Why does my sofa hurt my back?

Chances are, you’ve probably experienced backache at some point in your life. From hunching over desks to wearing uncomfortable shoes, there are many everyday activities that can cause your back to feel stiff and sore. However, did you know that your sofa could also be hurting your back?

Today, more and more people are opting for luxury, deep cushioned seating that offers a high level of comfort. However, recent research suggests that these comfortable sofas could be to blame for a range of postural-related problems. If you suspect that your sumptuous settee could be causing your backache and you want to find out more, read on.

What is the problem with soft sofas?

There’s nothing better than sinking into a cosy sofa at the end of the day, right? But have you ever stopped to think about what it could be doing to your health? If you’ve got backache after lying on your sofa it’s because the soft upholstery encourages you to lounge, leaving your spine in a ‘C’ shape. This can add an excessive amount of pressure on the vertebrae and overstretch the discs, ligaments and muscles that support it, which can eventually lead to chronic backache.

When you take into account the amount of time most of us spend sitting down, this can only spell bad news for our health. According to the NHS, on average, adults in the UK spend in excess of seven hours a day doing sedentary activities. As we get older, this can increase to as much as 10 hours a day. Meanwhile, it is estimated that around eight out of ten British people suffer from bouts of back pain at least once in their life.

How can backache be avoided?

To stave off postural problems caused by sitting incorrectly, it’s important to make sure that your neck, shoulders and spine are properly supported.

A step-by-step guide to avoiding backache with your sofa

  • Sit with your knees level with your hips.
  • Keep your thighs parallel with the floor.
  • Make sure your neck and spine are straight.
  • Ensure your lower back is properly supported.
  • Keep both of your feet flat on the floor
  • Try to avoid crossing your legs or lounging with your feet up on the sofa.

If you cross your legs or put your feet up like this, it can cause you to adopt an awkward bending posture, leading to stiffness, aches and pain.

“My Blenheim recliner chair has done a lot for my back and shoulder. I have noticed improvements in my back and I am walking a lot better since I have had my chair.

It has given me a lot of relief off my shoulders, I love that I can put the chair in the position where I get the most relief and stress off my back. I haven’t regretted this purchase, not one bit!”

Mt Lunnon, from Hitchin

The benefits of a riser recliner chair

Riser recliner chairs have been proven to help with a range of back ailments. Not only does the back of the chair sit snug against the lower spine to encourage good posture and minimise pressure on the neck, shoulders and back, but you can also adjust the position of the back and leg rest to find a position that offers you the most comfort. Adjustamatic riser recliner chairs have a built-in auto lift system that can assist you in getting from a sitting position to a standing position without putting strain on your back, reducing the risk of any further discomfort or injury.

If you want to buy a riser recliner chair or find out more about how they can offer effective relief from back pain, browse our website or get in touch today.

Which riser recliner chair should I buy?

Each of our chairs is built specifically for your individual needs and proportions, for maximum comfort and support.

Our expert assessors will carry out a thorough assessment of your requirements to get a clear understanding of the right chair for you. From vibrating massage systems to cushioned headrests for extra support, our riser recliners for the elderly and those with reduced mobility are designed to back control of your comfort.

Just give us a call on 0800 689 9823 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri), or drop us a message to find out more or to book a home visit.