Best Office Chair For Wide Hips? Top Answer Update

ANY saddle seat is better suited for hip OA than ANY conventional chair. The open hip angle position on a saddle seat relieves the hip joint cartilage, increases the space in the hip joint and improves blood circulation in the hip area. A traditional chair that creates a 90-degree hip angle forces the hip into its end-of-travel ranges, shrinking spaces within the joint, increasing joint stress and impairing hip circulation.

Osteoarthritis of the hip (OA, also known as degenerative joint disease) is the most common pathologic condition of the hip joint and is characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage. When the cartilage breaks down, it causes pain and restricted movement. Surgery is usually considered in advanced stages of hip OA when there is severe pain and stiffness.

The problem with sitting

When sitting conventionally at a 90-degree hip angle, the body weight generates pressure forces via the ischial tuberosity that are transmitted to the hip joint; which in turn reduces the joint space and puts pressure on the cartilage. You can reduce pressure in your hip joints by up to 50% by opening the hip angle.[1] The ideal hip angle is 45 degrees (i.e. 135 degrees between thigh and torso). You can also reduce hip pressure by sitting with your knees apart (i.e., hip abduction).

Doctors often prescribe a “hip chair” for their patients with osteoarthritis. A hip chair is nothing more than a conventional chair on high chair legs. Because the seat is higher than a traditional chair, you can sit on the front edge to keep your hip angle open, and it’s easier to get in and out of the chair from that high seating position. Unfortunately, when you recline in a hip chair, this is no better than a traditional chair as the seat-to-back angle is still close to 90 degrees. If you sit on the front edge of a hip chair, you will quickly feel uncomfortable pressure behind your thighs, which can impair blood circulation and pinch nerves.

How a Saddle Stool Helps with Symptoms Associated with Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Strength and mobility exercises play an important role in the management of hip OA. A saddle stool can provide the same benefits by helping regain lost mobility and range of motion and may reduce the need for surgical intervention. The high straddle position gently stretches and strengthens the hip joint and reduces stress and pressure on the articular cartilage.

A saddle stool relieves pain and other symptoms associated with hip OA; strengthens the core muscles, maintains good posture and increases functionality as it moves the hip joint to its natural neutral position. When a person is in a relaxed straddle position in a saddle seat, the thighs rotate outward and the legs naturally spread into an abducted (knee open) position. This position opens the hip joint (external rotation of the hip), increases the joint space and reduces compressive forces on the hip cartilage, stretches the hip adductor muscles, and prevents backward movement of the pelvis.

When the hip joint is in a relaxed position (as observed when using a saddle seat), the cartilage has a greater ability to absorb larger amounts of alimentary fluid, which in turn can reduce inflammation and help maintain cartilage health over the long term.

Poor sitting posture (slouched over) causes internal rotation of the hips, compresses the hip joints, and can increase the pain associated with hip OA.

A saddle stool improves spinal alignment by holding the pelvis in a slightly forward-leaning position, allowing the spine to maintain its natural S-shape as observed when standing. This position also recruits postural muscles in the back and abdomen, thus improving core stability of the body and optimizing range of motion of the upper limb, thus improving functionality.

Which saddle stool is best for hip arthrosis?

The simple answer is the one that best suits your bootie. But seriously, it depends on how advanced the arthritis is and how limited your hip mobility is.

In early mild cases, you can use any saddle seat that comfortably fits your anatomy. Each saddle stool offers the right therapeutic benefits. And the earlier you start, the less mobility you lose. It is even possible to undo the stiffness already acquired.

In moderate or severe cases, you may need to select a narrower or narrower saddle stool, at least for starters. The Bambach saddle stool requires less hip abduction (i.e. knee separation) than the Salli and Kanewell brands. After a year, two or three, your hips will have started to loosen up and you might just as well use the wider saddles. Be patient. It can take a long time for your hips to regain their lost flexibility.

If you’ve had hip surgery, it’s difficult to predict which saddle will be most comfortable for you. Not all hip surgeries are created equal, and your muscles and soft tissues around your hips and buttocks may not be as supple as they used to be. In our experience, the Bambach Saddle Seat is preferred by most people who have had a total hip replacement or fusion. In the case of special hip problems, the Bambach saddle seat can also be “shortened”.

