Lower-back pain is one of the most common reasons for sick leave among office workers. Much of it comes from sitting for long periods in a poor posture. An office chair with good lumbar support preserves the natural curve of the lower spine, relieves the intervertebral discs and reduces tension in the lower-back muscles. In this guide we explain how lumbar support works, how to adjust it correctly and how to recognise a quality chair.
At Heka Interior we develop and manufacture office chairs in Slovenia as part of Hit Preless, which has been making furniture since 1986. Our ergonomic solutions have equipped more than 1,200 workstations at NLB, as well as projects for Triglav and Volvo, so the advice below is based on the practice of furnishing real offices, not just theory.
What is lumbar support and why does it matter?
Lumbar support is a contour or adjustable element in the lower part of the backrest that supports the lumbar region of the spine (the lower back). In this area the spine has a natural inward curve (lordosis); when we sit without support, this curve flattens, the pelvis rotates backwards and the load on the intervertebral discs increases. Good lumbar support maintains this curve and distributes weight evenly, which reduces pain and fatigue at the end of the working day.
Does a chair with lumbar support really help with back pain?
An ergonomic chair does not cure pain on its own, but it can remove one of its most common causes — poor sitting posture. When the lumbar region is supported, the lower-back muscles are not tense all day compensating for the missing support. Ergonomists therefore recommend adjustable lumbar support as one of the key factors in preventing pain during seated work. The effect is greatest when combined with regular movement and a correctly set up workstation.
How do you adjust lumbar support correctly?
Set the support so that its most prominent point rests against your waist, roughly at navel height or at the top of the pelvic crest. Sit all the way back so your back touches the backrest, keep your feet flat on the floor and your knees level with your hips. If the support is too high it will press on your ribs; if too low it will not support the curve. You will find the full procedure in our guide on how to adjust an office chair correctly.
Adjustable or fixed lumbar support — which is better?
Adjustable support is almost always the better choice. People differ in height and torso length, so a fixed contour only hits the right spot for some users. Quality chairs allow the support to be adjusted in height, and better ones also in depth (how firmly it pushes forward). For chairs used by several people, or chairs for companies, adjustability is essential, as the chair adapts to each user.
Mesh or upholstered backrest for lumbar support?
Both materials can provide excellent support — the difference is in feel and ventilation. A mesh backrest adapts to the shape of the back and breathes well, which is pleasant during long sitting and in warmer rooms. An upholstered backrest gives a firmer, more enveloping sense of support. More important than the material is that the lumbar element is adjustable and that the backrest follows the movement of the back (synchronous mechanism).
How do I recognise a quality chair with lumbar support?
A quality ergonomic chair has adjustable lumbar support, a synchronous mechanism (seat and backrest tilt in a coordinated way), adjustable seat height and depth, and durable materials with an accompanying warranty. Pay attention to adjustable armrests and to the quality of the mechanism — this most often determines how many years the chair will withstand daily use. Read more about choosing in our guide on how to choose an ergonomic office chair.
Which Heka chairs have good lumbar support?
Among Heka chairs with pronounced lumbar support are the Aria model with adjustable lumbar support and a mesh backrest, ErgoFlex for active sitting, and Clever Evo. All models can be personalised (fabrics, colours, company logo) and tried free of charge before purchase. You will find the full range on our office chairs page.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a day is it safe to sit, even in a good chair?
Even the best ergonomic chair does not replace movement. Ergonomists recommend changing posture every 30 to 60 minutes and standing up occasionally. A good chair makes the seated time as undemanding as possible, so the ideal combination is a quality chair and occasional standing work, for example at a height-adjustable desk.
Can I add lumbar support to my existing chair?
Add-on lumbar cushions are a temporary solution and may help a little, but they do not replace a chair with built-in adjustable support and a coordinated mechanism. With a cushion the support is not linked to the movement of the backrest, so its position changes when you lean back. For long-term work, investing in a properly designed ergonomic chair makes sense.
Is investing in ergonomic chairs worthwhile for a company?
Yes. Back pain is among the leading causes of sick leave, so quality chairs with good lumbar support reduce absenteeism and increase employee comfort and focus. When equipping a larger number of workstations we offer consulting and custom configuration; for a sense of our approach, see our reference NLB – 1,200 workstations.
Try a chair before you buy
Lumbar support is something you have to feel. That is why we offer a free 7-day trial of the chair at your workplace. The chairs are made in Slovenia, with personalisation options and a quality warranty. For advice on choosing, or on equipping an entire office, contact us — we will be glad to help.
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