Next week (2 to 8 October 2017) is National Back Care Awareness Week. Here we share some advice to help you keep your back healthy and pain free when you sit down and relax.
Bad posture can often be a cause of back pain, as our spine can become twisted or bent into uncomfortable positions, and our surrounding muscles may ache or twinge from trying to compensate.
The same applies for the way we sit – particularly if we spend long amounts of time sitting, either slumped over at a desk or slouching in a chair. People who suffer from limited mobility are also at higher risk of back pain as it can be difficult to move to a comfortable position, especially if using an unsuitable chair.
Here are a few tips to protect your spine when you sit.
Practice good desk posture
If you sit at a desk for long periods, an adjustable chair is essential to allow you to find the ideal position to work in. Ideally keep your feet flat on the floor and your knees in line with your hips. If this position isn’t possible, your chair is likely to be too high or low.
Make sure you aren’t leaning either too far forwards or backwards, and resist the temptation to cross your legs, as this can put pressure on joints.
Take care when you snooze on the sofa
Napping on the sofa or lying down to watch some favourite TV can feel like heaven, but sofas aren’t designed for us to spend a long time lying flat out. If you’re having to curl your legs up to fit, stretch your feet up over the arm, or if your neck is at an awkward angle, you’re at risk of back discomfort.
If snoozing on the sofa is something you enjoy, consider choosing a reclining sofa, so you can relax in comfort. Recliners offer support for your head, legs and feet, so you’ll always be able to find a comfortable position.
All La-Z-Boy handle recliner models feature independent backrests and footrests, for even greater choice of comfort. These chairs also recline in a unique motion, which keeps your lumbar region fully supported at all times.
Avoid a saggy bottom
If chairs are old, well-used or poorly made, they can sag and become uncomfortable, no longer providing the support you require to sit comfortably. Sagging can occur in the back and seat cushions and will depend on a number of factors, including the material and seat construction of the chair, how you sit, how often you use it and how long it has been used for.
Sagging is a sign it’s time to invest in a new favourite chair or sofa.
All products in the La-Z-Boy Originals Collection feature edge-to-edge micro pocket springs on all seat cushions. This not only gives you a comfortable and supportive sit, it means your sofa will be resistant to sagging.
Size is important
Most people would admit to choosing a sofa by its style, not by its size, but this is important to ensure the most comfortable sit.
Seat height, back height and cushion depth are all vital if you plan to spend long periods sitting in your chair. If possible, visit a showroom to test out how it feels to sit in your preferred chair or sofa before you buy.
Designed and Manufactured in Britain
The Made in Britain campaign is a movement designed to bring together the manufacturing community in the UK, awarding companies who manufacture their products in Britain a collective mark we can use on our products and communications.
The mark proudly demonstrates La-Z-Boy’s commitment to supporting the local economy and community.
You can identify our UK manufactured products by the Made in Britain flag on the product’s photos.
We launch new ranges throughout the year, so be sure to follow us on social media and check back to keep up-to-date with our new products.