Every year, thousands of office workers are suffering from back pains due to poor ergonomics. As a result, millions of man-hours are lost for medical absences and thousands of dollars spent in treating these back pain. Companies are now just noticing these maladies and doing something to help their employees to have a healthy lifestyle and be productive,
They are introducing ergonomic chairs with lumbar support to prevent back pains and other diseases associated with sitting too long on the office chair. But what are the different types of ergonomic chairs that can support the lumbar region of the body? Here in this article, we’ll find out more.
There are many types of lumbar back supports in different types of office chairs:
Ergonomic chair. Several ergonomic chairs are sculpted with a lumbar support curvature built into the chair. To see if the ergonomic chair can accommodate the user. He should sit up straight, with the head, spine, and buttocks aligned. Then sit back against the seatback. The curve of the ergonomic chair should follow the curve of the lower back naturally.
This type of chair is non-adjustable, thus it should be tested and examined before using to make sure an appropriate fit.
Types of Lumbar Support and Ergonomic Office Chairs
● Adjustable back support chair. Several office chairs have a seatback that can be lowered or raised to fit the user. The seatback is adjusted so that the curve of the lower spine is supported by the curve in the back of the chair. If several persons will use the chair, then several adjustments can be a good option.
● Portable lumbar back support. A curved cushion or lumbar roll, placed to the seatback of an office chair, can fit the proper areas of the lumbar region. These cushions can be used with most types of chairs to accommodate the individual's needs. Some can be inflated to increase or decrease the amount of support. Most lumbar supports are made to have a particular end facing up and the other down. This type of support can be placed in the office chair, in chairs at home, in the car, etc.
● A towel or small pillow. In most cases, a commercial lumbar back support is not necessary and a rolled-up towel or small pillow will do as well. By rolling or folding a towel according to the user’s need, this support is placed wherever most comfortable and supportive for the user while sitting in an office chair.
In addition to good back support while sitting, try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than thirty minutes at a time. Try to stand up, stretch, and walk around a bit before returning to the office chair.
● Armrests. Office chair armrests must be adjustable. They allow the user's arms to rest comfortably and shoulders relaxed. The elbows and lower arms must rest lightly, and the forearm is not on the armrest while typing.
● Swivel. Any traditional or ergonomic chair should rotate evenly, so the user can reach different areas of his or her desk without straining.
An alternative to the more traditional office chair, new styles of ergonomic chairs are designed to create good support, comfort, and promote good posture. These chairs may be uncomfortable at first, but typically the user will get used to them over time.
The use of these ergonomic chairs can be very beneficial for some people with lower back pain or discomfort problems.
1. Kneeling Ergonomic Chair
The kneeling chair is an office chair with no back support and places the user in a modified kneeling position. The design promotes good posture by pushing the hips forward and aligning the back, shoulders, and neck. Primary support is from the seat of the chair, with extra support coming from the shins. This ergonomic chair distributes the weight between the pelvis and the knees, which minimizes spinal compression, and reduces the stress and tension in the lower back and leg muscles.
It has a forward-slanting seat that creates a more natural position for the spine. The result makes sitting in the proper position feel comfortable and effortless.
2. Saddle Ergonomic Chair
The saddle chair is another ergonomic chair that can be used as a desk chair or computer chair. This type of office chair is in the shape of a horse's saddle and puts the user in a position somewhere between sitting and standing, similar to the position used when riding a horse. This allows the legs to drop naturally, and widen, creating a healthy and stable position. This position is often useful for patients with lower back problems. With long-term use, it can even strengthen the back muscles. These ergonomic chairs have an adjustable height to be appropriate for different users. The design is intended to eliminate some of the typical problems experienced with a traditional office chair such as circulation system problems and slouching forward.
3. Exercise Ball Ergonomic Chair
The exercise ball chair is another type of ergonomic chair. It is a ball that is large enough to support the user in extended sitting usage and works comfortably as a desk chair or computer chair. The advantage of this chair is it encourages movement and active sitting.
There is a slight bouncing that keeps the legs moving, which stimulates circulation and keeps muscles busy, eliminating stress and fatigue. Sitting on the ball makes slouching impossible, and will automatically improve posture. It comes in different sizes for different heights for several users. They can be fitted with a base frame with wheels for improved mobility, and have a backrest attached.
4. Recliner Chair
Sitting in a reclined position can be most comfortable for some people. For example, people with pain from lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease often set the most comfort in a reclined position with feet propped up on a footrest. For these people, the only option is to use a recliner while working. Small tables can be attached to the reclining chair and can swivel over the chair to work comfortably on a laptop or do paperwork.
Conclusion:
No matter what type of ergonomic chair or regular office chair is used, short breaks are encouraged throughout the day to improve circulation. Getting up from the chair frequently will encourage stronger posture, relieve strain on the eyes, and reduce fatigue.
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