How to choose the right office chair to eliminate your back pain

How to Choose the Right Office Chair for Healthy and Active Sitting
Expert Insights from Prof. Janko Popovic, PhD, MD

When selecting an office chair, it's essential to prioritize your spine health and overall comfort. After consulting with Prof. Janko Popovic, a renowned specialist in spinal health, we’ve identified four key criteria that will help you determine whether your chair can effectively relieve back pain and support active sitting.

1. Movable Seat for Flexibility

The chair seat should be able to move in all directions. Movement is key to keeping your body engaged and preventing stiffness. Prof. Popovic emphasizes that the pelvis is the center of all movement. A chair that allows the pelvis to move freely ensures that the entire body is in motion, which is vital for spine health. This type of dynamic sitting helps to alleviate discomfort and can even reverse existing spine issues. Unlike medical chairs, which typically lack this mobility, a therapeutic office chair with a movable seat supports active sitting by encouraging movement throughout the day.

2. Firm Armrests and Back Support

For a chair to effectively support the spine, both the armrests and the backrest must be firm and independent of the seat's movement. This ensures that your upper body remains aligned, and your spine is in the correct position while sitting. If the armrests and backrest move with the seat, they can destabilize the body, shifting the strain to the legs and potentially causing imbalances in the muscles supporting the back. A static upper body support system guarantees the chair will assist in strengthening the muscles along the spine, providing proper alignment without causing further strain.

3. Clinical Evaluation and Certification

A therapeutic chair should be backed by clinical research and evaluation. This ensures that the chair’s design and features genuinely benefit the spine and are not merely marketing claims. Look for a chair that has undergone clinical testing by independent professionals. Certified clinical evaluations, carried out by experienced physicians, validate that the chair can effectively address back pain, improve posture, and offer lasting therapeutic effects. Be wary of claims that lack these evaluations, as the actual health benefits can only be proven through rigorous scientific testing.

4. Comfort and Fit for Your Body

Comfort is paramount when choosing the right chair for long periods of sitting. If the chair is not comfortable or doesn’t suit your body type, it can cause more harm than good. People come in various shapes and sizes, so it's important to find a model that fits your specific needs. Manufacturers offering a range of chair models for different body types—whether for smaller or larger frames—ensure a better fit for long-term comfort. Many reputable brands offer free trials, allowing you to test out different models before making a decision, ensuring that you choose the best fit for your body.

Active Sitting for Healthier Posture and Core Strength

SpinaliS chairs, designed with a movable seat, provide the perfect solution for active sitting. The unique spring technology encourages your core muscles to engage, strengthening them while you work. The chair also helps to improve posture, preventing slouching and reducing the strain on your lower back. Whether at home or in the office, SpinaliS promotes better posture and overall spine health by encouraging subtle, constant movement, which helps to prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Additional Benefits of SpinaliS Chairs

• Abs and Back Workout: Strengthen your deep stabilizing muscles while working, providing an effective core workout as you go about your day.
• Stylish Design: With modern aesthetics, SpinaliS chairs enhance any office or home office environment, making a bold statement with their functional, sleek design.
• Alternative to Yoga Balls: Unlike sitting on a yoga ball, SpinaliS chairs provide long-term comfort and stability, allowing you to sit all day without the risks of slouching or instability.
• Standing Desk Alternative: Sitting in a SpinaliS chair engages your core and back muscles, offering an active sitting experience that promotes better posture without the need for standing.

Who Benefits from SpinaliS?

SpinaliS chairs are ideal for anyone seeking relief from back pain, improving posture, or investing in their long-term health. Leading companies like Google, Sony, IBM, and many others have incorporated SpinaliS chairs into their workplaces, ensuring that their employees benefit from healthier sitting habits. Whether you're dealing with back discomfort or simply want to enhance your sitting posture, SpinaliS is the perfect solution for active sitting and improved spinal health.

SpinaliS chairs represent the future of office seating by promoting active sitting, strengthening core muscles, and supporting long-term spinal health. Don't wait for back pain to worsen—choose a chair that works with your body, not against it.