What is lumbar support? You might have heard this term often thrown around in the office when talking about office chairs, but maybe you don’t fully understand it.
In this blog, we’re leaning into the topic of lumbar support, exploring what it is, why it matters, and how you can enhance it for a more comfortable and healthier sitting experience and help you on your way to find that perfect sit.
AT A GLANCE
After reading this blog, you should have a better grasp of the following:
- What is lumbar support and how it can benefit your life
- Practical steps to enhance lumbar support
- The consequences of ignoring lumbar support and how it can impact your life
WHAT IS LUMBAR SUPPORT?
Lumbar support is the additional support provided to the lower spine – the curve in the small of your back known as the lumbar region.
This support is important for maintaining the natural curvature of your spine and preventing strain on the lower back. It plays a pivotal role in:
- Maintaining Posture: Proper lumbar support helps you sit with an upright posture, reducing the risk of adopting unhealthy sitting positions. Task One chairs by Slouch are an excellent union of support and versatility. Their design allows for a broad range of movement, bolstered by a seat which adapts to your weight when you lean forward or back.
- Alleviating Pain: It provides crucial support to the natural curve of your spine, reducing the strain on your lower back and alleviating pain associated with poor posture.
- Enhancing Comfort: Lumbar support ensures a more comfortable sitting experience, allowing you to focus on your tasks without the distraction of discomfort. Going from a cheaper alternative to a Slouch office chair, you may notice the difference in the weight or the way the chair conforms to your shape and movements.
HOW DOES LUMBAR SUPPORT BENEFIT YOU?
Now that we’ve defined lumbar support, let’s delve into how it specifically benefits you.
Maintaining Posture
Calling all remote workers – just because you’re working from the comfort of your own home, doesn’t automatically mean you’re comfortable!
Maintaining good posture is not just about how you look when you’re sat in the chair; it’s about safeguarding your long-term health. And spending extended hours hunched over an office desk can lead to chronic issues.
So if you’re querying ‘what is lumbar support’, remember it’s all about posture, and a chair which aligns your body to reduce stress on your ligaments and muscles.
Lumbar support encourages the natural ‘S’ shape of your spine, especially where the spine curves inwards at the bottom. This alleviates pressure, promotes good posture and prevents the development of poor sitting habits.
Alleviating Pain
Chronic lower back pain is a common complaint among those who spend extended periods sitting. Working from home often means more flexibility, but it can also mean less-than-ideal work setups.
Lumbar support acts as a preventive measure, reducing the stress on your spine and alleviating discomfort.
Ever notice yourself shifting in your seat? Or do you get restless feet from being too still? The Armless Office Task Chairs from Slouch offer even more room to move thanks to a lack of arms, making them a great option for more active home workers who like to fidget, stretch and move around.
Enhancing Comfort
When we discuss comfort, it’s not as a luxury.
At Slouch we believe your comfort in your home office is essential. Especially if you’re spending a significant portion of your day sitting down. Prolonged discomfort can lead to long-term health issues later
Lumbar support provides that extra layer of comfort, making your sitting experience more pleasant and your workday less distracted and more productive.
Say goodbye to fidgeting – lumbar support has got your back.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LUMBAR SUPPORT?
Understanding the importance of lumbar support is one thing; knowing how to enhance it is another. Let’s explore practical steps to give your lower back the support it deserves.
Invest in Ergonomic Seating
The foundation of lumbar support lies in your choice of seating. Consider chairs designed with built-in lumbar support.
Our Slouch office swivel chairs are crafted with your comfort in mind, offering optimal lumbar support to keep you pain-free and focused on the task at hand. Explore our range to find the perfect match for your unique needs and style.
Use Cushions or Pillows
If your current chair lacks lumbar support, don’t despair. You can still enhance your lower back’s comfort by using cushions or pillows. Place them strategically to fill the gap between your lower back and the chair, providing additional support and promoting a healthier sitting posture.
If dressing and finessing your Slouch chair is a secondary concern and you’re uncertain of colour schemes, don’t worry, you can order a sample swatch here to get an idea. It’ll be with you in 5 days.
Sit Back in Your Chair
Simple yet effective – ensure your back is firmly against the chair backrest. This fundamental adjustment allows the lumbar support to do its job effectively. Avoid perching on the edge of your seat; instead, lean back and let the chair support your entire back.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING LUMBAR SUPPORT
Neglecting your lumbar support can lead to a range of issues, each with its own set of consequences.
Chronic Aches and Pains
Without proper lumbar support, you’re susceptible to chronic back pain, a persistent and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact your daily life. From simple discomfort to more severe issues, the consequences of ignoring lumbar support can be far-reaching.
You may experience twinges, strains or stiffness in your back more often – even with simple movements such as bending down or turning to speak to someone. If this is the case, it may be time to evaluate your sitting position to see if your choice of furniture may be having an impact.
Poor Posture
In an article published by chiropractors on the National Library of Medicine, it is shown that a lack of lumbar support can result in poor posture.
This can contribute to a range of musculoskeletal problems, affecting not only your lower back but also your shoulders, neck, and even your legs. Over time, poor posture becomes a habit that’s challenging to break.
Reduced Productivity
Discomfort and pain are not conducive to productivity.
When you’re constantly shifting in your seat or battling lower back pain, your ability to focus on tasks diminishes – and if you have several teammates to consider, this can have a serious impact at work.
So if you need to buy several Slouch chairs for your team, contact us today – free UK delivery available!
RECAP
Let’s recap what you should have learned from this guide:
- Lumbar support is essential for maintaining the natural curvature of your spine and preventing strain on the lower back.
- The benefits of lumbar support include improved posture, pain alleviation, and enhanced overall comfort.
- Practical steps to enhance lumbar support include investing in ergonomic seating, using cushions or pillows, and sitting back in your chair.
- The consequences of ignoring lumbar support range from chronic back pain and poor posture to reduced productivity.
PROTECT YOUR POSTURE AND MOBILITY WITH SWIVEL CHAIRS FROM SLOUCH
Ready to transform your sitting experience? There are many types of office chairs around, so why not start your search for the perfect sit today?
Explore our range of ergonomic chairs crafted with lumbar support at their core. Don’t let discomfort hold you back – let comfort hold your back with Slouch. We’re uncompromising in our quality, offering products that are an expression of our ingenuity and a demonstration in our attention to the finer details.
Your journey to enhanced lumbar support begins here – Explore our office chairs and take the first step towards a more comfortable and productive you.
There’s nothing that can put a pause on your day like back pain. Aches, twinges – and the time we spend complaining about them can eat into your day.
So be discerning, be hard to please and don’t just accept any old home office chair.
Feel support with a Slouch home office chair today. Fill out this contact form and invest in your work-from-home experience. For any general enquiries, you can send those over to [email protected].
