Healthy Living

Easily Add Lumbar Support To Any Office Chair

Sitting in an office chair all day can be a real pain…..literally.

Office chairs are not always equipped with adequate lower back support, and it can be a real chore to get your boss to fork over the cash necessary to get a good one that does. Because your lower back supports a majority of your body weight, it can become tired and strained, just by sitting in one place. If you have an existing injury, poor support will only increase the agony and prolong the pain, but with proper lumbar support in place, you will decrease pressure, reduce pain, heal quicker and allow your mind to concentrate on the task at hand.

It may take too long to procure a good seat through your employer, and shelling out for your own doesn’t make sense for most folks because quality ones are quite expensive. If you want to work in comfort without begging or waiting, continue reading to find out how you can transform any cheap office chair into an ergonomic cloud with the perfect level of lumbar support for any body. You won’t need a new chair to be comfortable at work because you can easily add the perfect amount of lumbar support to any existing office chair.

What’s A Lumbar?

The lumbar area is just another name for your lower back, and it is defined as the area of your back that includes the portion of spine between your diaphragm and pelvis. This portion of your lower back is a highly flexible area, and when weak or injured, it can make sitting very uncomfortable because it supports so much weight.

This part of your body will generally curve outward, and it is comprised of large vertebrae that move as your body does. There are quite a few nerve endings down in the lumbar area, and the largest of all, the sciatic nerve is also located there.

This is why, in some cases, severe pain originates in the lower back, but then radiates all the way down to your feet. Relieving and supporting the lumbar area can eliminate pain throughout your whole lower half.

The muscles that support your spine are pretty vulnerable to injury when lifting and twisting, but in most cases, back injuries will heal in a matter of days or weeks. Long term pain in the lumbar area is more likely the result of weight or strength, and may require long term management to fix.

What Does Your Lumbar Do?

  • It provides structural support for your whole body.
  • It is integral to a wide range of body movements.
  • It helps to protect internal tissues.

Where Does The Pain Originate?

This is a pretty complex area. Discomfort can stem from several locations and it can be caused by a variety of situations and issues. Below are common areas that aches and pains are found in. Once you locate the cause, it’s easier to relieve the area.

  • The bony portion of your lower spine.
  • The discs between individual vertebrae.
  • Ligaments that surround the bone.
  • Spinal cord and nerve endings.
  • Muscles.
  • Internal organs in the area.
  • Skin that covers the lumbar area.

How To Make Any Office Chair More Comfortable

Increasing comfort and support may not fix every lower back problem, but it will fix many, and it can help speed up healing while supporting other therapy. With ideal posture, and reduced strain on the muscles and vertebrae in the area, you are sure to make your body feel better. Because many of us spend more time in our office chairs than anywhere else, it is extremely important to make sure that it is helping instead of hurting the problem. An office chair with good lumbar support can help eliminate pain, while one with poor support can actually cause pain where there was none.

The Back Saver Lumbar Support is a unique support cushion that works on any seat, but is especially ideal for office chairs. It installs in a matter of seconds, and it can be removed, re-positioned, or taken off in the same short amount of time. To instantly add lumbar support to any office chair, simply place it against the back, and use the strap to secure it in place. The first time you lean back, you will notice the difference as your spine is slightly stretched, perfectly cradled, and suspended without effort to reduce the load on your lumbar area.

How Does It Work?

The Back Saver Mesh Lumbar Support is manufactured based on a pretty simple concept, but it results in a highly effective product that works perfectly and lasts for many years without losing shape, or decreasing performance. A sturdy metal frame creates a contour pillow shape, but instead of being filled with cotton, foam or air, the Back Saver utilizes a strong mesh material to provide support. The material completely covers the front of the frame, and the back side is left open. When someone leans against it, both the frame and the fabric will sightly flex to conform to any body shape.

This results in the perfect level of lower back support, and ensures that your entire back is resting instead of straining. This mesh back pillow is able to install on any office chair, and an integrated strap can be used to keep it in place. You can add lumbar support where there was none, or you can improve existing support if it’s inadequate.

The curved shape can be used right-side-up, or up-side-down depending upon your back shape, area of pain, and what feels comfortable. Use it only at the office, or get two and use one in your car, at home on the couch, at the movies or a restaurant and more. Because this device is so lightweight and portable, you could even transfer the same one to any spot you sit.

