Why Should I Use a Lumbar Support

Many of us are in our office chairs, staring at our computer screens for eight to ten hours a day, and this process, without adequate back support can wreak havoc on our lower backs. When we are in the seated position at our desks without adequate back support, it will usually lead to poor posture. As we know poor posture is terrible for our backs, and for many people, sitting in an office chair either causes or emphasizing our lower back pain.

Much of the problem is that today's ever increasing sedentary lifestyle includes longer and longer periods of sitting: at our desk while at work, long commutes in the car, and when we get home after a long day at our desk we are slumped in front of the television. Rarely are we aware that our poor posture all day, and even all evening, is causing much of our pain.

Getting a Lumbar Support for Your Office Chair is Vital

The lower portion of your back, above the glute muscles that curves inward toward the abdominal area is called the lordotic curve. A proper lumbar back support on your chair will help promote good posture by occupying the space between the lordotic curve and the back of the chair, supporting the lower back.

Without a lumbar back support it is more difficult to sit with correct posture. Over time, trying to sit with proper posture becomes more and more difficult as your muscles fatigue and tighten…leading to more poor posture and more back pain. It is only natural to slouch in your desk chair at work.

With a good lumbar support for your desk chair, your back and lower back muscles don’t have to work as hard to keep your good posture, and will make you less fatigued and help you keep your good posture for longer periods of time. The lumbar support becomes more important the longer time you’re spending seated.

With all the sitting we are doing, at work, at home, in our cars, and watching our kids play sports, why not have proper support for your back? It is doubtful that we will be sitting less, so make sure you support your back muscles and maintain good posture.

 ~Sean Hogan has coached hockey at the international and collegiate levels for over ten years. He has spoken at numerous events about culture building, goal setting and healthy lifestyles. He holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Recreation and Sports Science with an emphasis on Coaching Education from OHIO University.