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Since 1927, the La-Z-Boy Recliner Chair has been an iconic symbol representing relaxation.
After a long day, there is nothing more comforting than kicking up your feet and sinking into that La-Z-Boy recliner. Laying back, you settle in for some time in the recliner to help your muscles relax, rest, and repair.
But to ease back pain, you need the right chair. At our furniture stores in Ottawa and Kingston, we have helped hundreds of La-Z-Boy clients find good chairs for lower back pain. We are the inventor of the original recliner chair, after all.
For over 90 years, our sales consultants have been experts at helping customers find a recliner chair that suits their style, budget, and most importantly, their comfort requirements.
In turn, we aim to bust the misconception that spending time in a recliner is bad for your back. In this article, we will explain how a reclining position can be good for your back and your health … as long as you choose the right one for YOU!
In This Article...
1. Common Questions About Recliners and Your Health
2. Choosing a Recliner That Fits Your Body Type
3. How to Pick a La-Z-Boy Recliner that Fits You
Common Questions About Recliners and Your Health
First things first, let’s cover some frequently asked questions that we hear all the time about recliners and back pain.
Is It Unhealthy to Sit in a Recliner?
Recliner chairs are known to relieve back pain as they allow users to adjust their position, reducing spinal pressure and promoting alignment. However, prolonged reclining may lead to stiffness and circulation issues.
To reduce any circulation issues, it is important to stand up from your recliner every once in a while to continue having adequate blood flow, to prevent long-term effects from occurring.
Another good way to avoid this is to invest in a power recliner with an adjustable headrest and lumbar support. Our
furniture stores have plenty of La-Z-Boy power recliners to choose from with adjustable headrest and lumbar support.
Can Recliners Cause Back Problems?
If misused, yes, recliners can cause back problems. Prolonged reclining without proper lumbar support or good posture may lead to spinal misalignment, muscle stiffness, and reduced circulation.
As mentioned in the previous section, It is essential to sit with proper lumbar support and alternate between reclining and sitting upright to mitigate potential back issues.
Is a Recliner Chair Good For Back Pain?
While a reclining position may not be the best thing for a long period of time, recliners can still be good for back pain. In fact, once you’ve chosen a recliner that suits your body type, not only will your aches and pains fade, but you can begin to enjoy the intended health benefits of a recliner chair.
Here are some health benefits that a La-Z-Boy Recliner can do for you…
Zero Gravity Position
As you lay back and kick up your feet in your zero gravity recliner, your feet will elevate above the heart level. In this comfortable position, your body will experience zero gravity. If you have ever dreamt of going to space, this may be the closest you will get!
But, confined to earth, our bodies are constantly fighting against gravity and the negative effects that this constant pressure can have on our bones, joints, and muscles.
Luckily, a zero-gravity recliner will allow your muscles to enter a complete state of relaxation. All tension will then release from your back, neck, and abdominal muscles, giving your body a true chance of recovery after a long day. If you suffer from back pain, this is a good recliner for lower back pain relief.
Better Circulation
A zero-gravity recliner also promotes better circulation throughout the entire body. This optimal circulation allows your blood to return to your heart faster, relieving each body system of strain and leading to faster healing.
If you have recently experienced an injury or are recovering from surgery, your recliner chair is the best place to rest and heal.
Improved Lung Health
Believe it or not, even your lungs will benefit from your La-Z-Boy recliner chair. When you’re in a reclining position, your diaphragm can expand to its maximum capacity, improving total lung function. Over time, the lung expansion experienced in your recliner chair will lead to overall deeper breathing.
Easier Digestion
Finally, a reclining position can also be great for digestion. Imagine sitting down and getting comfy in your recliner after a big dinner.
The relaxing and reclining position promotes better digestion. While resting with ease, your digestive system can process your food fully. In no time, a belly full of food will feel nicely digested and you will be able to sleep more peacefully.
Can Sleeping in a Recliner Damage Your Back?
Sleeping in a recliner can potentially damage your back if done regularly. While it may be okay every once in a while, the reclined position may not provide adequate support, leading to spinal misalignment and discomfort. A mattress offers better support and alignment for sleep, reducing the risk of back problems.
Even though sleeping in a recliner regularly may not be the best way to prevent long-term health conditions, there are still some benefits to sleeping in a reclined position, which you can learn more about in this article.
You Need a Recliner That Fits Your Body Type
One of the biggest things that could be causing your back to hurt after sitting in a recliner could be that it is not your proper fit.
Think of a La-Z-Boy recliner like a shoe. Although you may be going for style, if the shoe doesn’t fit your foot just right, it could lead to blisters, sore feet, and even potential back pain.
Just like an uncomfortable shoe, an ill-fitting recliner could be the mysterious cause of your aches and pains. You may experience mild to severe pains in your neck, back, legs, and even ankles.
It’s key you choose a La-Z-Boy recliner that is the right match for your unique body type to avoid any discomfort and enjoy your chair with ease.
How to Pick a La-Z-Boy Recliner That Fits You
Whether you are tall or short, thin or stalky, there is a La-Z-Boy recliner for you, and we’re here to help you find it.
La-Z-Boy has a large selection of over 50 high-quality recliners, with contrasting styles to accommodate a wide range of customer preferences and body types. The height, depth, and width of the chair must be perfect for you.
La-Z-Boy furniture is sorted into four main categories for you to choose from:
- Petite (5’4” & Under)
- Small (5’5” – 5’9”)
- Tall (5’10” – 6’2”)
- Extra Tall (6’3” & up)
Check out The Definitive Buyer’s Guide for recliners.
This is just the beginning of finding your perfect fit. 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.
Follow This Simple Checklist
This checklist provides you with a proper way to sit in a recliner for optimal support, as well as showing the different pressure points that each step is hitting.
Step One
When you sit back into the depth of the seat, make sure that your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet are comfortably reaching the floor.
- Pressure Point: Knees & Feet
Step Two
As you lay back in your reclining position, your shoulders should naturally lay at the seam where the two back cushions meet.
- Pressure Point: Shoulders
Step Three
Your chair must provide good lumbar support. When resting into your La-Z-Boy recliner, you want to ensure that the middle cushion provides enough lumbar support to your lower back. The cushion should support the natural curve in your back ensuring that it does not cave inwards and cause tension.
- Pressure Point: Lumbar/Lower Back
Step Four
As you rest your head in a reclining position, the head cushion that also supports your neck should not cause extension or strain forward. Your neck should rest comfortably aligned with your spine and your head should naturally relax into the cushion.
- Pressure Point: Neck
Step Five
When in a reclining position, your feet should not dangle too far over the edge of the chair … the heels of your feet should just fall off the edge of the footrest.
- Pressure Point: Knees and Calves
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 or Kingston or visit us virtually to find a recliner that is the perfect match for you.
A personal consultant from our local team would be happy to meet with you for free and help guide your choice of a recliner. Our trained consultants will ensure that the chair you choose fits your style preferences, and most importantly, your body, so that the chair you take home provides you with the utmost comfort.
You will leave the store knowing that your purchase will unlock every potential health benefit of recliner relaxation.
Until you can join us in-store, you can browse our recliner options online and schedule either a phone consultation or a virtual visit.
Take a look at this article to browse our 5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Power Recliners.