Are Firm Or Soft Chairs Worse For Your Back?

You’ve probably sat in a wide variety of chairs over the course of your life. In fact, you probably sit in a few different chairs each and every day. Some are likely softer or firmer than others, but is one type of chair worse for your spine than another? Is a hard and firm chair better for your spine, or should you protect it with a soft and cushioned chair? We explain whether soft or firm chairs are better for your spine in today’s blog.

Soft Chairs Or Firm Chairs

While we’re about to give some advice about soft and firm chairs, remember that sitting for an extended period can be very hard on your spine no matter what type of chair you are in. Break up long seated periods and consider investing in a sit-to-stand workstation if you work a desk job and are trying to figure out which chair is best for your back at the office. With that in mind, should you gravitate towards the softer or firmer chair if you want to protect your spine health?

In general, chairs that are overly soft can be harder on your back than a firmer chair. If you are sitting on an overly soft chair, the muscles in your spine end up having to do more work to support the weight of your body. Spinal muscles tighten and more stress is channeled into pressure points in the cervical and lumbar portions of your spine. Over time, this added stress can increase your risk of a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease.

Additionally, because of the lack of support from overly soft chairs, you’re more likely to start to slouch or hunch over, shifting your spine out of a healthy S-shape alignment. Again, this increases pressure in your lower back or neck, and it can also limit healthy blood flow to the area.

When it comes to choosing a chair, a firmer option will be better than a super soft chair, but a firm chair isn’t always the perfect solution either. While it will provide more natural support to your spine and make it easier for you to maintain a healthy alignment, you’ll still be channeling a fair amount of strain on your lower back. Always sitting on firm or hard chairs can also contribute to muscle fatigue and general soreness, and over time this will be hard on your back. Even if it is a very firm and comfortable chair, don’t assume that your spine is perfectly protected while you’re sitting. Stand up and move around every 30 minutes to shake off static muscle tension and to give your circulatory system a jolt.

We know that you can’t always choose what chair you have to sit in, but when you do have a say in the matter, opt for a firm and supportive chair that helps to naturally guide your spine into a healthy position. Take advantage of opportunities to get up and move when you get the chance, and be sure to practice other healthy habits that will help to protect your spine when you’re seated, like staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet and maintaining an optimal weight.

If you’ve noticed that your back has started to become more uncomfortable after spending some time in a chair, consider swapping the chair out for a more supportive option or connect with a spine specialist like Dr. Sinicropi to get to the bottom of your spinal discomfort. We can help address a posture issue or tackle a disc problem that is contributing to uncomfortable symptoms while you sit. For more information, or for help with a different spinal issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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