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For many people who experience chronic back pain or occasional discomfort, finding the right seating solution is more than a luxury. It’s a necessity! And one question often arises: Can a recliner chair help with back pain, or does it make it worse?
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we’ve helped hundreds of customers navigate this very question. While recliner chairs are typically associated with comfort and relaxation, some people worry that prolonged use may actually cause harm to their backs.
We sat down with Racha Pharaon, an experienced sales consultant from La-Z-Boy Kanata, to find out what truly matters when it comes to recliners and spinal health. In this article, you’ll learn how a recliner can actually help relieve pain when chosen and used correctly.
Key Takeaways:
- Recliner chairs can alleviate back pain by supporting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure.
- A poor-fitting recliner or lack of lumbar support may cause discomfort or worsen existing pain.
- Zero gravity recliners create a neutral position for the spine, relieving stress on joints and muscles.
- Recliners can also improve blood circulation, lung capacity, and digestion when used properly.
- Sleeping in a recliner occasionally is okay, but it’s not a substitute for a good mattress.
- Finding a recliner that fits your height, weight, and body proportions is crucial for comfort and support.
In This Article…
- Are Recliner Chairs Bad for Your Back?
- Do Recliners Help With Back Pain?
- Sleeping in a Recliner: Good or Bad?
- How to Pick the Right Recliner for Your Body Type
- Checklist: Sitting Properly in a Recliner
Are Recliner Chairs Bad for Your Back?
The idea that recliners are “bad” for your back is a common myth. While it’s true that sitting in the wrong type of recliner or sitting in one for too long without adjusting your position can lead to discomfort, a properly fitted recliner can support your back and reduce pain.
According to Racha, “One of the most common issues we see is that customers choose recliners based on aesthetics or budget without considering fit. A recliner that doesn't align with your body can throw off your posture and lead to unnecessary back strain.”
What does this mean in practical terms? If your recliner doesn't support the natural curvature of your spine, or if your feet don’t reach the floor when seated upright, you could be creating pressure points that result in pain. Over time, this may lead to stiffness, reduced circulation, or even worsening spinal alignment.
The takeaway: It’s not the recliner that’s the problem; it’s the fit. Choose a chair that supports your lower back and is properly sized for your height and proportions.
Do Recliners Help with Back Pain?
Yes, recliners can be an excellent solution for managing back pain, particularly when they include ergonomic lumbar support, adjustable features, and promote the right sitting posture.
Spinal Support Through Lumbar Alignment
When you sit in a recliner that’s properly designed and fitted to your body, your lumbar spine stays aligned and supported. This is critical because the lumbar region (your lower back) bears the brunt of your body’s weight during most sitting and standing activities.
A recliner with built-in lumbar support, especially one with adjustable lumbar settings, helps maintain the natural curve of your spine. When your lower back is supported, surrounding muscles can relax and recover.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy`s Headrest & Lumbar Upgrades, take a look at this article.
Zero Gravity and Pressure Relief
La-Z-Boy offers several recliners with a zero gravity feature, a reclining position where your legs are elevated slightly above your heart. This neutral position:
- Distributes body weight evenly across the chair
- Removes pressure from the lower back
- Improves spinal decompression
- Relieves tension in the shoulders and hips
As Racha explains, “The zero-gravity position mimics how astronauts sit during liftoff, because it’s the most pressure-free position for the human body. When your spine isn’t under constant strain, your muscles can finally relax.”
Circulation and Healing
By elevating your legs, recliners with proper elevation also promote blood flow. This helps reduce swelling in the lower extremities and can contribute to quicker recovery after physical strain or injury.
Sleeping in a Recliner: Good or Bad?
Many people find themselves nodding off in their recliner, especially after a long day. But is it okay to sleep in a recliner every night?
The short answer: Occasionally, yes. Regularly, no.
Sleeping in a recliner can temporarily relieve discomfort for people with certain conditions, such as acid reflux, sleep apnea, or recent back surgery, because it allows the upper body to remain slightly elevated. This positioning may help reduce inflammation and pressure on the spine.
However, long-term use can become problematic. Recliners, even those with excellent support, don’t offer the even weight distribution or spinal alignment of a high-quality mattress. Over time, this can cause stiffness in the lower back or neck.
That said, some people, especially seniors or individuals with limited mobility, may find sleeping in a power lift recliner more comfortable than getting in and out of bed. In these cases, selecting a recliner with memory foam cushions, adjustable lumbar support, and a firm seat base is essential.
To learn more about the Benefits of Sleeping in a Reclined Position, take a look at this article.
How to Pick the Right Recliner for Your Body Type
The key to making a recliner beneficial for your back? It has to fit your body.
Just like a pair of shoes, your recliner should match your proportions. If the seat is too shallow or too deep, or if your head and neck are improperly positioned, you may experience more pain, not less.
At La-Z-Boy, we offer recliners in four general size categories:
- Petite (5’4” and under)
- Small (5’5” – 5’9”)
- Tall (5’10” – 6’2”)
- Extra Tall (6’3” and up)
A proper fit means:
- Your feet are flat on the ground when sitting upright.
- Your shoulders align naturally with the back cushions.
- Your lower back is supported with minimal effort.
- Your neck and head rest comfortably against the cushion without being forced forward.
“If your recliner causes you to slump, strain, or stretch, it’s the wrong fit,” says Racha. “During consultations, we work with clients to test different models and ensure they find a recliner that truly fits, not just one that looks good.”
Checklist: Sitting Properly in a Recliner
Follow this 5-step guide to make sure your recliner is supporting your spine correctly:
1. Feet & Knee Position
Sit fully back in the chair so your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Your feet should rest flat on the floor.
Key Pressure Points: Knees and feet
2. Shoulder Alignment
When reclined, your shoulders should fall naturally where the two back cushions meet. This ensures your upper spine is fully supported.
Key Pressure Points: Shoulders
3. Lumbar Support
Your lower back should feel supported by the lumbar cushion. There should be no gap between the chair and your lower spine.
Key Pressure Points: Lumbar area
4. Neck & Head Position
The cushion supporting your head should not push your neck forward. Your neck and spine should remain aligned.
Key Pressure Points: Neck and upper back
5. Footrest Fit
When reclined, your heels should just slightly extend over the footrest. Your calves should feel supported without your feet dangling excessively.
Key Pressure Points: Calves and ankles
For a detailed look at finding the perfect recliner fit for you, check out How to Find a Recliner that is the Best Fit for You.
What's Next?
A recliner chair can be a great solution for your back pain. If you’re interested in learning more about our selection of recliners, check out this article on the Best La-Z-Boy Recliners for Back Pain.
You can also come out to one of our local furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston or visit us virtually to find a recliner that is the perfect match for you. Browse our recliner options online and schedule either a phone consultation or a virtual visit.
Take a look at this article to browse our comprehensive recliner buyer’s guide.