The Ultimate Position of a Recliner Chair for Back Support

Back pain is one of the most frequent health concerns worldwide with as many as 80% of adults experiencing it in their lifetime. Back pain more frequently concerns the elderly and is typically coupled with additional health issues that exemplify pain severity, including arthritis and spinal stenosis. Fortunately, there are a number of furniture products on the market aimed at reducing back pain discomfort. In this blog, we’ll discuss the correct usage and positioning of rise and recliner chairs for elderly people and explore their benefits for those suffering with chronic back pain.

Types of back pain in seniors

Back pain is common in seniors due to influencing factors, from specific health conditions to the general ageing of muscles and bones. These result from natural physiological changes, lifestyle changes and wear and tear to the body over time. Pain in the back is also not concentrated in one specific area, with many people suffering pain in different areas of the back and with varying levels of discomfort.

Degeneration of the discs and joints in your spine

Spinal discs are like cushions between each of our vertebrae (spine bones) that help to keep us flexible and absorb daily shocks from movement. As the body ages, these discs become impacted, shrink in size and lose elasticity and moisture. This process reduces spinal flexibility and creates friction along the vertebra, increasing the likelihood of back pain and stiffness.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis is an abnormal process that can happen when the space inside the spinal canal narrows, putting adverse pressure on the nerves that run the length of the back. Spinal Stenosis affects up to 11% of Britons over the age of 60 and sufferers of the condition experience intense pain in their lower back and legs.

Spondylolisthesis

Because spinal discs shift and shrink with time, it’s common for them to move out of place. This is known as Spondylolisthesis, or commonly referred to as a ‘slipped disc’. Because one or several of the spinal discs are out of alignment, Spondylolistehsis causes radiating pain and numbness that can travel the length of the body from the neck down towards the legs and feet.

Best position to sit in recliner chairs

Finding the best position to sit in recliner chairs is key to enjoying full comfort and back support. Recliner chairs for seniors are built with this in mind, with features including an adjustable position and height, ensuring improved posture, and reducing pressure on the back, neck and spine.

Lumbar support for correct spine positioning

Most back support chairs, like a rise and recliner, include lumbar support which contours to the natural shape of the back and body, holding the lower back firmly in position. Lumbar support can help to correct the placement of the spine, discouraging slouching and reducing the possibility of pain from developing.

Allows buttocks against the back of the chair

When sitting it’s important that the buttocks are positioned against the back of the chair. This supports better posture, reducing pain and ensuring optimal comfort. The adjustable height of a rise and recline chair ensures an individual’s buttocks are always firmly against the back of the chair. This helps to balance weight distribution evenly, correct spinal alignment and improve stability.

Space to sit with arms by sides

While in the seated position, recliner chairs for elderly people ensure their arms are kept by their side. This promotes good posture, helping people to feel more comfortable and relaxed. Additionally, sitting with arms placed by the side helps to prevent shoulder or neck strain and supports better circulation throughout the body.

Footrest when sitting and support when standing

The use of a footrest when sat in a rise and recline chair helps to keep feet flat, ensuring proper posture. When feet are elevated the spine is in better alignment with other parts of the body, such as hips and knees. This prevents unwanted back pain from developing and is particularly beneficial for elderly people who are more likely to be sat for longer periods of time with reduced mobility.

Allows constant movement with ease

The best part of a rise and recline chair is the ability to alter the body’s position with ease, allowing for greater movement, flexibility and comfort. The adjustable height and reclining features of these chairs reduce swelling and stiffness and reduce discomfort to our bones and muscles. Reclining chairs make it easier to feel fully supported when standing up, correctly positioned when sat for a long time and more comfortable when in a resting position.

Sitting positions to avoid to reduce pain

Sitting incorrectly can have a serious impact on the body, leading to increased chances of spinal injuries and musculoskeletal disorders which can affect up to 85% of seniors. While sitting in a skewed position might seem comfortable, it can cause distress to the body. Here are a few different seating positions you may be guilty of adopting that could be harming your posture.

Crossed legs

Sitting crossed legged increases pressure on the pelvis, causing it to tilt. This imbalance can result in back pain and muscle strain. Sitting with one leg crossed is equally as bad because it places extreme pressure on other parts of the body like knees. When an elderly person sits with their legs crossed it also reduces the rate of blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body.

Head tilted forward

Head tilting is particularly common when sitting, this is because we’re likely to be scrolling on our phone, reading a newspaper or tucking into something tasty. When the head is tilted forward it shifts the centre of gravity, this results in the neck muscles working harder to support the weight of our head, leading to upper back strain and in some cases, causing nauseating headaches.

Leant to one side

Many people find it comfortable to lean to one side, this is because it feels natural to be supported by a part of a chair or a cushion in a rested position. Leaning to one side creates positioning imbalances and the misalignment of the back bones and muscles can cause severe pain to occur in a very short amount of time.

Slouched ‘C’ spine

Slouching is most common when individuals are seated for long periods of time, which can disrupt the natural curvature of the spine. Frequent slouching can cause what is referred to as a ‘C’ spine. This increases pressure on the vertebrae, accelerating wear and tear and creating heightened pain and stiffness.

Sitting for longer than two hours in one position

As we just touched upon, sitting for long periods of time in the same position can cause increased back pain. The NHS states that some older people are likely to spend upward of 9 hours a day sitting, so it’s important to break these habits where possible. Recliner chairs for seniors can support this, with their rise function encouraging mobility and better ease of movement.

Is it okay to sleep in a recliner chair?

Our rise and recline chairs are the perfect piece of furniture for the ultimate refreshing afternoon nap. However, we recommend that at night time you sleep in a fit-for-purpose bed. Whilst our rise and recline chairs are ever so comfortable, they have not been designed for nightly sleep. 

We have a beautiful collection of adjustable beds. These are made-to-measure, helping to improve deeper, more restorative sleep for longer.

Speak to team at Oak Tree Mobility

If you’re tired of the aches and pains caused by sitting in your current furniture suite and you’re looking to explore the benefits of a rise and recline chair, speak to the Oak Tree Mobility team today.

Our Mobility Experts are here to provide you with the best advice, with years of industry know-how they’ll share all the information and benefits using a rise and recline chair has to offer. To find out more you can request a free brochure. Alternatively, you can book a free home appointment, where one of our friendly Mobility Experts will present you with a demonstration of one of our chairs in the comfort of your own home.