[1] Jan Van Houcke, Ashwin Schouten, Koen Vermeulen, Gilles Van Acker, Gunther Steenackers, Christophe Pattyn, Emmanuel Audenaert; The Impact of Sitting Configuration on the Hip Joint Reaction Force and Hip Flexion Angle, Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery, Volume 3, Issue suppl_1, 1 September 2016, hnw030.075, https://doi.org/10.1093/jhps/hnw030 . 075

Can a Bad Office Chair Cause Hip Pain? through in-depth pursuit

A bad office chair can lead to a whole range of problems. If you’ve spent enough time in an inferior office chair, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Back pain, sore hips – the list goes on and on. And if you’ve been sitting in a bad office chair long enough, you’re likely to develop chronic problems.

Back pain is perhaps the most common side effect of sitting in a bad office chair all the time. But of course that’s not all. Hip pain is another common ailment of people who sit in poor-quality office chairs — and sometimes it’s no small pain. For some people, a bad office chair can even lead to serious hip injuries.

To fully understand the value of ergonomics, we need to talk about the negative consequences of sitting in a bad office chair. And in this article, we’ll focus on hip pain – one of the most frustrating and potentially even debilitating types of workplace pain.

So can a bad office chair cause hip pain?

Yes, a bad office chair can certainly cause hip pain. This is because an office chair with poor ergonomics puts excessive pressure on your hips, causing pain. There are two types of hip pain namely trochanteric bursitis and femoral acetabular impingement (FAI).

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition in which fluids accumulate in the space between the trochanteric bone (an important muscle attachment site) and the muscles surrounding it.

Femoral acetabular impingement, or FAI, on the other hand, occurs when the cartilage that covers your hip joint and the top of your thigh bone becomes damaged.

Both conditions are caused by overexertion, repetitive movements, and poor posture.

An injury from a bad office chair may seem incredible (you’re just sitting, after all). But you have to think about the pressure that builds up in certain muscles of your body if it’s not properly distributed. This is what happens when you sit for long periods of time without proper posture. Any excessive pressure on your joints, muscles, and bones can cause pain if left untreated.

That being said, a bad office chair that doesn’t allow for good posture can definitely cause hip pain, among many other issues.

How a Bad Office Chair Causes Hip Pain:

Now you know that poor quality office chairs can cause hip pain because they don’t promote good posture. But how exactly does that happen?

Here are the possible reasons why a bad office chair can cause hip pain:

Cannot adapt to your unique body

A good office chair is not a one-size-fits-all product. Humans have different heights, weights, limb lengths and even neck lengths. However, a good office chair must be able to adapt to the individual body in order to support it properly.

The best ergonomic office chairs have many adjustable parts, including seat height, headrest, and seat depth. An adjustable design is essential to facilitate proper posture while sitting and prevent hip pain. For example, you need to be able to adjust the height of your seat to ensure your arms are at the correct height in relation to your desk. In addition, your chair must allow for seat depth adjustment so your knees don’t hang off the edge of the seat, which can put undue pressure on your hips. Etc.

With no adjustment options, you’re forced to sit in the way that’s most comfortable for you, which isn’t always the right posture. For example, if you cannot adjust the height of your seat and it is too high, you will be forced to place your feet on tiptoe instead of flat on the floor. What happens is that the weight of your legs is hanging off your hips, causing pressure to build up and – surprise surprise – hip pain!

No forward lean position to take pressure off hips

Most office chairs put pressure on your hips when seated, but a good quality ergonomic office chair will have a recline mechanism that allows you to adjust the angle of your seat. This type of ergonomic office chair allows you to recline the front of your seat up or down. This minimizes pressure on the lower back, ensures proper posture, and improves blood flow to the legs and feet – all of which relieve hip pain.

Has no lumbar support

Lumbar support is the hallmark of ergonomic office chairs that support the natural curvature of your lower spine. It helps distribute your weight properly and promotes good posture, which is key to preventing hip pain.

Regular office chairs rarely have lumbar support to promote good spinal alignment, which is why they often lead to poor posture. If you sit in an office chair for a long time without proper lumbar support, you may be overstressing your ligaments and spine. This is the main reason for back and hip pain after sitting for too long.

Not only that, a lack of lumbar support can throw your spine out of alignment over time, putting more stress on your hips and knees. This is why sitting in a chair with adequate lumbar support is so important, especially if you sit behind a desk for most of the day.

Pro tip: If you don’t have an office chair with lumbar support, you can purchase a lumbar support pillow and place it against your back while you work. Better yet, take a look at this article to learn more about how to get better lumbar support!

