Poor sofa choice can lead to back pain


A combination of poorly designed chairs and lack of activity can soon lead to back pain, according to a spinal health association in Germany.

People who spend long hours without distraction before a monitor or TV are candidates for back problems, reports AGR, an organization devoted to improving spinal health. That’s why customers need to be sure when they buy upholstered furniture that they take their individual needs into account.

That means seats need to align with a person’s upper thighs and that the height of the seat can be adjusted. The seat also must be wide enough and the back needs to be adjustable and up to shoulder height.

Built-in back or lumbar supports also help, advises the AGR. But, beyond buying the right furniture, more activity is always a good idea to rid oneself of back pain or prevent it in the first place.