Back pain is becoming one of UK’s major health crises, with approximately 1 in 6 people experiencing some form of back pain.
If you spend the majority of your day sitting and working on a desk, chances are you’ve also experienced back pain.
In this article we’ll explain what is lumbar support and why it’s crucial for maintaining a healthy spine and preventing discomfort from sitting for extended periods of time.
What is Lumbar Support?
Lumbar support is essential for maintaining the natural curvature of the spine.
The human spine is not straight but has a natural S-curve.
This curvature helps distribute weight and absorb shock, reducing strain on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
Without proper support, the lower back (lumbar region) is prone to excessive strain, leading to pain and potential long-term health issues.
Where should lumbar support be on your office chair?
Lumbar support on your office chair should be positioned to align with the natural inward curve of your lower spine, typically around the L4-L5 vertebrae.
This is located at the small curve of your back, just above the pelvis. Proper positioning ensures that the support fits snugly against your lower back, maintaining the natural curvature of the spine.
Shown above is the SIHOO M57 Ergonomic Office Chair, which has an S-shaped backrest design. Also, you can adjust the lumbar support by raising and lowering it, so it fits your individual spinal curve for optimal comfort.
This alignment helps distribute weight evenly, reduces pressure on the lumbar discs, and supports a healthy posture, thereby preventing discomfort and potential long-term back issues.
Risks of improper lumbar support
Incorrect lumbar support can lead to poor posture. If the support is too high or too low, it can cause you to slouch or sit unnaturally, leading to misalignment of the spine.
Over time, poor posture can result in chronic pain and even contribute to spinal deformities.
Improper lumbar support can exacerbate back pain instead of alleviating it.
Without adequate support, the muscles in your lower back have to work harder to maintain your posture, leading to muscle fatigue and pain.
Ensuring that the lumbar support is correctly positioned can significantly reduce these risks.
Types of lumbar support
There are different types of lumbar support to consider, each with its own set of benefits and disadvantages.
Fixed lumbar support
Fixed lumbar support in office chairs is an integrated feature designed to provide consistent lower back support.
Unlike adjustable lumbar supports, it comes in a preset size and position, making it a more cost-effective option. For example the Archie Ergonomic Office Chair shown below, has a fixed backrest and is priced at only £69.
While fixed lumbar support can significantly enhance comfort compared to chairs without any lumbar support, it may not suit everyone's unique body shape and size.
Its generic placement might not provide the optimal support needed for all users, potentially limiting its effectiveness.
Nevertheless, it offers a basic level of support that can help maintain the natural curve of the spine and improve overall seating posture.
Adjustable Lumbar Support
Adjustable lumbar support is designed to cater to different body shapes and sizes. This type of support can be moved up or down and sometimes even in and out to provide a more customised fit.
Below you can see the HOLLUDLE Ergonomic Office Chair with adjustable lumbar support, priced at £179.99.
The ability to adjust the lumbar support ensures that the natural curve of your spine is maintained regardless of your height or seating position.
If you spend long hours at your desk, investing in a chair with adjustable lumbar support can make a significant difference in your comfort and spinal health.
Portable Lumbar Support Pillows
If your current chair doesn’t offer built-in lumbar support, portable lumbar support pillows can be a great alternative.
These cushions can be added to any chair to provide the necessary support for your lower back.
They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to find one that best suits your needs.
Here you can see the Qutool Lumbar Support Pillow, made of memory foam. It provides ergonomic lower back support and is priced at only £29.99.
You can use it with any office chair, sofa, dining chair, car seat, or SUV seat.
Who can benefit from lumbar support?
The short answer: everyone! Anyone who spends a considerable amount of time sitting can benefit from proper lumbar support.
Office workers, students, drivers, and even gamers can experience improved comfort and reduced back pain with the right support.
If you spend long hours sitting on your desk, you might want to consider getting an ergonomic sit-stand desk. You can easily adjust its height from sitting to standing (up to 120cm high). This way you can alternate and take breaks from sitting during your work day.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t currently experience back pain, incorporating lumbar support into your seating arrangement can help prevent future discomfort.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your ergonomic setup or starting any exercise program to ensure it is safe for your individual needs. Prices for the products mentioned in this blog post are accurate as of 22.07.2024.