How to Sit in a Kneeling Chair and Forget about Back Pain

If you suffer from lower back pain, you will undoubtedly be eagerly looking for any sort of solution. Add in the fact that you sit for long hours at a desk, and that back pain won’t simply go away. One innovative option is to use a kneeling chair. The problem, of course, is knowing how to sit in a kneeling chair as they aren’t the most intuitive to use. If you are looking for an alternative to a regular chair, we’ll help you understand the benefits of a kneeling chair and how to use one to maximize its benefits.

Kneeling Chair Construction

A kneeling chair looks a bit funny at first. But the design is all about distributing pressure from just your lower back to your entire body. They have pads for your knees and are made to be as comfortable as possible.  Here’s how it can be made in a workshop to understand the construction better:

Is it good for you?

Yes, kneeling chairs are good for you, as long as you can use them properly. The lower back takes a lot of strain and over time, this can weaken other back muscles and cause a lot of aches. Improper spinal positions can worsen your back pain Trusted Source Back pain - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. www.mayoclinic.org and lead to complications such as slipped disks.

It’s not healthy to sit for hours at a time in a traditional desk chair. If you have the ability to change your position, especially by using a kneeling chair, then your whole body will be happier.

How to use it

The first thing you should be aware of is that a kneeling chair is not meant for eight hours of sitting. They are not meant to take the place of a traditional desk chair but instead are meant to supplement your sitting and give your back a break from its normal position

You will want to set up a kneeling chair and desk or table with the appropriate height. Then, if you feel your back is starting to ache, you can switch tasks for half an hour and realign your spine better.

You can also use a kneeling chair for more focused work, such as drawing or sewing. You will be closer to your work and can focus on smaller details.

Another option is investing in one of these best massage chairs. They are meant for you to relax after a long day at work and are meant for recreational time, such as watching TV, rather than fine detailed work.

If you don’t have the space for a massage chair, you can also try a zero-gravity chair. This revolutionary piece of furniture evenly distributes your body weight so there are no pressure points on your back or legs. This list of the best zero-gravity chairs is a good starting point.

How to Properly Sit in a Kneeling Chair

When looking at a kneeling chair, you might think it appears uncomfortable. However, if you position yourself correctly, you will be able to release pressure from your lower back. The trick is knowing how to use one properly.

First seating

Anytime you place your body in a new position, it can take a while to adjust. Your body is used to compensating for undesirable positions, so it has to re-learn proper posture. The first few times you try out a kneeling chair, only use them for a few minutes. This will allow your body to gradually get used to the experience.

You can expect to feel some discomfort in your core muscles after the first few times as weight is distributed to other parts of your body from your back. Don’t worry as your core only has to adjust a little and even if you don’t have a six-pack, you still have enough ab muscles for a kneeling chair.

If you are feeling particularly sore after your first time using a kneeling chair, you can also do some lower back and core stretches. This will loosen up your muscles so you won’t feel as stiff. You can try this video from the Mayo Clinic Trusted Source Video: Upper body stretches for the workplace - Mayo Clinic Standing or sitting for long periods of time can cause soreness in areas of the upper body. To prevent or reduce stiffness and pain, try these simple stretches. www.mayoclinic.org for easy stretches to do at home or in the office.

Chair adjustment

A good kneeling chair will allow you to adjust it to better suit your individual body. If there are no adjustment options, then be sure to look for a chair that is designed for any height. For example, the Varier Variable Balans Original Kneeling Chair is a great option for anyone up to 6 feet tall.

If you do have a chair with adjustment options, you can move the pads for a better angle that allows your feet to rest on the footrest at the back. You don’t want your feet to dangle as this won’t provide enough support for your back.

Positions variation

After you get used to your kneeling chair, you can play around a bit with the positions. This will help keep your body weight distributed across your whole body and might make the chair more comfortable to sit in.

Start with both knees on the pad and the legs bent back slightly. Then, you can move it so that one leg straddles the front cushion and lays flat on the ground. Be sure to alternate which foot is on the ground for more even distribution and muscle control.

Kneeling chairs, such as the Luxton Home Ergonomic Chair, are built to provide a rocking motion. This means you can naturally move back and forward as you work, which is not only soothing but better for your body. Don’t be afraid to try out the rocking option as the chair will support your weight.

Who Should Use Kneeling Chairs

Just about anyone can use a kneeling chair but they will be more helpful to some people than others. If you have any sort of back issues, especially those located in the lower back, then this is a piece of furniture to examine further. Desk chairs have come a long way in design Trusted Source pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Chair design features are typically compared using multiple seats, which can lead to confounding effects. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov but there is always room for improvement.

If you are someone who likes to concentrate on fine details and want to see something closer up, such as embroidery or drawing, then a kneeling chair will prevent you from bending over, which produces strain on your back.

You should not use a kneeling chair if you have a lot of mobility issues. It can be hard to put yourself in the chair and move out of it. This can lead to awkward issues and there are better products to help you. For example, if you find it hard to get out of a chair after sitting for a while, you can take a look at this list of the best lift chairs. They allow you to sit comfortably for long periods of time and then you will move up so you don’t have to put weight on your knees to get up from the chair.

Final Thoughts

Kneeling chairs are ergonomically built to keep the strain off your lower back. If you suffer from back issues and want an easy way to improve your posture, a kneeling chair will work wonders. While these chairs are not meant for all-day use, they are perfect if you want to switch between your office chair. They are also great if you need to focus on very detailed work. It can be intimidating at first if you don’t know how to sit in a kneeling chair but the best advice is to simply try it out. You’ll be amazed at how your body adapts and fits inside a kneeling chair.

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