Protecting your back and spine health is more important today than ever. Most people work office jobs where they sit at a computer all day, which wears on the spine.
Regular chiropractic adjustments and back exercises go a long way, but if you want to go the extra mile to protect your spine, try ergonomic furniture. You will be amazed by how much swapping out your desk chair and desk can benefit your back.
We’re going to break down all the benefits of ergonomic furniture in this guide. Along with office furniture, we’ll look at how you can be more ergonomic in other areas of your home as well. Let’s get started.
What Is Ergonomic Furniture?
Ergonomic furniture is furniture that is shaped to better fit the natural curvature of the body. Most furniture is square and boxy, which forces your spine into unnatural positions.
You may not even realize the extent of the damage that traditional furniture is doing to your back. However, sitting uncomfortably all day adds up. Along with promoting bad posture and back pain, it can also put pressure on your body and cause your muscles to tense up.
With ergonomic furniture, your joints are more supported. It takes a ton of the pressure off your body so you don’t feel as tight when you finally stand up.
You can find ergonomic office chairs, lounge chairs, ottomans, living room sets, couches, and more. Let’s look at the furniture pieces you should prioritize switching to an ergonomic option next.
Ergonomic Office Furniture
If you work an office job, it’s crucial that you start with your office furniture. Since you spend at least eight hours a day working, and probably in a seated position, switching to an ergonomic office chair will have the best benefit on your spine health.
An ergonomic office chair should provide lumbar support and contour to your body. The best options are adjustable so you can get the perfect fit. However, a chair with adjustable height is not enough.
The seat pan, which is the part that you sit on, should also be adjustable so you can customize your leg support. Ideally, there should be a half-inch gap between the edge of the chair and your knees.
The seat should also be wide enough for your body and not squeeze your thighs and buttocks together. Your weight should distribute evenly across the seat pan for the best support.
For great lumbar support, you need a chair with a lower backrest. If this piece is adjustable as well, that’s even better. A seat that reclines is also helpful so you can adjust it as your spine moves throughout the day. You need to have enough upper back support to prevent crouching over.
Lastly, the armrests should also be adjustable. This is ideal for fitting a variety of body types since you don’t want your arms to be squeezed in by your sides. They should rest comfortably so that you can type and write without straining your wrists.
Should You Get a Standing Desk?
Standing desks are all the rage, but are they really ergonomic? The answer is yes and no. There are tons of benefits from standing to work at your computer instead of sitting; however, the true benefit comes with a variation.
Standing all day long can eventually pose the same back threats as sitting all day does. Instead of getting rid of your sitting desk and chair all together for a standing option, try alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day. The movement will prevent your joints from becoming too stiff.
You can try standing at a bar height countertop, or you can purchase a desk that moves up and down between sitting and standing.
Ergonomic Living Room Furniture
The risk of spine damage doesn’t go away at the end of the workday. In fact, since most Americans spend weeknights lounging at home, it’s important to make sure you have ergonomic living room furniture too.
Plus, if you want a job where you are on your feet all day instead of at a desk, you want your body to be fully supported at the end of the day when you can finally relax.
What does ergonomic living room furniture look like? Luckily, it doesn’t have to ruin the design of your living room. Ergonomic living room furniture is still sleek and stylish.
Once again, the most important element is adjustability. Don’t judge a couch or lounge chair simply by how comfortable it feels. You should also look for lumbar support, and it should be wide enough to fit your hips without compressing your body.
Too much comfort will actually hurt you in the long run. Your furniture won’t provide enough support, which will weaken your back and cause pain in your joints.
Just like the ergonomic office chair, ergonomic living room furniture should contour your body. Most lounge furniture is boxy, which goes against your body’s shape. Choose furniture with rounded edges that adjust to you.
Try out several ergonomic couches and living room chairs to make sure you find one that fits your body.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture
Did you know that ergonomic furniture will also help you sleep better? It’s true: when your spine is supported throughout the day, you won’t lay awake at night with bad back pain.
Protecting your spine will also help you stay mobile and active longer. With ergonomic furniture, you can live fully without pain or stress on your body.
Other ways you can protect your spine are by stretching and getting regular chiropractic adjustments. At Momentum Medical in Florida, we can help you feel your best. Book an appointment at one of our locations online today.