How Does Your Office Chair Affect Your Neck and Back?

In addition to causing back pain, sitting in an office chair for extended periods can exacerbate existing back problems. Seating, in an office chair or in general, is a static posture that puts a lot of stress on your back, shoulders, arms, and legs, and it can develop a large amount of pressure on your back muscles and your spinal discs. The natural tendency for most people when sitting for a long period in an office chair is to slouch over or slump down in the chair. This posture can lead to overstretching spinal ligaments and straining discs and surrounding structures. Improper sitting posture can cause spinal structure damage over time and lead to or exacerbate back pain are some of the office chair effects.

A Good Chair is The Best Solution

In order to maximize back support and maintain proper posture while sitting, an ergonomic office chair must be used correctly. Simply having an ergonomic office chair isn't enough - the office chair needs to be adjusted to the proportions of the individual's body to reduce back pain and improve comfort.

Choosing the proper height for an office chair begins with figuring out how high the individual's desk or workstation should be. An office chair's height is primarily determined by the type of work being performed and the height of the person using it. Depending on the desk's height or workstation itself, the office chair must be positioned differently to prevent back and neck support, or a different type of computer ergonomic chair will be needed. Of course, choosing the best office chair for neck and shoulder pain isn’t easy.

FAQs

Why does lumbar support hurt my back?

If your back hurts, sitting in a chair, even with high lumbar support, could make you lean forward and slouch, making you feel fatigued at the end of the day. A low back support forces you to extend your back excessively, resulting in back pain. The nerves, muscles, as well as the blood vessels, may be under pressure if your lumbar support is too high.

This can be the reason for a painful pressure point as well as severe circulation to definite muscles, causing pain. As it can twist without support, it can hurt the lower back as well. Ensure the adjustable lumbar support is positioned just above the belt line. It is important to maintain the natural curve of the spine.

What are the side effects of neck pain?

The neck hurting from sitting at a desk can spread throughout your entire upper body, including your shoulders, arms, and chest, and can even produce headaches. It is difficult to get through a day when you have neck pain, making it difficult to focus. It can experience radiating pain that travels from the head to the chin, behind the eyes, down the arms, and into the jaw when the cervical nerve becomes compressed. If it's just minimal back pain, then consider getting an office chair for lower back pain.

Most commonly, nerve compression is caused by herniated discs and spinal stenosis (clogging of the spinal canal). However, bone spurs can also compress nerves. This form of arthritis-called spondylosis, which affects your spinal facet joints, is the most common type. This condition can develop from wear and tear and aging, resulting in osteophytes (bone spurs) infringing on the spinal canal and pressing on nerve roots in the neck.

Despite the most common cause of neck pain being strain, prolonged pain and neurologic deficit may indicate more serious problems. Taking these symptoms seriously is important, or getting an ergonomic chair with neck support. Other types of disorders can also affect the spine, such as infection, compression, tumors, and fractures. Your neck is likely affected if you have sustained a head injury. You should seek medical care immediately.

Can neck problems affect your brain?

Instability of the upper cervical spine typically leads to nerve tension of the central nervous system, which involves the cervical spinal cord and brainstem. When your neck is out of alignment, your nervous system, which transmits information from your brain to your body, cannot function properly. In turn, poor circulation, headaches, brain fog, sleep apnea, tight shoulders, and jaw tension can result. A correctly aligned neck can help. Blood flow is improved, tension is reduced, and moods are improved!

Can neck pain affect the ears?

A common source of sinus pain, jaw pain, and face pain are the muscles of your head, jaw, face, front of your neck, and upper trapezius. A trigger point on the neck or stiff neck joints can sometimes cause ears to hurt or cause hearing loss.

Can back pain affect breathing?

As a result of severe scoliosis, the lungs and their structure are altered. In most cases, curving of the spine restricts the size of the lungs, thereby causing pain in the lung lining and surrounding muscles. Do not ignore back pain while you are breathing if it is severe or worsening. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you are suffering from a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or severe pneumonia.

Can back pain affect your stomach?

Pain in the back can be caused by a range of conditions, including minor muscle strains, sprains, and more severe conditions such as herniated discs. A herniated disc can cause pain to radiate to other parts of your body, including your abdomen. Also, it can cause rare sensations, like bloating.

Many symptoms can be associated with lower back issues and sacrum problems, from constipation to diarrhea to bloating to gas. Some nerves in the lower spine control the digestive system directly, so interference directly interferes with those functions.

How does back pain affect your ability to work?

When you suffer from lower back pain, you create a domino effect. The pain is so severe that you can barely move. It makes you dependent upon others, which may be problematic if you live alone. The result is usually frustration; since all of a sudden, you cannot do the things you normally can.

When employees suffer from back pain, they may experience concentration difficulties, problem-solving difficulties, and motivational problems. Back pain can make it difficult to concentrate on your job, whether dull and aching or stabbing and stabbing. You could try a reclining ergonomic chair to alleviate this pain.

Autonomous Employee Purchase Program

Office equipment should be upgraded. Thanks to the Autonomous deal for employees, your office will get some great upgrades. These upgrades are much needed, and some have been overdue for some time. With the Autonomous collection of modern, ergonomic office tools, your company will be on the right track. Let's get started on finding the best ergonomic chair!

With companies transitioning to a post-pandemic environment and more employees returning to traditional office environments, now is a great time to save on office ergonomic tools. The Autonomous employee purchase program offers you a great chance to get great deals on office furniture and for your colleagues and teams. Discover some of the best autonomous employee discounts available now at Autonomous!