It wouldn’t be wrong to say that back pain is one of the most frustrating types of injuries out there, and yet 80% of Americans are going to experience it at some point in time. So, whether you’ve been laid up in cranky agony in the past or fear you’re headed that way, this is for you.
Whether it’s in the gym, getting out of bed, lifting something heavy around the house, or sitting in an office chair for too long, the usual culprit for back pain is bad posture. What’s worse is the pain you feel is probably going to happen again, unless you do something about it.
Back in the day, beauty pageant contestants used to pace with books on their heads to get that perfect posture. Nowadays, whether you’re at the office or working from home, all you really need is the right chair that will get you that perfect back support for good posture, which will consequently help relieve your aching back.
There are many studies that suggest that by making simple improvements to the ergonomics of your workplace, you can achieve optimal productivity and comfort while reducing the risks of backaches and pains. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the best tips that we could find on an ergonomic setup for avoiding back pain at work, and it all starts with a chair – so have a seat.
Reclining Office Chair vs. Straight Back
Contrary to popular belief, the angle of the backrest of the office chair is key for back pain relief. There are plenty of options available in the market today when it comes to office chairs, from the backless kneeling chairs and yoga balls to those that offer a straight 90-degree backrest. However, what is good for your core does not give the same benefits for your back. Studies have found that office chairs that are able to recline are the best choice for reducing lower back pain, and it’s easy to see why.
Research has proven that those who sit on non-adjustable chairs that are on a 90-degree angle put 40% more pressure on their discs as compared to those who sit in a reclining chair. The same study also indicated that standing produced the least amount of pressure on your lower back, reducing the chances of back pain. This is just another reason for you to opt for an ergonomic setup to avoid back pain at work.
Standing Desk
Speaking of standing, more and more people are experiencing the benefits of a standing desk. The best part about using a standing desk is that it’s easy to integrate into any setting, whether you’re at the office or work from home, and with many designs and sizes available in the market today, it’s extremely easy to find out that suits your needs.
The standing desk is not just some passing fad but is here to stay, and for good reason. A standing desk doesn’t just allow you to work while standing but puts your posture to work as well. By continuously shifting the weight from one foot to the other, you can stimulate the muscles in a way that is much similar to walking. This alone makes standing a great solution for proper posture and spinal alignment. Also, switching periodically from a sitting to a standing position has proven benefits for those who are already suffering from chronic back pain and is also effective in keeping back pain at bay.
However, there are some important tips that you can use to make sure you are getting the most of your standing chair, and that’s to invest in the right office chair as well. When choosing a standing desk for work, always make sure that you are able to bend your arms at a 90-degree angle when you’re working on your computer. Also, you should be able to look straight ahead at the computer screen without having to tilt your head up or down.
You also need to make sure that you purchase a thick memory foam mat as well along with the standing desk. This will be under your feet to provide gentle support and comfort for your feet while you’re standing. Using a footstool along with the standing desk is also another great idea to help shift your weight from time to time and will keep your legs from going numb.
But, most importantly, you need to make sure that the standing desk you invest in can be raised to the height that will allow you to work comfortably, even for long periods of time. The good news is that there are plenty of brands and options when it comes to standing desks to choose from. From manual variety to fully automatic models, there’s no dearth of standing desks to choose from, so take your time and make sure you select the right one for the job.
Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair
Office chairs can be used both at the workplace and at your home office. Thanks to the growing demand for ergonomic office chairs, there are plenty of options that you can choose from. Unfortunately, not all of them have been designed to help reduce back pain, like the Soutien Office Chair can.
This is the quintessential office chair that will feel at home just about anywhere. This specially designed office chair boasts of a 3D lumbar support system, 4D customizable armrests, 134-degree lounge tilt, and much more to take your office blues (and that backache) away in no time.
This office chair features 3 height adjustments, which makes it easier to adjust to the perfect height to get that ultimate comfort while working. Due to its versatility, this office chair is also compatible with standing desks as well. The first thing you will notice with the uniquely curved backrest is its ergonomic design and how it’s built to conform to your neck and spine for maximum comfort and support.
The cushioned armrest can be adjusted in four dimensions which makes it truly unique. The armrests are also incredibly flexible to ensure their contour to your elbows while you’re working. This ergonomic chair offers the very best in comfort, which is especially useful while working long hours with its breathable mesh, made from high-quality Italian-imported chenille and K+R temperature-sensitive fiber. The fleece mesh that’s been integrated into the design of this office chair provides maximum ventilation while keeping you comfortable for longer periods of time.
There’s also a 45-degree backrest tilt which allows you to recline comfortably in the chair without putting any pressure on your neck or spine. But that’s not all; this premium office chair comes with an adjustable seat depth that’s been integrated into its design, allowing you to have complete control over your sitting experience whether you are going to use it with a standing desk or a regular desk.
Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat
You might already have invested in a sturdy standing desk and that perfect, ergonomic office chair, but that does not mean the ergonomic setup for avoiding back pain at work is complete. The truth is you can’t go without using an anti-fatigue standing mat in an ergonomic work setup. If you are going to be using a standing desk, then rather than have your feet sore and aching after spending hours standing on concrete, an anti-fatigue mat can provide your feet with the gentle cushioning it needs to stay comfortable.
Anti-fatigue mats also come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s best you do your research before choosing one. However, there are some features that all good anti-fatigue standing mats have in common that you need to look for. An anti-fatigue mat should offer you firm support to the lower leg and feet while you stand. This often entails having a smooth and soft top surface but a firm and supportive base.
The anti-fatigue mats that you choose should also have other crucial features such as a non-slip base that keeps the mat firmly in place, as well as trip-free edges, so you do not trip and fall while you’re getting on and off the anti-fatigue mat. Needless to say, buying one from a reputable brand will mean you get a mat that offers durable construction and innovative design specs.
Ending Note
Considering we’re spending more time sitting down than ever before, no thanks to the global pandemic, if you suffer from lower back pain, it pays to invest in an ergonomic setup to reduce back pain at the office. So, it’s time you stopped those back pain episodes from wrecking your workday by simply adopting an ergonomic setup for avoiding back pain at work. The Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair has been specifically designed keeping the best interests of your back in mind.
From the one-of-a-kind, 3D lumbar support system with 3-tier height adjustments, a soft rebound system, and a bionic-engineered curve for maximum support, this futuristic chair helps maintain a neutral spine all day long while you take care of business.
