Best Office Chair for Lower Back Pain: Get Pain Solutions

Back pain is the nightmare of our office workers. Do you often feel neck and back pain at work?

This is mainly because we sit for a long time and have problems with our sitting posture. Sitting for a long time can cause serious harm to the human body. When you sit for a long time, you may have back, shoulder and neck pain. Generally speaking, we should not sit for more than 90 minutes at the beginning, and then walk and stretch for 15 minutes, but in our work, the reality is far from what we should do. , We may have to sit for more than 6-8 hours continuously to handle our work.

At this time, we need an ergonomic chair to make our body more comfortable. We all need to know those tips that can help us be more comfortable at work, such as: office chair.

The use of office chairs is a serious issue, so in order for you to work and live more comfortably, this blog will describe to you how to choose an ergonomic office chair, and how to keep you relieve your back pain.

What Is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is primarily caused by spinal or muscle damage in the lower back. It is also a major cause of lost work time in the United States.

Almost everyone experiences lower back pain, varying only in severity. Lower back pain can make walking, sleeping, and working difficult, even disrupting daily life.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Symptoms of lower back pain vary:

• Sudden acute onset or gradual onset of chronic pain (lasting more than 3 months).
• A sharp or dull ache.
• You may experience some difficulty straightening your back.
• You may feel soreness when bending or squatting, which improves when lying down.

What Are the Risk Factors for Lower Back Pain?

• Posture: Incorrect posture puts more pressure on your lower back.
• Occupation: If your job requires prolonged sitting, you may experience back discomfort.
• Age: According to the Cleveland Clinic, intervertebral discs wear down over time in people over 30.
• Weight: When your Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 25, you are more prone to back pain.
• Poor Health: Lack of exercise and excessive smoking and drinking increase the risk of back pain.
• Lifting Heavy Objects: Lifting excessively heavy objects puts too much pressure on your back.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain?

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can cause back pain.
• Strengthen Exercise: Strengthen your abdominal, gluteal, and back muscles.
• Warm Up Before Intense Exercise: Perform gentle stretching exercises before exercising to prepare your body.
• Ergonomic Equipment: If you sit for long periods, replace your work desk, chair, mouse, etc., with ergonomic equipment for better health.

What to Look for in a Good Ergonomic Office Chair

Keeping the Spine Aligned

A good ergonomic office chair meets the unique support needs of the body: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum.

However, most work chairs on the market today fail to do this, especially with little support for the sacrum. In addition, many foam and fabric chairs on the market have backrests that mimic the general contours of the human spine, which cannot adapt to the support shape of the human back and cannot provide flexible movement.

Supporting Our Need to Move

Do you think you just sit in front of your computer all day and don't move much. But you actually move a lot more than you know, with the average seated person moving their torso 53 times per hour. Nearly 28% of these movements involve tilting or turning (Dowell et al., 2001).

Most work chairs don’t support all the subtle movements you make throughout the day, and some are designed with backrests that are too rigid, don’t support the lumbar region, and don’t allow for natural movement, so workers lean away from the backrest and end up with no back support.

Designing for Natural Movement and Total Spinal Support

Boulies is bringing you ergonomic office chairs that provide effective support for the four areas of the body’s spine, and the flexibility to keep people moving throughout the day, relieve fatigue, and improve productivity.

What Aspects of Boulies Office Chairs Can Relieve Lower Back Pain?

Ergonomic Office Chair Height

Spine Health recommends adjusting to 90 degrees. A chair that is too high can easily force you to hunch your back or sit forward, increasing pressure on the popliteal fossa (below the knees), thereby reducing blood circulation in the body; a chair that is too low can cause the back to flatten and increase pressure on the coccyx and lower back, so it is important to adjust the height of the chair according to people of different heights. The seat height should be between 16 and 21 inches from the ground, which is suitable for most people (155 cm - 190 cm). In this way, the user's feet can be flat on the floor, the thighs are horizontal, and the height of the arms is consistent with the height of the table.

Also, don't forget the thickness of the shoes. Sitting barefoot or wearing thin slippers on the chair may differ by about 2 inches compared to sitting in a chair wearing thick running shoes.

Boulies office and gaming chairs are all adjustable in height.

