Finding the right sofa to support your back and relieve back pain is important. With all of us living longer – and therefore working longer too – it’s now estimated that more than 80% of people are expected to have back pain at some point during their lives.
But what can we do about back pain? How can we minimise the areas where we experience back pain?
The home is one area where we can definitely minimise the risk of back pain, particularly when it comes to the most relaxing area of the home – the living room.
Have you ever stopped to think that your sofa may be a big cause of your back pain? And what can you do to help relieve any potential back pain that may arise from the wrong kind of sofa?
What causes back pain?
A lot of modern furniture doesn’t consider the ergonomics of the human body when it is being designed, and a lot of people don’t consider how the furniture will affect their body when they are purchasing it.
Modern sofas are more geared towards slumping. With huge cushions and big recesses, there’s no way we couldn’t slouch in them.
But is this really what’s good for us?
As it turns out, not really. All that slumping and slouching helps twist your spine out of shape, which then develops into back pain for most of us.
As we sink into the cushions of a sofa, it actually pulls down on the spine and pelvis, resulting in strain. This strain is only exacerbated by the effort required to get into and out of the sofa. It might not seem like much, but a few times a day every day, and it can develop into something much worse.
However, a change to an ergonomic sofa can really help. By choosing a sofa to relieve back pain with more support in the areas you are currently struggling with, you can change how you relax.
What should you be looking for from the best sofas for bad backs?
If you’re looking for sofas that will alleviate your back pain, you should first think about how you use your sofa. Thinking about how you use your sofa can help pinpoint exactly why you get back pain.
Remember that when you’re sitting on your sofa, you should be held upright, with your ears vertically aligned over your shoulders, which will be over your hips.
When you have your back against the back support, you should have your legs at a 90-degree angle, with your feet flat on the floor.
It’s also wise to keep in mind the distance between the back of your knee and the edge of the sofa or chair. There should be some distance between the two. If not, the edge of the seat can cause pressure to be placed on the veins and arteries in the back of your leg – ultimately resulting in discomfort.
Our furniture showroom is open seven days a week, so if you do feel like testing out a sofa, feel free to come in and try it out!
We would typically recommend sitting on a sofa for at least 20 minutes when trying it out, so you can really get a feel of whether the pressure on your back has been relieved. What do you use your sofas for the most?
When you are looking to purchase a new sofa to help relieve your back pain and better support your back, consider what you will use it for the most. Working out how you use your sofa is the key to working out which parts of your body need support while you relax.
Reclining sofa to relieve back pain for TV lovers
Frequent TV watchers may choose to have a more supportive chair that is able to recline, in order to take the pressure off of their lower back and neck. A recliner sofa from our Parker Knoll Range would work well here, as it has a tall, supportive back, whilst also being able to recline.
There are also firm sofas that give you the option of a full extension of your body, the Parker Knoll Alina range provides this. However, you need to ensure that your television isn’t in a position where you must turn or crane your neck to watch it.
Corner sofa to relieve back pain for entertainers
If you’re a person who regularly hosts friends and family, consider that you will need chairs that swivel, or arranged in a circle to that guests don’t have to twist around to face each other.
This is where corner sofas really come into their own, especially when paired with an occasional chair in order to form a circle.
Corner sofas like the Caserta are high back sofas and are not very deep, which both help when you have back pain – especially lower back pain. You get full back support from high back sofas, helping to reduce pressure on the lower back.
Upright sofa to relieve back pain for bookworms
For those of us that prefer a literary tale to a visual one, you might find that not only does your lower back hurt, but also neck and shoulders hurt too. This is due to the stress that is placed on your arms, as well as the strain from looking down has resulted in poor back support, affecting your neck and shoulders.
When you focus your eyes downwards, your body will follow and contort your spine – resulting in back and neck pain.
If this is the case, you should look at getting an upright chair or sofa to relive back pain, as these will support the lower back. Something like the Stressless Windsor Sofa will work well, as it provides a lot of lumbar support, especially to the lower spine. As the Tess is lower towards the back of the sofa, it will also ensure that your legs are at the optimum 110-degree angle, to prevent any pressure on the back of the legs.
Also keep in mind that you might want a surface, such as a large pillow, to rest your book on. This helps relieve the tension in your arms and prevent any further strain on your neck.
