Pain

Is Lumbar Support Good For Your Back?

Written by Ashley Williams, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, CASp | Feb 28, 2023 1:00:00 PM

The Key to Good Sitting- and it’s not lumbar!

When it comes to sitting for long periods, proper posture is essential to avoid discomfort and injury. One of the ways to achieve good posture is through the use of an office chair that provides support to the lower back, which is commonly referred to as lumbar support. However, research in wheelchair seating has shown that pelvis support may be more effective in promoting good posture and reducing strain on the lower back.1

The reason why lumbar support may be less successful than pelvis support is that it is not the foundation of spinal stability. The pelvis actually plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining proper posture and reducing low back pain. The pelvis is connected to the spine and sacrum through multiple ligaments. As a result, the angle of the pelvis impacts the position of the spine.

For example, when the pelvis rolls backwards, it results in a “c” curved spine, but when it rolls forward into neutral it results in an “s” shaped spine. When the pelvis is correctly aligned, it helps to establish a natural lumbar curve, which is essential for maintaining a healthy spine.

Another benefit of pelvis support is that it can reduce strain on other areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders. When the pelvis is correctly aligned, it helps to promote a natural thoracic curve, which can help to alleviate tension in the upper body. This, in turn, can help to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as shoulder impingement syndrome or neck pain.

So, how can you ensure that you are using an office chair that provides adequate pelvis support?

The truth is, there are very few chairs that offer pelvis support, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, look for a chair with a contoured seat that promotes good alignment of the pelvis. Secondly, consider using a separate cushion or support device that can help provide pelvis support in a neutral position. Another low-tech option is to roll up a towel and place it on your seat behind the pelvis to hold it in neutral. This can be a good short-term solution but is not sustainable long term.

What is a good long-term solution for better posture?

Find a chair that can support the pelvis in neutral so you can maintain that upright posture throughout the day and minimize the detrimental effects of sitting poorly. And this is where Anthros comes in!

Anthros is the only chair that has an independently adjustable two-part back system.

The low back pad can be adjusted to meet and support the pelvis in neutral. This brings the spine into alignment and the upper back pad can then be adjusted forward to meet the upper back.

So, if you’re looking for a long-term solution in a chair with pelvis support, look no further than Anthros

Anthros is the only chair in the world that is guaranteed to improve posture or your money back. The science-backed, patented design is registered with the FDA as a posture-improving chair and is proven to have the lowest pressure (most comfortable) cushion on the planet (verified by university testing).

Take the next step to reducing pain, increasing comfort, and maximizing performance!