Ergonomic Office Chair Seat Angle

Neutral/Slightly Tilted Back:

In most cases, the surface of the chair seat will have a slight tilt backwards of 1°-5°. The right office chair helps to shift the body's center of gravity from the hips to the back, so that the backrest can share the pressure on the hips and prevent the body from sliding forward.

Forward Tilt:

If you prefer to sit forward, some office chairs allow this, such as the Boulies EP300, which can tilt forward at an angle of 2°, and the EP180, which tilts forward at an angle of 1.7°. An office chair with an adjustable forward tilt angle makes it more beneficial to your health when you prefer to sit forward, and can help you reduce spinal pressure.

Ergonomic Office Chair Back Angle

90-100°: Upright Posture

If you are required to work upright at a desk, a 90-100 degree sitting posture is generally considered more ideal. An upright sitting posture helps you keep your spine straight, and your legs and the ground should also be able to maintain a 90° angle. This is a good posture for typing, reading, etc., but remember to stand up and move around after about 40 minutes, which will be much better for your lower back.

Boulies currently has 90-degree adjustable backrests: EP180, EP300, NUBI. Among them, Boulies EP180 can also tilt the backrest forward 11 degrees.

100-110°: Slightly Tilted for Comfort (Optimal Seat Back Angle)

When you sit and relax, we recommend that the angle between the backrest and the seat cushion is around 100-110°. This slightly tilted angle is usually more comfortable. Most ergonomic chairs are designed to be optimal at this angle. This angle can provide adequate support for your lower back, better fit the natural curve of the spine, and reduce the pressure on the waist.

110-130°: Lean Back and Relax

Between 110 and 130° is very suitable for rest and relaxation, but it is easy to cause hunchback for work that requires high concentration. It is not recommended for typing and writing.

Tips: Everyone's body is different in height, weight and thinness. Finding the most comfortable angle is important. If your backrest is not suitable, please use an adjustable lumbar support to help you reduce the pressure on your waist.

Ergonomic Office Chair Cushion Hardness

The problem with the cushion of many chairs (especially cheap office chairs) is usually not the thickness, but the density/hardness.

For the cushion, we need it to be strong enough to provide support without sinking in like a soft pillow, so that the foam will not wear out over time. The lower the density of the foam, the less likely it is to fully "rebound" after the cushion is fully compressed after sitting.

So we recommend choosing a high-density molded foam or similar material with a thickness of 1.5-2 inches. Because a seat cushion that is too thick will cause the body to sink into the chair and restrict movement. However, a chair that is too soft may be comfortable to sit on at first, but as your body sinks and you continue to sit for a long time, blood circulation will decrease, skin temperature in the affected area will increase, and pressure under the thighs will increase.

We want the seat cushion to be thick enough so that it does not bottom out. Higher-density foams tend to be more expensive, but Boulies chairs are worth the money. The design still uses 100% Cold-cure foam. The back of the seat cushion is harder and thicker, and the front should be softer and thinner. It can provide support and prevent sinking, but it can be soft enough to evenly distribute the weight of the body.

In addition, when you find that the seat cushion is uncomfortable and easy to collapse after using it for a long time (3-5 years), don't hesitate, you need to replace the office chair cushion or the office chair.

Ergonomic Office Chair Seat Depth

Seat depth definition: the distance from the front to the back of the seat cushion.

If the seat is deep, you may need to bend forward to reach the backrest when working. If the seat is too shallow, the front of the thigh will be suspended, so that too much body weight will be pressed on the calf, which will increase your fatigue.

Ideal seat depth: The ergonomic seat depth allows the waist and back to rest comfortably on the chair back, the buttocks will be fully seated, and there should be a gap of about 1-5 cm (or 2-3 fingers) between the front of the seat cushion and the calf.

Therefore, we recommend a fixed seat depth of 18 inches (about 46 cm) and an adjustable seat depth of 17-20 inches. If the seat depth is greater than the length of the diamond groove from the buttocks to the back of the knee, the user will not be able to use the backrest.

The seat depth of Boulies EP180, EP200, EP300, EP460, and NUBI are all adjustable.

