Design
Why a fully adjustable office chair is important
We are all different, so when you buy a new office chair, look for one that has all the adjustability features.
Back support for an office chair – why it’s important
Arguably the most important feature on an office chair is an adjustable back support. Find out why.
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About the author:
Ronel Hendry
Office Ergonomics Risk Facilitator.
Areas of specialisation: Sales, Specifying & Ergonomics
An office chair with good lower back or lumbar support can significantly improve comfort and overall health during long hours of sitting. In South Africa, ergonomic and orthopedic office chairs are equipped with a diverse range of back support options designed to cater to individual needs, body shapes, and personal preferences. These options include highly adjustable multi-reclining backrests that can be fine-tuned to provide optimal alignment for the spine, as well as portable lumbar cushions that are attached to the chair by means of a strap.
The spinal column is made up of 34 bones that keep your body straight, allow it to move, and carry major nerves from the brain to the rest of the body. It supports both your skeletal structure and nervous system.
Sitting for long periods in a chair with poor back support increases stress on the lower back, leading to pain and discomfort. According to Spine Health, choosing a good ergonomic office chair and setting it up correctly is very important for avoiding and alleviating back pain.
Office chairs with good lumbar support help keep your spine in its natural elongated 'S' shape.
For more information, find out what actually happens to your body when you sit.
A chair with poor back support often results in sitting with a 'C' shaped spine. This may cause:
- Backache.
- Neck pain and tension headaches.
- Sciatic nerve pain or sciatica.
- Impaired breathing due to the compression of your lungs which restricts the blood flow to your vital organs, specifically your brain. This results in fatigue and poor concentration.
1. Why the back support on an office chair should be adjustable
Because our bodies are so varied, chairs with a fixed or pre-defined lumbar support are not suitable for everyone. An adjustable lumbar support allows you to position the lumbar cushion to best fit and support the curvature of your spine.
In South Africa where we commonly have “hot desking”, and office chairs are used by more than one person. A chair with an easily adjustable lumbar support is essential.
2. Who needs an adjustable lumbar back support on their office chair?
The simple answer…..EVERYONE!
An adjustable lumbar support is recommended if you are sitting on your office chair for long periods of time, and/or you have persistent muscular back pain or musculoskeletal disorders. Can Ergonomic Chairs Help with Sciatica and Pinched Nerves?
Remember....
- Every person’s back and body shape is unique.
- Office chairs are not all the same and the level of back support afforded by each model will not suit everyone. There is no “one size fits all”, so find a chair that suits YOUR back!
- Don’t be conned by anyone who claims that they have “an office chair that will suit everyone”. It doesn’t exist.
Protect your back with an office chair that provides superior lumbar support
We offer a broad spectrum of office chairs with an adjustable back support to suit almost every need.
3. Different lumbar support options and how they work
Lumbar back support for office chairs in South Africa is available in various forms that range from the most basic to more advanced ergonomic options. Office chairs with a high ergonomic rating will have backrests that include multiple types of lumbar support adjustment. Let’s have a look at a few variations.
Note: Some chairs may have a combination of the various types listed below.
a. Height adjustable lumbar support
This is perhaps the most common option available on most ergonomic office chairs and it allows you to adjust the back support VERTICALLY to suit your lumbar curve.
In order to get optimum results, sit as far back into your seat as possible with your back fully supported by the backrest. Now adjust the lumbar support so that it rests in the small of your back to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Ensure that the lumbar is not too high or too low as this may lead to slouching and discomfort.
b. Office chairs with a depth adjustable lumbar back support
This option allows you to adjust the back support HORIZONTALLY to suit your lumbar curve.
When you adjust the depth of the lumbar support cushion on an office chair, ensure that you keep the spine in a natural position. Don’t over or under accentuate the inward curvature of your spine. Over accentuation will result in unnecessary strain as your spine is forced into an extreme lordosis, while under accentuation will not provide the necessary support and comfort.
Note: Females have a greater inward curvature (lordosis) than males, and would benefit from a more pronounced lumbar support.
c. Height adjustable backrest
With this option, the chair backrest can be adjusted vertically so you can align it with your lumbar curve.
Furthermore, changing the inward/outward angle of the backrest allows you to position it where it's most comfortable.
In South Africa, our orthopedic office chairs have height adjustable backrests.
d. Chairs with a height adjustable backrest and an independently adjustable lumbar support
Here the chair backrest and lumbar support can be adjusted VERTICALLY and INDEPENDTLY from one another.
An office chair with a height adjustable backrest is particularly beneficial for a taller person as it provides support for the upper back and shoulders.
For optimal comfort, the separate lumbar support on these office chairs can be adjusted to "fine-tune" the back support settings. This combination is available on the OrthoAir Orthopedic Chair.
e. Office chair with a height adjustable back and inflatable lumbar support
Designed for top-of-the-range back support, the built-in pneumatic lumbar cushion on these office chairs has an internal bladder that can be inflated via a simple hand pump.
In this way, both the POSITION and FIRMNESS of the back support can be adjusted to an optimum level.
In South Africa, this superior back support is available on the OrthoMax Orthopedic office chair.
4. How to adjust the lumbar support
First and foremost, adjust the seat height to achieve a healthy sitting position.
Now, and only now, adjust the lumbar support.
- Sit as far back into the seat as possible and lean into the backrest of your chair. Your entire spine should be in contact with the backrest.
- Raise or lower the height of the lumbar support to fit your lumbar curve.
- Finally, adjust the depth of the lumbar support. Be careful not to adjust the lumbar support too far inward as it may result in pain and discomfort. Too little pressure provides inadequate support.
Protect your back with an office chair that provides superior back support
We offer a broad spectrum of office chairs with an adjustable back support to suit almost every need.
Conclusion
Working in an office requires you to spend a significant amount of time sitting on your chair. An office chair with an adjustable back support promotes good posture and is essential to avoid developing or aggravating back problems. The Latest Trends in selecting a Comfortable Office Chair.
A chair with adjustable lumbar support should not be an option or a consideration.
It should be a “must have”.
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