subject: Chairs for Bad Backs Sometimes Require a Multi Tiered Remedy [print this page] Chairs for Bad Backs Sometimes Require a Multi Tiered Remedy
There's a misconception that there's an all in one solution for chairs for bad backs for everyone. That's not necessarily true, but there are some guidelines to help you choose.
Often you need more than one option to help your back feel better day to day. I use a combination of chairs to offer the best solution for myself. Certainly, a high back office chair is a must. Based on your own needs, think about additional factors such as the angle of recline, degree of adjustability, etcetera.
I love my high back office chair. Sometimes my back needs something different, which is when I use my ergonomic/ kneeling chair.
Kneeling chairs like this are great for your back, but can be rough on your knees. Rotating between the ergonomic and high back chairs help me to stay feeling better longer.
Sometimes I'll wake up feeling pretty good, back- wise, so I'll use the kneeling chair so the focus is on my posture.
But there certainly are days when I just want to sink into my high back chair and relax. The deciding factor is how I feel when I wake up.
The angle of recline is also a good thing to consider when selecting chairs for bad backs. You should feel almost a weightless sensation when you lean back in your chair so that there's no undue pressure on your back- this is similar to gravity inversion therapy in that it produces a gentle stretch in your spine.
You can actually simulate this feeling yourself by standing up and bearing your body weight on your arms so your torso isn't affected by gravity. Notice how the stress is taken away from the lower back?
Remember to make sure the chair is well made, right down to the arms- plastic usually doesn't last long, not around my house anyway- go for steel arms if possible. Also, be sure that the height of the chair itself will accommodate the desk height appropriately.
For an even better effect, any back pain sufferer will appreciate heat- you can find heated pads in upper level chairs or use a heating pad. Personally, I go for the heating pad- not only is it cost effective, it can be easily repositioned.
Hopefully, my article has been helpful in choosing the perfect chairs for bad backs.
