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The importance of back and lumbar support in preventing strain and promoting a posture-first approach

The importance of back and lumbar support in preventing strain and promoting a posture-first approach

The Role Of Lumbar Support

Understanding the Fellowes 4 Zone Approach®

How To Choose The Right Lumbar Support

Investing In Spinal Health With Fellowes
Worklife Coach Pointing

Spinal health is an essential cog for our overall health and well-being, yet many of us are unknowingly putting strain on our backs daily.

Spinal health 92% statistic

Whether working at a desk, commuting, or simply relaxing at home, prolonged sitting without the appropriate support can lead to poor posture, increased muscle tension, and long-term issues in the spinal area.

Research from Fellowes has revealed that 92% of European workers have experienced back pain or a sore/stiff back at some point due to their workstation setup. A key contributor is often inadequate lumbar support, which forces the spine into unnatural positions and increases the chance of discomfort and injury.

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In the following article we will explore the role of lumbar support in the fight against back pain. You’ll find guidance on choosing the best option for your specific needs, along with practical tips for using it effectively.

We will also take a closer look at the Fellowes 4 Zone Approach®; a structured framework for creating ergonomic-friendly workspaces. Within this framework, Zone 1: Prevent Back Tension places particular emphasis on lumbar support, offering targeted solutions for the lower back while also educating users on proper chair ergonomics."

4 Zone man sat in chair

The role of lumbar support in preventing back pain and improving posture

The human spine has a natural S-shaped curve, which helps distribute weight evenly and maintain balance. The lumbar region, or more commonly known as the lower back, naturally arches inward, supporting the upper body and acting as a stress sponge.

Prolonged sitting without appropriate lumbar support can flatten the curve in our backs. This has the potential to lead to complications such as a misalignment, which places excessive strain on the lower back muscles and discs.

Poor posture, such as slouching due to inadequate chair support, can lead to further complications. Slouching increases the risk of muscle fatigue, tension, and long-term spinal issues such as herniated discs or chronic pain. Use of back, lumbar and chair cushions can prevent slouching and ensure correct ergonomic posture, increasing comfort and reducing the risk of pain or injury.

Doctor pointing at a model of a spine

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days

Over time, the discomfort can have a huge impact on day-to-day activities, while also impacting on employee productivity. In fact, Fellowes’ research shows that over a third of employees across Europe have taken time off work due to workstation-related pain, with an average of 14 days absence per person. This shows that it is not only beneficial for employees to have ergonomic solutions in place, but it also makes sense from a business perspective.

Man sat upright in a chair with a lumbar support

Utilising back and lumbar support plays a pivotal role in maintaining the natural alignment of the spine, resulting in less strain and discomfort on your body. The benefits don’t stop there either, as it promotes healthier posture, enhanced comfort, and less fatigue – ultimately supporting productivity.

Most important of all, however, is that back and lumbar supports reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal issues, ensuring a healthier seating experience both at work and in your home environment.

Understanding how the Fellowes 4 Zone Approach® can help

The Fellowes 4 Zone Approach® provides a structured framework for optimising workspace ergonomics, ensuring comfort and long-term well-being.

As we mentioned above, Zone 1: Prevent Back Tension, is specifically related to lumbar support. This zone focuses on ergonomic chairs, foot supports and back and lumbar supports, which are essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment, with advice stating that you should:

Breyta range accessories

1. Sit upright with your shoulders relaxed, maintaining contact between your back and the chair.​

Hana range accessories

2. Knees should be level or just lower than your hips, with your feet firmly on the floor​.​

To help achieve this posture, seat cushions, foot rests, and back supports are highly effective. Products such as those in the Fellowes Breyta™ range are designed to provide enhanced ergonomic support. Cushions with coccyx cut-outs, for example, help relieve pressure on the spine and tailbone area and are ideal for anyone experiencing lower back discomfort or sitting for extended periods.

Adjustable lumbar supports from Fellowes allow users to fine-tune their setup for maximum comfort and support, helping to reduce tension and strain in the lower back throughout the workday.

Man sat upright in a chair using a back support

How to choose the right lumbar support for your chair

During a survey conducted by Fellowes, 28% of respondents said they would benefit from chair seat cushions and 39% asked for back supports to relieve their back pain.

While some chairs come with built-in lumbar support, many do not. In these cases, ergonomic cushions and standalone back supports can make a huge difference in improving posture and reducing back strain.

When choosing the appropriate back and lumbar support for you, it is essential that you consider several contributing factors to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness:

Adjustability

It is recommended that you source lumbar support that comes equipped with height and depth modifications to fit your unique posture requirements.

Firmness

Any cushion should be supportive but comfortable, preventing excessive pressure from building on your lower back.

Material

Consider options like foam, mesh or cushioned supports, as each offers varying levels of comfort and breathability.

Compatibility

Before you make any decision on which lumbar support is right for you ensure that it works with your specific chair.

Portability

If your workspace changes on a regular basis, it may suit you to choose a lightweight and portable design so that the lumbar support can travel with you with ease.

1 quarter of employees have never received a workstation risk assessment

Practical tips for positioning and using lumbar supports correctly

To best maximise the many benefits of lumbar support you must first ensure that it is positioned correctly.

The cushion should rest at the natural curve of the lower back, providing firm but comfortable reinforcement. If you place the support too high or too low, it can unfortunately reduce the overall effectiveness and ultimately lead to discomfort.

Seat depth and height adjustments should also be important considerations, as your feet should remain flat on the floor (or on a footrest), with your knees at a 90-degree angle to reduce strain.

Other recommendations are to ensure you are sat fully back into the chair and make sure the seat pan supports the legs. A rough rule of thumb is to use three fingers to check that your legs are fully supported and at the correct distance away from the seat pan.

Lumbar support works most effectively when combined with other ergonomic practices, such as:

Ergonomic tips and advice

Keeping your monitor and laptop screens at eye level with monitor and laptop stands to prevent neck strain.

Choosing the right monitor arm

Using a footrest to maintain proper posture, optimal comfort and ensure your feet are firmly supported.

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Incorporating regular breaks into your daily schedule to stretch and reset your posture, as this will prevent stiffness and fatigue.

By integrating these ergonomic habits, back and lumbar supports become part of a comprehensive approach to workplace well-being, reducing discomfort and improving long-term spinal health.

Investing in spinal health with Fellowes

Incorporating the correct back and lumbar support is not only advisable, but essential for maintaining long-term spinal health, reducing strain, and improving posture, whether at work or home.

By supporting the body’s natural alignment, ergonomic solutions are proven to promote a healthier and more productive workspace.

Here at Fellowes, we offer a range of high-quality back and lumbar support options, designed to provide our customers with the best comfort and spinal alignment.

The Professional Series Ultimate Back Support allow users to adjust their support to suit their needs, while the Mesh Back Support promotes airflow and comfort. The PlushTouch™ Lumbar Support product features FoamFusion™ technology for maximum comfort and support, to deliver long-term lumbar support for extended periods of sitting, while the Breyta™ Comfort Seat Cushion helps to reduce fatigue and discomfort caused by sitting for extended periods.

Now is the time to invest in ergonomic solutions, taking a proactive approach to workspace health and helping to prevent future issues before they arise.

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