Investing in a recliner isn’t just about having somewhere comfortable to sit, it can actually help look after your back.
Eight out of 10 adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives and it is one of the main reasons people take time off work. This week is Back Care Awareness Week so we’ve looked at the different ways a La-Z-Boy recliner can help.
- It’s all about angles
Sitting upright at a 90 degree angle for long periods of time can cause chronic back pain. Many people think they need to sit up completely straight but research suggests sitting in a reclined position is actually better for the spine as it reduces pressure. Back in 2006, academics in Canada and Scotland found that reclining by at least 135 degrees was effective in relieving back pain.
Waseem Amir Bashir, clinical fellow in the department of radiology and diagnostic imaging at the University of Alberta Hospital, said: “A 135-degree body-thigh sitting posture was demonstrated to be the best biomechanical sitting position, as opposed to a 90-degree posture, which most people consider normal.”
- Beat the hunch
Hunching your shoulders can lead to all sorts of problems, including back pain, stiff joints and neck ache. When people sit on a normal sofa, they often end up naturally hunching and slouching. In contrast, a recliner will use gravity to keep your shoulders back and your neck and chin upright.
- Avoid snoozing on the sofa
Lying down on a sofa may seem comfortable at first but it can lead to neck and back pain. This is because resting your head on the arm of sofa doesn’t keep your spine in alignment. Using a recliner to lie back and relax keeps your body in a more natural position and avoids that ‘crick in the neck’ feeling.
- Extra features
If back pain is an issue for you, it is worth looking for a recliner which has added features which will help. Many of La-Z-Boy’s recliners have an adjustable power head tilt so you can get yourself into a comfortable position which doesn’t put pressure on your spine. Some models, including Hudson, have built-in lumbar support.
- Put your feet up
Recliners have built-in foot rests, making it easier for you to put your feet up. Elevating your legs will reduce the tension in both your hips and lower back. It will also encourage blood flow to your back muscles which can help relieve discomfort.
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