If you’re suffering from pain in your lower or upper back, you’ve likely tried any number of treatments and products to find relief. One of the most comfortable ways to ease your pain is by spending time in some of the best recliners for back pain. While they won’t treat your pain directly, they can provide support and comfort while resting. Here’s some of our favorites.
What’s the impact of back pain?
Most people in the United States will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, so it’s not surprising that relieving back pain has become a big challenge—both on a personal physical level and monetarily.
A 2016 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) estimated that, in 2013 alone, people in the U.S. would spend an estimated $87.6 billion on treatments for lower back and neck pain. That number represents an increase over previous years. Assuming the trend has continued since 2013, the total is even greater now in 2018.
As this hefty price tag implies, there is a staggering quantity of products and treatments available for lower back pain. Among these products are recliners for back pain sufferers. Given the many things people use recliners for (napping, gaming, reading, watching TV, etc.), investing in one that will ease rather than exacerbate lower back pain is a smart decision. But with so many recliners on the market, how can you be certain your share of that $87.6 billion is going to a product that will truly help you?
In this article, we give tips on how to select a high-quality recliner for your pain. We’ll also provide advice on how to determine if a recliner is good for you.
Are recliners good for lower back pain?
Excessive sitting has been linked to a whole host of medical problems, including back pain. Exercise, though helpful, is not enough to fully mitigate the damage caused by too much sitting. Even those not currently suffering from lower back pain can benefit from spending more time on their feet, either walking or using a standing desk if at work.
However, we all know that some sitting is part of life. What can you do to reduce back pain during the time you do spend sitting? The right recliner can help to relieve aches and pains. However, not all recliners are created equal. The wrong one—i.e. a chair that doesn’t offer enough padding or has padding in the wrong places—could actually make your back pain worse. That’s why it’s vital to do your due diligence when it comes to selecting a durable, comfortable recliner that fits your needs.
Above all, it’s important to remember that even the best recliner is no substitute for talking to your doctor. If you’re experiencing back pain, scheduling an appointment with a medical professional should always be your first step.
How to find the best recliners for back pain
With so many retailers selling recliners of all shapes and sizes, finding the perfect one for you (and your budget!) can be tough. Online and in-person retailers offer a wide variety of recliners to choose from, including recliners with features designed specifically to reduce aches and pains. But, as with any major purchase, take great care before investing in something that will, if all goes well, be with you for a long time.
The best way to judge a recliner is, of course, to try it out. Good Housekeeping suggests sitting in a chair for at least five minutes to make sure