Recommended Ergonomic Office Chairs

Boulies EP460

Designed to support all of the body’s natural connections, the EP460 office chair offers a range of adjustments – from backrest and lumbar support to seat depth and footrest – designed to encourage natural movement. It adjusts to your exact preferences, ensuring a refined and comfortable fit for any sitting position, always caring for your back. The Boulies EP460 features an adjustable neck pillow that can be moved up and down and angled to your liking.

Enjoy the comfort of the Boulies EP460 mesh office chair, upholstered in luxurious chenille yarn for the perfect combination of durability and softness.

Boulies Master

Unveil the exquisite Boulies Master collection: Master and Master Max, designed with input from doctors and PhDs in biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics,

Boulies Master eliminates sharp corners and incorporates smooth curves to provide a wider seating area, promote correct posture, and reduce pressure on the hips and thighs. Add lumbar adjustment up and down to precisely match the natural curvature of your spine.

The Boulies Master offers a gentle 15-degree movement, and the rocking feature allows for a more relaxed experience.

Boulies Master Rex

The Boulies Master Rex features integrated leg supports for a stress-free recline. After rigorous testing, this chair features a back tilt angle of 95° to 165°, allowing you to find the perfect angle for working, lounging or relaxing. Boulies enhanced tilt mechanism allows for 15° smooth rocking and locking of the back tilt, providing a relaxing experience when leaning back.

Provides strong support for your neck and back. This modern ergonomic office chair does not lock you into your seat. Instead, it encourages you to sit for long periods of time with ease.

Boulies Elite Gaming Chair

The Elite Series gaming chair provides optimal support and comfort. This innovative design evenly distributes weight and promotes healthy posture. The ELITE Series features a specially designed backrest whose curves mimic the natural curvature of the human spine.

The Elite Series features a multi-function tilt mechanism, with full control of the Boulies multi-tilt mechanism, you can lock or unlock your position and sit at any angle you want.

Boulies Elite chair has over 6 dynamic adjustable functions to customize the most ideal comfortable gaming posture.

• 8-way adjustable armrests with aluminum structure.
• Stepless backrest tilt mechanism control.
• Height adjustment, rocker tilt switch (with locking function), tilt tension adjustment.
• A headrest and lumbar pillow are included in the package.

Test Your Sitting Posture to See if It Is Ergonomic

Have you adjusted your chair? What we are going to talk about next is that the correct use of ergonomic chairs can help you avoid back pain caused by sitting for a long time, thereby improving your work efficiency.

You may have an ergonomic chair, but you don't use it correctly.

Scientific research shows that when you sit at a desk, the angle between your back and butts is greater than 110 degrees, which is the most comfortable sitting posture. Do you often confirm that your sitting posture is correct? To relieve the pressure on your neck and back. When we sit, most of the pressure on the body is in the waist, thighs and neck.

Now you can improve your sitting posture by adjusting the ergonomic chair. Please try to adjust the angle of the chair and feel whether your waist muscles are more relaxed.

Adjusting the sitting posture not only refers to the support of the waist. After adjusting the waist support, please adjust the height of your entire chair according to your own comfort. Similarly, according to your own comfort, pay attention to some small details, ergonomic chair armrests, headrests can help your body relieve pressure.

Step 1: Elbow Measurement

First, sit comfortably close to the table, let your upper arms and spine hang down parallel, then place your hands on the work surface (desktop or computer keyboard), try to make your elbows 90 degrees, if not, you may need to adjust the height of the office chair.

Step 2: Thigh Measurement

After you sit down, put your fingers under your thighs at the front edge of the chair to test whether you can easily reach in. If your fingers are too tight, try to lower the seat height or use an adjustable footrest to support your feet. If the distance between the bottom of your thighs and the chair is more than a finger width, please raise the seat height.

If you are particularly tall, you also need to raise the height of the table. Boulies chairs and standing desks are both adjustable in height.

Step 3: Calf Measurement

After sitting down, lean your buttocks against the back of the chair, and then try to place your clenched fists behind your calves and the front of the office chair.

If you have difficulty doing this, it means that your seat depth is too deep. Move the seat depth forward or use lumbar support (lumbar pillow), etc. If you can't do all of these, you need a new office chair.

