Ergonomic chairs should not be uncomfortable in the long-term, but there may be an adjustment period. This can also depend on the chair that you choose! Learn more about how to get comfortable (and stay comfortable) in your chair with this quick guide.
Ergonomic chairs are usually comfortable, but you have to choose the right chair. A chair assessment can help you discover the ideal option for both you and your lifestyle, so that you do not experience excessive discomfort from your ergonomic chair.
However, it’s important to know that there may be an adjustment period when you switch to an ergonomic chair. Even though an ergonomic chair is better for your spine in the long term, it can increase back pain in the short term. Some people experience stiffness or slight discomfort after the switch. This is nothing to worry about!
Read on for a full explanation of why this happens and what you can do about it.
There are a few reasons why you may be uncomfortable in your ergonomic chair, but the most likely reason is that you need time to adjust. Think of your new chair like starting a new work-out routine. You should use the chair consistently for a few weeks to let your body get used to it.
The amount of discomfort you experience depends on the chair you use and the amount of exercise you usually do. Kneeling chairs can often make back pain feel worse at first because you are engaging muscles in your core or lower back. This stiffness is similar to what you experience after intense exercise – it’s good for you, but it can feel a bit achy.
Some other contributing factors could be
At Back in Action, we have been fighting back pain for over 35 years. If you want individual advice on how to make your ergonomic chair work for you, we fully recommend a visit to one of our showrooms. This is because different chairs work differently, and the advice below won’t apply to everyone. Individual advice is more likely to be effective. However, the general guidance below is a great place to start if you have been having issues.
We advise that you allow for an adjustment period of a few weeks (usually about two weeks) particularly with kneeling chairs like the Varier Variable. If your new chair has had an impact on your posture and the way you sit, then you can expect some amount of discomfort for a couple of weeks while you get used to it. This is normal, but please feel free to visit us anyway if you are struggling to adjust.
The most likely reason why you are experiencing discomfort is simply that you aren’t used to your new posture or position. Having a secondary chair to switch to when your back hurts can help you to slowly adjust to your new ergonomic chair. If you still have your old chair, keep it for a little while and gradually switch to your new chair.
Sitting in one position all day will cause stiffness, no matter how good your chair is. This is why the best ergonomic chairs all move. Our chairs at Back in Action allow for “active sitting” and fidgeting. Adjust your position regularly and stand occasionally to keep your spine happy.
An ergonomic chair is a great step towards a healthy back, but it won’t work miracles overnight. The best way to avoid back pain is to examine all areas of your life. You may want to incorporate daily stretches into your routine and find other ways to engage your spine (like our Mobiliser). You should also check that your desk works with your new chair for a fully ergonomic set up. You don’t have to swap out all of your furniture at once! Small changes like an ergonomic bed pillow or a back support for your car seat can make a huge difference.
If you’ve tried everything else on this list, then there may be an issue. At this point, your best option is to talk to one of our experts about your experience and your options. Our team are friendly and do not work on commission. We are always focused on providing our customers with the most relevant advice, regardless of sales.
It can be really disheartening when the chair you bought to fix your back pain does not work instantly. Ergonomic chairs are not meant to be uncomfortable forever. The most important advice we can give you is to remain hopeful and persevere. It is very likely that you just need time to adjust to your new chair. You can always reach out to us for support if needed.
