How to Use Lumbar Support

Lumbar support is engineered into car seats and office chairs to provide lower back support to individuals who spend a lot of time sitting. Supporting the lower back helps improve your posture, the health of your spine and can help you avoid numerous other injuries associated with poor lumbar support. Many people don't adjust and use their chair's lumbar support properly, resulting in pain and injury. Find out the proper way to set up your chair to maximize your lumbar support.

Things You'll Need

• T-shirt or towel (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the lumbar support on your chair. Your backrest should conform to the natural curve of your lower back without any space between. This takes pressure off your spine and back muscles.

• 2

  Adjust the lumbar support on your chair by turning a knob on the underside of the chair, if one exists. A knob like this is ideal for one chair used by multiple people. Turn the knob until your back fits with the chair back.

• 3

  Sit in the chair and examine other aspects of your posture. Even if you have adjusted the lumbar support, you could be adding stress to your lower back in other ways. Make sure you are sitting with your feet flat on the floor with your back and shoulders against the chair. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and your hips should be slightly higher than your knees. The bend of your knees should also be comfortable.

• 4

  Improve back support in a chair that doesn't have lumbar support by placing a rolled up T-shirt or towel behind your lower back.