Most office workers spend a significant portion of their day sitting in a chair. The chair is essential for comfort, but the wrong chair can lead to several health problems. One of the most critical features of an office chair is how it supports your body, especially your back.
You might think a chair is just a chair, but the truth is that not all chairs are created equal. In fact, the right chair can make all the difference in the world regarding your comfort and productivity.
Lumbar Support at a Glance
The lumbar spine is the lower part of the back that curves inward. It is the area between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. This area is especially vulnerable to pain and injury because it supports much of the body's weight. The vertebrae in this area are smaller and not as well-supported by the rib cage as those in the upper back. Due to the lack of support, this region is prone to more strain, which can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back.
There are a few different types of lumbar support available on chairs. Some chairs have built-in lumbar support that cannot be adjusted. Others have adjustable lumbar support that can be moved up or down to fit the user better. And finally, some chairs offer no lumbar support at all.
If your chair is equipped with adjustable lumbar support, it will allow you to customize the support to your specific needs and ensure that you are always comfortable.
How does Adjustable Lumbar Support work?
Most adjustable lumbar supports are located at the base of the chair back. They can be moved up or down to better support the natural curve of your spine. When properly adjusted, adjustable lumbar support will help maintain the natural curve of your spine and keep your lower back in a neutral position. This will help reduce strain on your lower back and improve your overall comfort.
Benefits of Adjustable Lumbar Support
There are many benefits to having adjustable lumbar support in your office chair, including:
1. Relief from Lower Back Pain
One of the most common complaints among office workers is lower back pain. Several factors can cause this pain, but one of the most common is sitting in a chair that does not provide adequate support for the lower back.
Adjustable lumbar support can help alleviate this pain by supporting the spine's natural curve and keeping the lower back in alignment. This will reduce strain on the lower back and improve comfort.
2. Improved Comfort
The best body position for sitting is when the spine is neutral. This means that the spine is not curved too far forward or backwards. When the spine is in a neutral position, it puts the least strain on the muscles and ligaments that support it.
Adjustable lumbar support can help you find the perfect position for your body and keep you comfortable throughout the day. This will allow you to stay focused on your work and be more productive. It will also help reduce fatigue.
3. Increased Productivity
When you are comfortable, you are more likely to be productive. If you are constantly shifting in your chair or fidgeting to try to find a comfortable position, it can take away from your productivity.
4. Prevention of Future Back Problems
Proper support for the lower back can help to prevent future back problems. When the spine is supported correctly, it takes the pressure off the discs in the lower back. This can help to prevent degenerative disc disease and other conditions that can lead to pain and disability.
An adequately supported spine also ensures less strain on the muscles and ligaments that support it. This can help to prevent strains and sprains.
5. Improved Posture
Good posture is essential for both comfort and health. When you sit up straight, it helps to take pressure off of the spine and improve blood circulation. Additionally, good posture can help to prevent back pain and other health problems in the future.
6. Enhanced breathing
When the spine is in a neutral position, it allows the chest to expand more fully when you breathe. This helps to improve lung capacity and can also help to prevent pain in the lower back and rib cage.
When you breathe deeply, the oxygen circulates throughout your body and your brain. This improved supply of oxygen helps optimize brain function and improve cognitive performance.
Proper breathing has also been shown to help relieve stress and anxiety. When stressed, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode. This causes the heart rate to increase and the blood vessels in the brain to constrict. This reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the brain, which can lead to foggy thinking, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
Deep breathing helps to reverse this process by releasing tension in the body and allowing more oxygen to reach the brain. It can also help to calm the mind and promote a sense of relaxation.
7. Reduces stress
In addition to better breathing, when you are comfortable and in a good position, it can help to reduce stress. Stress can cause various health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to mental health problems such as depression.
Reducing stress can also help to improve cognitive function and memory. When you are stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol has been shown to damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory and learning.
8. Improved circulation
When the spine is in a neutral position, it takes the pressure off the nerves and blood vessels running through the lower back. This can help to improve circulation and prevent pain. Additionally, good circulation is vital for overall health.
9. Increased flexibility
Adjustable lumbar support can help you find the perfect position for your body. This can help to increase flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, it can help to prevent stiffness and cramping.
10. Controls tension headaches
Tension headaches are often caused by muscle tension in the shoulders and neck. This tension can be due to poor posture, stress, or eyestrain. When the muscles in the neck and shoulders are relaxed, it can help to relieve tension headaches.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chair
When choosing a chair with adjustable lumbar support, it is crucial to find one that is comfortable and supports your back correctly. There are a few things to consider when making your selection:
The height of the backrest: The backrest should be high enough to support your lower back without putting pressure on your spine.
The width of the seat: The seat should be wide enough to support your hips and thighs.
The depth of the seat: The seat should be deep enough to sit back in the chair without having to slouch.
The seat's firmness should be enough to support your back but not so firm that it is uncomfortable.
The height of the armrests: The armrests should be high enough to rest your elbows on them without having to hunch over.
The adjustability of the lumbar support: The lumbar support should be adjustable to find the perfect position for your needs.
The quality of the materials: The chair should be made from high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable.
Adjusting Your Chair for Maximum Comfort
Once you have selected the perfect chair, it is essential to adjust it for maximum comfort. Here are a few tips:
Sit back in the chair so that your back is fully supported.
Adjust the lumbar support to find the perfect position for your needs.
Place a pillow or cushion behind your lower back for additional support.
Use a footrest if your feet do not reach the floor while sitting.
Place a blanket or towel over your legs for added warmth and comfort.
Adjust the armrests so that they are at a comfortable height.
Making minor adjustments to your chair can significantly affect your comfort level. By taking the time to find the perfect chair and adjusting it properly, you can help to improve your health and well-being.
Back Support Ergonomic Office Chair OC13
The Back Support Ergonomic Office Chair OC13 has various features, including an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, seat position, and even back angle.
The headrest has an adjustment of up to 2.36 inches. It can also be tilted up and down to meet your needs precisely. With this design, you will have comfortable support for your head and neck that effectively eases muscle tension.
The lumbar support may be moved up or down within a range of 3.14 inches. It provides complete body support, which can help prevent back discomfort.
The Office Chair OC13 is designed with walnut-finished elements, which give it a stylish and modern appearance. It is an ergonomic chair that does not compromise on aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
Adjustable lumbar support can help you find the perfect position for your body, leading to various benefits. These benefits include improved productivity, prevention of future back problems, enhanced breathing, improved circulation, increased flexibility, relief from tension headaches, and reduced stress. When you are comfortable and supported, it can help you to be more productive and healthier.
