Your spine can maintain a natural curve without support from your lower back, which is provided by the seatback, but many people who sit for an extended period of time tend to slouch. Slouching can push out the lower back, sending your spine’s natural curve in the opposite direction.
Over time, this wrong sitting posture common in people working in offices can strain the lower back, increasing the importance of an office chair with good lumbar back support. Placing lumbar back support correctly has these benefits.
- Maintain the natural inward curvature of the lower spine
- Keep your hips, shoulders, and ears in alignment
It is important that your lumbar back support doesn’t overly accentuate your inward spine curve; instead, it should maintain your spine’s natural position. The following are common ergonomic chair options and back support for office chairs to support the spine’s natural position.
- Ergonomic Chair
Many ergonomic chairs with different types of inbuilt lumbar support curves are available today. To know if the ergonomic chair fits, sit up straight to allow your buttocks, spine, and head to be in alignment, then rest your back against the seatback.
The chair’s curve should follow the natural curve of your back. These chairs are not adjustable, so ensure you check your chair’s fit before use.
- Adjustable Back Support Chair
Many chairs have an adjustable seatback, so you can raise or lower the chair to fit your posture. It’s possible to position the seatback to give you a curve in the back of the chair to support your spine’s lower curve. If the office chair is for more than one person, an adjustable back support chair is a good choice.
- Portable Lumbar Back Support
Some chairs have a lumbar roll or curved cushion in the seatback, which a user can manually place to fit the right spot in the lumbar area. These cushions can be used on different chair types, and as such, they can suit the needs of any worker.
Some lumbar back supports are inflatable, which allows you to reduce or increase the amount of support. Most are designed to have one end facing down and the other end facing up. They serve multiple purposes and can provide support in cars, homes, and office chairs.
- A Small Pillow or Towel
When the custom-made lumbar back support is unavailable, some people place a small pillow or rolled-up towel for support, and they serve the purpose well. These alternatives can provide adequate support in any area you place them on your office chair.
Positioning your Office Chair for Adequate Back Support
Besides using back support, there are several simple ways to ensure your office chair gives your back and neck adequate support.
- Ensure your office chair has elbow support to prevent neck strain. Your elbow should rest comfortably on the elbow support at a right angle.
- Bend your knees to a right angle and use a footrest to elevate your feet while sitting.
- Position your chair to allow your eyes to look straight at your computer while working.