Bear in mind that this advice also works for those of us that spend a lot of time using mobile devices on the sofa.
Whether you’re an avid Instagrammer, top tweeter, or you love watching Netflix on your laptop, chances are you’ll be straining your neck to look downwards. The consequences of this neck straining? That’s right, more back pain.
But just follow the same rules as bookworms – it’s best to have lower back support for your sofa, and a surface to rest on – to help alleviate the symptoms.
Sofa with armrests to relieve back pain for knitters
Those who are active knitters may struggle a lot with fatigue, especially when lounging in the incorrect kind of sofa.
Rather than looking for back support though, you might want to try and purchase a chair or sofa that supports your arms with armrests. These armrests will support your elbows whilst knitting, preventing you from slouching or shrugging your shoulders.
Shop our range of sofas that offer the best back support
It’s important to remember that whatever style of sofa you end up choosing, you should choose one that doesn’t leave you with back pain. The right kind of sofa could go a long way towards reducing the amount of back pain that you experience. Choosing a sofa with great back support is crucial for your comfort and posture, here at Fishpools we stock some of the best sofas for people with bad backs that need additional back support.
Try Supportive Sofas at Our Hertfordshire Showroom
Finding the right sofa for back support is a personal choice, which is why trying different designs in person can be so helpful. Visit the Fishpools furniture showroom in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, where you can compare a wide selection of sofas and chairs, including high-back, reclining and supportive designs.
Conveniently located for customers across Hertfordshire, North London and Essex, our showroom gives you the opportunity to compare different seat depths, cushion fillings and levels of support before choosing your new sofa. Our knowledgeable team can also help you explore the different options available and find a sofa that suits your comfort preferences, living space and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sofa is best for back support?
The best type of sofa for back support is one that encourages a comfortable, upright sitting position and provides support across your lower and upper back. Look for supportive back cushions, a suitable seat height and a seat depth that allows your feet to rest comfortably on the floor. The right choice will also depend on your height, preferred sitting position and individual comfort needs.
Are firm sofas better for your back?
A firmer sofa can provide greater support and may make it easier to maintain a comfortable sitting position, but the firmest sofa is not necessarily the best choice for everyone. A supportive sofa should feel comfortable while preventing you from sinking excessively into the seat. Testing different levels of firmness can help you find the right balance between comfort and support.
Are high-back sofas good for back support?
High-back sofas can be a good choice for back support because they provide additional support across the upper back, shoulders and, depending on the design, the head and neck. They can be particularly appealing if you prefer sitting upright rather than lounging deeply into your sofa.
Are recliner sofas good for back support?
Recliner sofas can provide excellent levels of comfort and support when adjusted to suit your preferred sitting position. A supportive recliner allows you to change your position while supporting your back and legs, which can be particularly useful when relaxing for longer periods. Look for designs with supportive back cushions and a reclining position that feels natural for your body.
What sofa seat depth is best for back support?
The best sofa seat depth for back support depends on your height and leg length. Ideally, you should be able to sit with your back comfortably supported while keeping your feet on the floor without excessive pressure behind your knees. A sofa that is too deep may encourage you to slouch, while one that is too shallow may not provide enough support for comfortable sitting.
How do I know if a sofa will be comfortable for my back?
The best way to know if a sofa will be comfortable for your back is to try it before buying where possible. Sit naturally rather than simply testing it for a few seconds, paying attention to the support around your lower back, the position of your feet and whether you can sit comfortably without slouching or straining.
Where can I try supportive sofas in Hertfordshire?
You can try a wide selection of supportive sofas at the Fishpools furniture showroom in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. Testing different sofa styles, seat depths, cushion fillings and reclining options in person can help you understand which design feels most comfortable and supportive for you.
Where can I try sofas near North London and Essex?
Fishpools' Waltham Cross showroom is conveniently located for customers travelling from Hertfordshire, North London and Essex. Visiting a furniture showroom allows you to compare different sofa styles and levels of support in person before deciding which option is best suited to your home and comfort preferences.
Can I get help choosing a supportive sofa at Fishpools?
Yes. The team at Fishpools can help you compare different sofa styles, sizes, seat depths, cushion types and reclining options in the Waltham Cross showroom. Trying several designs in person can make it easier to find a sofa that provides the combination of comfort, support and style you are looking for.