The Best Sofas
For Bad Backs
Back pain is extremely common, and the vast majority of us will experience episodes of back pain at some point during our lives. Back pain can be caused by all sorts of things, but there are changes you can make to your daily routine to ease the pain or reduce the risk of developing it in the first place.
One of the leading causes of back pain is poor sitting posture, whether seated at your desk during long hours at work or at home relaxing on your sofa in the evenings. While you may not be able to do much about upgrading your office chair, you can invest in a sofa that offers greater lumbar support and naturally improves your seating position at home, helping ease your bad back and preventing further injury.
The Causes and Treatments of Back Pain
Lumbar or lower back pain is a very common issue, affecting countless individuals worldwide, so you’re far from alone in your suffering. In most cases, back pain stems from minor strains, sprains, or prolonged periods of sitting in awkward or uncomfortable positions. Occasionally, underlying medical conditions like slipped discs or sciatica can also contribute to back discomfort, which may require medical intervention and treatment from your doctor beyond anti-inflammatory pain relief.Â
To alleviate existing back pain, it's important to evaluate the level of back support provided by your mattress, office chair, and sofa. Ensuring proper spinal support during prolonged sitting periods can significantly reduce discomfort and promote overall spinal health.
Why Does My Choice of Sofa Matter?
Your choice of sofa significantly impacts your spinal health and overall comfort, especially considering the hours probably spent seated on it each day! Choosing a sofa that naturally enhances your posture without you even noticing can reduce and alleviate spinal pain, and ease the pressure on joints, muscles, and connective tissues that may be strained due to poor sitting habits such as slouching or sitting in awkward positions.
Investing in a bespoke sofa offers you the opportunity to tailor the comfort and support levels according to your specific requirements. With a bespoke sofa, you have the freedom to customise your furniture piece to meet your unique physical needs, ensuring optimal comfort and spinal support.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sofa
When it comes to sofas, not all are created equal, and selecting the right design can significantly impact your back health. Considerations such as firmness, height, depth, and armrests play crucial roles in providing adequate support and maintaining proper posture, especially for those with back pain.
Firmness and Support
The first thing you need to think about is firmness. While plush, super-soft sofas may feel incredibly comfortable as they mould themselves around your body, they often lack the necessary support for your spine. Opt for sofas with firmer foam fillings for both the back and cushions, as they provide better spinal alignment and support. Sofas with high backs and shallower seating are ideal choices for individuals dealing with back issues. Sofas with a fixed back are usually more supportive and offer more stability than those which have loose cushions. At Oliver Matthews, we offer 2 different back rakes (i.e the angle of the back of the sofa) – a standard back, which has a slight angle (rake) to the back of the sofa, or a sit up back, which offers a more upright sit.
Height and Depth
Another important consideration is the height and depth of your sofa. When you sit on it, ensure the height and depth of your sofa allow your feet to rest flat on the floor while your knees comfortably wrap around the seat edge. Ill-fitting sofas can exert additional pressure on spinal nerves, leading to discomfort or exacerbation of existing back conditions. At Oliver Matthews, our bespoke sofas offer a range of depths, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Armrest Type
Armrest design is another crucial but often overlooked consideration, as you may use these for added support. Low armrests may provide a contemporary look but often lead to slouching. If you have lumbar pain, opt for higher armrests with extra padding to offer better support and help maintain proper posture. For enthusiasts of activities like knitting, low armrests can provide adequate support for elbows, preventing slouching and promoting better shoulder posture.
What Sort of Sofa is Best for You?
For individuals prone to back issues, consider getting a recliner sofa. These sofas offer customisable positioning options, allowing you to achieve maximum comfort by evenly distributing your body weight and providing support to your neck and back. Elevating your legs can help reduce pressure on the lower spine, where muscular or skeletal pain commonly occurs. To ensure you get the best support, try to choose a recliner that isn’t too deep and doesn’t recline too far, because the more perfectly aligned your body is, the better.
If a recliner isn't your preference but you still want to maintain a well-aligned posture, consider investing in a footrest or ottoman to elevate your legs. These accessories are particularly useful for deep-filled sofas with scatter or cushion backs, where the upper body may recline more than the lower half. By incorporating these elements into your seating arrangement, you can promote better alignment and alleviate strain on your back, enhancing overall comfort and well-being.
Find a Sofa for Your Bad Back with Oliver Matthews
When you suffer from a bad back, choosing the best sofa for your spine can feel like a challenging and important decision to make. At Oliver Matthews, our expert team is ready to assist you with advice and guidance on finding the most comfortable and supportive sofas tailored to your needs. With one of the widest ranges of bespoke sofas to be found anywhere in the UK, we can help you find the right piece of furniture for both your back and your home.
Explore our collection of bespoke sofas today and discover sturdy frames, customisable sizes, depths, and cushion fillings, allowing you to build a sofa that provides optimal posture support.
