Are Recliners Bad for Your Back?
La-Z-Boy Southeast | January 14, 2021
Have you ever asked yourself, “Is sitting in a recliner bad for your back?”
At the end of a long day, nothing feels better than putting your feet up and relaxing.
However, some people may notice pain in their lower back after sitting in a recliner that doesn’t fit their body type.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why some recliners cause lower back pain and how you can make sure your chair doesn’t.
Why Your Recliner May Hurt Your Back
Sitting in a recliner without proper lumbar support could potentially cause your lower back to hurt.
For example, reclining in a chair that has a gap between your lower back and the chair will cause you to slouch.
Slouching will put strain on the ligaments and muscles of your lower back and cause them to lengthen, tighten, and hurt.
How to Check Your Recliner For Lumbar Support
To check the lumbar support on your recliner, fully recline the chair without anyone sitting in it.
Look at where the seat and back of your recliner meet then check for a deep gap your body will sink into.
If you notice an unnaturally large gap between the seat and back, this recliner may cause lower back pain over time.
It’s also important to sit in the chair fully reclined and see how your lower back feels after sitting in it for at least five minutes.
Where to Find Recliners with Good Lumbar Support
Recliners with good lumbar support will not have a gap between your lower back and the chair when you put your legs up.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we will make sure your lower back is supported in every reclining position.
Our recliners also come with seven patented features you’ll only find on a genuine La-Z-Boy.
La-Z-Boy invented and patented a reclining system that gives you complete lower back and body support in every position.
When you recline in a La-Z-Boy Recliner, the back and seat move together instead of independently so your lower back is always supported.
How to Find a Recliner That Fits Your Body
A recliner that doesn’t fit your body type can cause unnecessary neck, back, and leg pain.
Picking a recliner is a lot like getting fitted for a shoe except we focus on your whole body instead of just your feet.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we categorize our recliners by the following heights and body types:
- Petite Body Types (5’4″ & Under)
- Small Body Types (5’5″ – 5’9″)
- Tall Body Types (5’10” – 6’2″)
- Extra Tall Body Types (6’3″ & Up)
Getting fitted for a recliner that matches your height and body type will prevent unnecessary pain and feel much more comfortable.
The Additional Benefits of Elevating Your Feet
A long day of walking, sitting, and standing will cause blood to rush to your legs and feet.
However, you can give your lower body some relief by elevating your feet above heart level.
It’s easier for blood to travel from your lower to upper body when your legs are elevated above heart level.
This allows gravity to naturally reduce the stress and inflammation in your legs.
Putting your feet up is also great for your back because it sends healing blood to your upper muscles and tendons.
Our back and core muscles are constantly working to balance our upper and lower bodies.
Elevating your feet above heart level will give your back and nervous system much needed time to relax from daily activities.
Are Recliners Bad For Your Back?
Sitting in a recliner is good for your back as long as the chair provides proper lumbar support.
If your recliner fits your body well and elevates your feet above heart level, there are many additional health benefits.
Keep in mind some recliners offer much better lumbar support than others.
Spending too much time in a recliner that doesn’t fit may cause your back to hurt.
Find a Recliner That Supports Your Needs
If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, lower back pain is problematic for many people at some point throughout their life. The good news is that properly fitted furniture can help alleviate lower back pain.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we are able to fit you for a recliner that will comfortably support your entire body.
We believe your recliner should be a source of relief from back pain. Not a cause of it.
Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:
- How Much Does a La-Z-Boy Recliner Cost?
- $400 Recliner vs $2,000 Recliner
- Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Worth The Money?
- 10 La-Z-Boy Recliner Upgrades You’ll Love
- 12 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Recliners
We would be happy to bring your dreams to life at any of our locations in NC, SC, or GA.