Mesh Vs Regular Padding

The mesh material that this back support is made from offers many benefits over traditional lumbar support pillows. One of the most important ones is that it does not flatten out or lose shape over time. Because a slightly flexible metal frame supports this firm, yet flexible material, it will provide the perfect amount of support for anyone’s body, but it will always return to the original shape after you stand up. This means that it will hug your back, and support your spine just as well, no matter how many times you use it.

This universal fit office chair lumbar support is also lightweight in comparison to other options. Despite the fact that it provides better, longer-lasting comfort, it’s also much lighter, and easier to transport. Take it from one chair to the next without any sort of trouble.

While sitting, normal pillows make the area hot, and eventually lead to sweating. The holes in this one, combined with the open back allow for adequate air flow so you’ll never have to worry about sweaty clothes, or a damp pillow.

Future Pain Prevention

Complete elimination of pain may be impossible for some people, but a comfortable chair is a good place to start. If your problem is the result of a specific injury, avoiding that activity could keep you pain-free, but without proper healing, stretching, support and strengthening, you might continue to have problems for years into the future.

One of the best ways to prevent a healthy back from getting injured, is to strengthen the muscles in the area with specific exercises. One of the best ways to heal an achy lumbar is to take it easy, support it when possible, and let time pass.

If you don’t compound the issue, the tissues should heal over a period of days or weeks. With proper alignment and muscle positioning, the fix will be longer lasting, and your body will feel stronger and more healthy. If your pain is caused due to some weird situation with the actual bone, surgery may be the only fix available, but increasing comfort can make a difference in the short term.

Stop watching the clock due to an uncomfortable seat. You can easily sit for long periods, even if you have a bad back. With one simple step you can easily add the perfect amount of lumbar support to any office chair, and because this solution is so comfy and breathable, you can easily sit for a full day in total comfort. Get the perfect level of support, and sit in ultimate comfort no matter how cheap your boss is, or how old your chair is.

Other Ways To Manage Lower Back Pain

Fixing your office chair is one way to prevent back pain and increase comfort while you sit at work, but there are lots of other things you can do as well. Lower back pain is a common issue that many people deal with, and it can result from various causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Here are some other ways to help alleviate and manage lower back pain:

  1. Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Give your lower back some time to rest. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, especially heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
  2. Heat and Cold Therapy:
    • Apply ice packs in the initial 48 hours to reduce inflammation. Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time.
    • After the initial inflammation has subsided, switch to heat therapy. Use a heating pad or warm compress for 15-20 minutes to relax and loosen tissues.
  3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosing instructions carefully.
  4. Stretching and Gentle Exercise:
    • Perform gentle stretches to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension in the lower back. Try exercises like knee-to-chest stretches or pelvic tilts.
    • Engage in low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming to strengthen the muscles that support your lower back.
  5. Core Strengthening: A strong core can help support your lower back. Exercises like planks, bridges, and bird-dogs can help strengthen the core muscles.
  6. Proper Posture: Maintain good posture, whether sitting or standing. Use ergonomic furniture and supports if needed. Be mindful of your posture when lifting heavy objects.
  7. Supportive Footwear: Wearing supportive, cushioned shoes can help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on your lower back.
  8. Sleeping Position: Sleep on a mattress and pillows that provide proper support to your spine. Consider using a body pillow to maintain good sleeping posture.
  9. Weight Management: Excess body weight can put added stress on your lower back. If you’re overweight, losing weight through diet and exercise can help alleviate back pain.
  10. Physical Therapy: Consult a physical therapist who can design a personalized exercise and stretching program to improve your back’s strength and flexibility.
  11. Massage and Bodywork: Consider seeing a licensed massage therapist or chiropractor for targeted treatments that can help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation.
  12. Yoga and Tai Chi: These mind-body practices can improve flexibility, posture, and balance, which can contribute to lower back pain relief.
  13. Acupuncture: Some people find relief from lower back pain through acupuncture treatments.
  14. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate back pain. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and alleviate pain.
  15. Medical Evaluation: If your pain is severe, chronic, or accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Remember that everyone’s situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on the most suitable treatment and management plan for your specific lower back pain.

Products Mentioned

SimplyGoodStuff

View Comments

  • Don't forget that many car seats lack adequate lumbar adjustment. The Mesh construction avoids 'pillow heat' and allows vehicle seat heating and cooling to function normally.

  • very informative article. I spend most of my time seated and I know that even with an ergonomic chair lower back pain will be inevitable with time. The cushioning on the seat and even the structural integrity can only last so long. I like that the product conforms to the shape of my back and is lightweight so I can carry it around with me. Awesome stuff.

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