the pain and improving day-to-day functioning. It often includes exercise like yoga, or the use of a back brace. An ergonomic chair can help, particularly if sufferers spend long days at work in a seated position.

Considerations

• There are six factors to consider when adjusting a chair for office use: 1) When the hands are resting on the work surface, the elbows should be at a 90-degree angle. 2) The thigh measure checks that you can easily slide your fingers underneath your thigh at the front edge of the chair. 3) While sitting, you should be able to pass your fist between the back of your calf and the front of the chair. 4) Your chair should offer some lower back support. 5) Test resting eye level to ensure that your gaze naturally falls at the center of your computer screen. 6) The armrest should slightly lift your arms at the shoulders.

Alternatives

• Non-traditional alternatives for chronic back pain include the backless kneeling chair, which puts the seated person in a kneeling position, taking stress off of the lower back. Another choice, the saddle chair, is shaped like a saddle, and the user adopts a position similar to that used when on horseback. The exercise-ball chair is a large ball that encourages the user to keep moving and not slouch. A recliner chair puts the user in a reclined position with the feet up on a footrest.