Step 4: Lower Back Support

In an ergonomic sitting position, lower back support is very important. If you sit for long periods of time without back support, you can easily hunch over (flatten the natural curve), strain your lower spine structure, and damage the lumbar discs.

When your buttocks are against the back of the chair, there should be a cushion on the back, or your office chair has a lumbar support to slightly arch your lower back (called the lordotic curve). This support can minimize the pressure on your back. This way, you won't lean forward or hunch over in your chair due to fatigue caused by long hours of work and study.

All Boulies chairs have lumbar support and lumbar adjustment (height and depth). Lumbar pillows are also provided so that your lordotic curve can be properly fitted.

Step 5: Eye Level

When you sit down and adjust to a comfortable position, your eyes should be aimed at the center of the computer screen. If your computer screen is above or below your line of sight, you need to raise or lower the screen to reduce pressure on your spine. You can buy a computer monitor stand or simply place it on a pile of books.

Step 6: Armrests

Adjust the armrests of the chair to slightly lift your arms at the shoulders. When you use the armrests, you can reduce the pressure on your neck and shoulders, and also reduce the number of times you bend forward in the chair.

Relieving Lower Back Pain During Office Work

• 20-20-20: For every 20 minutes of deep work, look at something 20 meters away for 20 seconds.
• Get Up and Move Around Frequently: Get up and move around at least every hour.

Common Methods for Treating Lower Back Pain

Physical Therapy

If your lower back pain is mild, you can try:

• Regular exercise in daily life to strengthen your muscles and better support your spine.
• At work, use ergonomic chairs and desks to support your lower back.

Professional Massage Therapist

Massage techniques can relax tense muscles, and chiropractic and spinal correction can help improve posture and body shape. These can also help relieve back pain and restore bodily function.

Medication

Lower back pain can be accompanied by several symptoms. If you experience lower back pain along with the following symptoms, you should seek medical help:

• Numbness, weakness in one or both legs.
• Fever, dizziness.
• A history of serious medical conditions. 
• Age 55 and above, with no obvious cause for back pain.

It is best to consult a doctor. Professional treatment may be necessary, including medication, injections, or surgery.

Boulies' Care for Your Sedentary Workplace

Boulies provides ergonomic desks and chairs to relieve lower back pain during your workday. Boulies offers a 14-day return policy and a 2-3 year warranty.

Summary

If you want to relieve your back pain and make your work more efficient, choose an ergonomic office chair. The right chair will not only make you feel more comfortable and efficient at work, but also be more responsible for your physical health.

When choosing in the market, the adjustability of ergonomic chairs is one of the key factors, so that you can ensure that the shape of the chair is suitable for your own body shape. At the same time, the material of the office chair is equally important. If you like a "breathing" chair, start using a mesh chair. If you prefer luxurious and sleek leather fabrics, use a PU leather office chair.

Boulies Professional helps you understand a more ergonomic office and helps you avoid unnecessary back and neck pain. Please check out more of our blogs!

FAQs

Can back pain be related to the weather?

Yes, back pain often worsens on cold or unpredictable days. Changes in air pressure cause muscles and joints to react to the external environment.

What lifestyle factors can cause back pain?

Smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and prolonged incorrect posture are all contributing factors. Smoking hinders the body's self-repair abilities. Obesity leads to increased wear and tear on the spine. Prolonged incorrect posture also increases pressure on the back.

What does it mean if back pain radiates to the legs?

It could be sciatica, but a medical examination is necessary. Many areas of the lower back can cause pain to radiate to the legs, muscles, small joints, or bursitis.

Could back pain be a sign of serious illnesses like cancer?

Back pain can be related to cancer. Many types of cancer can spread to the back. Back pain is one of the complications of prostate cancer when it metastasizes, and sarcomas can even originate in the back. If you have other symptoms besides back pain, be sure to see a doctor.

How to relieve back pain at home?

First, record your symptoms, the date and time they started, and which activities worsen the pain. Reduce those activities and see if the situation improves. Use ergonomic items, such as a standing desk and chair.

When should I see a doctor if I have back pain?

In many cases, rest, a regular diet and sleep schedule, and back pain will disappear on its own. If the pain worsens or other symptoms appear, don't hesitate to see a doctor immediately.