Are Ergonomic Stools Good for Back Pain?

Do you often suffer from back pain while you’re working? You should know that you’re not alone. This is one of the most common physical complaints among office workers. Studies have revealed that this affliction mostly affects office workers below age 45. However, like everything in this life, back pain has a solution, and one of them is quite unusual: ergonomic stools for back pain. Is stool good for your back?

Office chairs with ergonomic features are the most common choice when it comes to office seating. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the only solution available. Ergonomic adjustable stools can be as helpful for selected users.

Does an Ergonomic Stool Help with Back Pain?

An ergonomic stool can be helpful for back pain. It is quite comparable with exercise balls, as the effect they have on your back is quite similar. However, it will only be useful if you adopt the proper desk posture:

• First, adjust the seat height so you can “half-stand.” This position will lead you to place your feet on the floor, freeing the tension in your lower back.
• The next step requires practice. Ergonomic stools are equipped with pivoting bases, and since they don't have backrests, you're required to sit appropriately while engaging your core.

This way, ergonomic stools can be some of the best chairs for back pain at home. Additionally, their low cost makes them more accessible to most individuals.

Who Needs to Use an Ergonomic Stool for Back Pain?

Wanting something is reason enough to acquire it. However, determined users can benefit more from using an ergonomic stool for back pain than others. If you’re not sure of whether you’ll need to add this seat cushion for lower back pain to your home office setup, here we describe some profiles that match your current situation:

• You are a standing desk user.
• You are an artist that prefers to work on a drafting desk.
• You are constantly changing positions while you’re working on your responsibilities.

If some of the above scenarios hit home for you, perhaps an ergonomic stool can help you feel some relief. However, it is not easy as it seems – as we’ve mentioned, using an ergonomic stool requires practicing proper desk posture and other factors.

Ergonomic Stools for Back Pain: Learn How to Sit Appropriately

After acquiring an ergonomic tool, you must learn how to sit the right way. Having good posture while you’re sitting at your desk can help you reduce back pain, exhaustion and even the risk of injuries. The more time you spend sitting, the more vulnerable you are to these situations.

Investing in ergonomic office furniture is always great because you're investing in your health. However, it's not enough to add pieces of furniture – you should also learn how to sit appropriately to ensure your wellbeing.

1. First, adjust your ergonomic stool to the optimal height, based on your body proportions. Make sure that, after sitting down, you can place your arms at a 90-degree angle.
2. Sit down and make sure that your column is completely erect. Remember that your ergonomic stool does not have a backrest. It'll take you some time to get used to this posture. Don't worry if you don't get it right on your first try.
3. Make sure to put both of your feet on the floor, forming a 90-degree angle. You can also invest in an anti-fatigue mat if you'd like to be even more comfortable.

Maintaining your body like this will help you reduce your back pain greatly because you will be distributing your weight evenly throughout your body. Doing so releases pressure on your back, preventing physical complaints and potential injuries.

Adjust your workstation

Sitting correctly will not help you as much as you expect if you don’t organize your workstation appropriately. After all, your workstation is more than your ergonomic adjustable stool.

• Make sure that your display is slightly below eye level and at least 17 inches of distance from you. You should be able to see the screen directly without bending your neck.
• Your keyboard should be at least 3-4 inches away from the edge of the desk, allowing you to place them in a straight line. Similarly, your mouse should be as close to the desk as possible, and you should be able to hold it with your whole palm.

Desk sizes vary, but most people can work perfectly with desks with a height of 29-31 inches. However, if you are above or below the average height, it is highly recommended to invest in a standing desk and, ultimately, an office chair for short people with back pain or a tall chair for standing desk.

Recommendations

An ergonomic stool can be quite helpful for your back pain, but we also recommend evaluating yourself and your lifestyle so you can reduce your back pain in the long term.

Evaluate the causes of your back pain

Back pain is quite common, but it can be caused by diverse reasons, such as the following:

• Poor posture
• Overuse of the back muscles
• Muscle strain
• Injuries to the parts that support your spine (besides muscles, your back also sustains itself thanks to ligaments and discs)
• Fractures

These are some of the most common situations, but you should also consider certain illnesses, like osteoarthritis or myofascial pain.

Equipping your workstation with the appropriate furniture, adjusting it correctly and practicing the optimal desk posture can help you feel relief regarding your back pain. If the pain persists, we recommend you seek assistance from your physician.

Don’t stay seated in the same position for too long

A common habit among the general population is to sit in the same position for prolonged periods. However, following a sedentary lifestyle can lead to back pain, weight gain and many other problems. Hence, it is highly recommended to take into account the following advice:

• Don’t remain seated in the same position for too long. After a while, take a break and walk for a few minutes.
• Do back stretches and exercises to augment your resistance and prevent potential injuries.
• Move continuously while you’re working.

Ergonomic stools for back pain exist, but they may not be as helpful as you think if you don’t make some changes in your lifestyle.