Can recliner chairs be a solution to back pain?

Back pain is a common condition that affects many Australians. From yoga to daily posture exercises, the solutions to alleviate the pain are far and wide. But now modern technology has offered another solution – recliners. Wellbeing investigates.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 4 million Australians experience back problems. That’s about 16% of our total population or 1 in 6 people.

While it’s one of the most common conditions many of us experience throughout our lifetime, its causes are just as broad. Sometimes, it results from an accident like a fall or lifting heavy objects over a long period. Other times, conditions like inflammatory arthritis can be the culprit to back pain.

Combining exercise, rest and sitting in the correct positions is vital to combating back pain. Often, yoga, daily walks and using an ergonomic chair can provide relief but thanks to modern technology, you can now add chair recliners and lift chairs to that list.

But not all recliners are created equal. Before you settle on the first recliner chair that you see, ensure you do some essential research first. We’ve teamed up with La-Z-Boy, the experts in recliner and lift chair technology, to explore the benefits of recliners for those with back pain.

Is a recliner and lift chair beneficial for back pain?

The answer: it depends on the recliner.

The recliner’s frame and cushioning should complement your body’s size and position. For example, several La-Z-Boy recliners come in small, medium, or large sizes to ensure that those with taller or shorter frames are adequately supported.

Nowadays, recliners and lift chairs can also go beyond providing back pain relief with modern technology giving additional benefits to our overall health and wellbeing.

Relieves tension in the back

Reclining backwards and raising your legs in a lift chair helps straighten your back and reduce tension, relieving back pain. Meanwhile, the chair can allow you to sit upright when needed, which is particularly helpful when you need to eat and for maintaining a healthy diet to aid your recovery process.

Additionally, many recliners have power-adjustable lumbar support features, enabling you to set the level of support that you need at the touch of a button.

Designed for those with mobility limitations

If you’re recovering from an illness or surgery, a reclining chair offers exceptional support during your recovery process. Use the chair’s easily accessible buttons to get your lift chair from staying flat on the floor to a 35-degree angled position that can assist you out of the chair and into a standing position. Doing this is a much safer way to move without stressing your back and joints, especially if you’re recovering.

Improve spinal health

Recliners are ergonomically designed to hold and support your spine’s natural curve, helping you maintain a straighter posture. Better posture leads to better spinal health, which helps prevent back pain in the long term and improves the body’s ability to fend off illnesses. A strong spinal cord provides abundant movement for your body, thus allowing a more excellent range of mobility.

Boost blood circulation

Proper blood circulation is essential for maintaining general health, allowing your body’s organs to function correctly. Aside from dealing with back pain and fatigue, recliners can improve blood circulation through their inbuilt massaging systems. Use it to target specific areas or provide a full back massage for a more holistic experience.

Provides stress relief

We know there are three types of stress: physical, mental and emotional. While each type affects the body differently, all three create tension in the body. Recliners and lift chairs tackle all three of these stresses at once.

The lumbar support assists your physical health by alleviating body tension, while the soft air massage features aid your mental and emotional health by providing a relaxing experience.