This month marks the 63rd annual Correct Posture Month. The goal of Correct Posture Month, as you can imagine, is to promote the importance of proper posture and what we can do to help improve our posture.
Our posture has a big impact on our quality of life as poor posture can lead to chronic back pain over time. In fact, approximately 80% of us suffer from some level of back pain. You can visit Posture Month’s website for a list of facts, a 31-day challenge to improve your posture, how to get your posture checked, and more.
Posture is important for both standing and sitting. Many of us work jobs that require sitting at a desk and may have hobbies requiring sitting in front of a computer as well. You have seen or heard people suggest using an ergonomic chair, sometimes referred to as a gaming chair, to help with posture. But are they worth the investment?
What Is an Ergonomically Correct Chair?
An ergonomically correct chair has many adjustable aspects of customizing the chair to your body. At the minimum, they have more than half a dozen different adjustments that can be made. These adjustments include chair height, lumbar support, armrest height, headrest, and more. Ergonomically correct chairs are commonly used in corporate offices, home offices, and computer gaming.
Are Ergonomic Chairs Good for Back Pain?
There are a number of reasons why ergonomic chairs can help with back pain. One of the biggest ways it can help with back pain is by aligning your hips and your pelvis. By being able to adjust the height of your chair and having the back of the chair being lumbar supportive, you can sit in a way that’s supportive of your whole back.
Many of us tend to default to sitting in a position where our pelvis is tilted back. While this may initially feel comfortable, you’re actually straining your lower back, causing lower back pain. If continued, this can cause the pain to get worse over time.
Are Ergonomic Chairs Really Better?
If you are working or have hobbies that require hours of sitting a day, an ergonomic chair will absolutely be better for you long term. Your chair isn’t the only thing that impacts your posture and overall back health. Your bed, your shoes, how you exercise, and more will all impact you. For many of us, consulting with a professional is an important step toward pain management and relief.
East Bay Chiropractic Care Can Help You Manage Your Back Pain
Correct Posture Month is important to help raise awareness, but we have to care about our posture for more than just one month a year. Ergonomic chairs can help with your posture and back pain, but it’s part of a bigger picture in how to care for your back. At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness, we specialize in using the Graston Technique® to address pain caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation that can be worsened by poor posture. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today and learn more about how we can help you manage your chronic pain.