Other ways to reduce hip pain in your work environment

An ergonomic office chair is not the only way to reduce and prevent hip pain. If you spend most of your day sitting, here are other ways you can minimize poor posture and avoid hip pain:

standing desk

Sitting all day is the number one cause of body aches in office workers. So why not work standing instead? Standing is a great way to reduce pressure on your back, hips, and knees. More importantly, it can help prevent poor posture, which in turn prevents all kinds of sitting-related pain.

Standing up all day isn’t a good idea either. The key is to alternate between sitting and standing (e.g. sitting for 2 hours and standing for 1 hour) to prevent the build up of tension in your muscles and joints that tends to occur when you sit or stand for too long.

footrest

If your feet don’t touch the ground when you’re sitting in your office chair, it can mean bad news for your hip joint, knees, and overall posture. Why? Because when your feet aren’t flat on the ground, the weight of your legs is hanging off your knees and hips instead of being supported by the ground. In addition to hip pain, this can also lead to knee pain.

In this case, use a footrest to make sure your knees are about hip level. In this position, you don’t put undue tension on your hips because the weight of your legs is resting on a flat surface.

seat wedge

We’ve discussed the importance of a forward seat recline, but unfortunately most office chairs can only be reclined backwards. If your chair doesn’t have a forward recline, don’t worry – a seat wedge performs a function similar to a forward recline.

A seat wedge is a triangular cushion that allows you to change the angle of your body. It is commonly used by people with back and hip pain to help improve posture and reduce discomfort.

hip flexor exercises

Hip flexors are the muscles responsible for moving your lower body (e.g. kicking, walking, bending, etc.). If they’re too tight – which can occur due to poor posture – your hip flexors can tear or stretch, leading to hip pain.

To ensure your hip flexors are tension-free, engage in regular exercises that focus on these muscles, such as B. Knee-to-chest stretches, pigeon poses, and lunges.

Mindful posture

Can an ergonomic office chair support posture? yes it can However, not paying attention to your posture can defeat the purpose of an ergonomic chair.

Always ensure correct posture when sitting. Sit upright with your shoulders relaxed and your head in line with your spine. Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and the backs of your knees are only 2 to 3 inches from the edge of your seat. Rest your arms on the armrests and make sure they are parallel to the floor.

Maintaining proper posture when sitting for long hours isn’t easy, but it’s a necessary step in avoiding hip pain — or something worse, like an injury.

Frequent breaks

Staying in one position for too long is bound to lead to hip pain at some point, whether you’re sitting in the right posture or not. To avoid having unnecessary hip pain ruin your workday, make time to stretch and walk around every few hours. If you tend to get lost in your work, set an alarm every hour or so to remind yourself to take a break.

Can a Bad Office Chair Cause Hip Pain? Wrap up

A bad office chair can lead to all sorts of problems that aren’t limited to hip pain. There is also back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and sometimes even internal pain like headaches. And you know what else comes with physical pain? mental stress. When you have constant hip pain — or any other type of pain for that matter — it becomes difficult to focus, relax, and be productive.

Fortunately, the solution is simple. Upgrading your regular office chair to an ergonomic office chair can help you prevent hip pain and other consequences of sitting in a poorly made chair. Not only will your workdays be less pain-free, but you’ll also be more productive, focused, and happier overall. A worthwhile investment if you ask us! Don’t hesitate any longer – get the best ergonomic chair in Singapore.

With the onset of the pandemic, most people are confined to their home offices. Some of you have gone to an office to provide emergency services whenever permitted.

Why sit in a cramped chair and feel cramped and tormented while working long hours in the office or home office? It feels like being cramped and tired in an economy seat on a long haul flight! Some people believe that sitting cross-legged in a chair is a good idea. But is it?

What are the characteristics of the most comfortable office chairs for a long time? As you might think, comfort and ergonomics are the most important features to look out for. If you sit in your work chair for a long time, make sure that it adapts to your body.

A good comparison is useful when it comes to the materials used in desk chairs. Sitting in an office chair for hours can become uncomfortable, so a permeable material like mesh is essential. You also want to be sure that your chair is made of durable materials that won’t wear out after just a few uses.

As you explore the best chair for all-day sitting, read our take on the top twenty comfortable office chairs for long hours, each offering individual features for each user.

What is comfort? What is the best best chair to sit for hours?

Ergonomics – The need for comfort

An ergonomic office chair ensures that you adopt a comfortable posture when working. On offer is greater comfort through adjustable backrests, armrests, backrests, neck supports and seat height. This is because each user has a different posture and height. An ergonomic office chair must offer each user a high degree of adaptability to their needs. Guidelines dictate how you should sit, where your arms should be while working at the computer, and how you should place your wrists for maximum comfort. If you are looking for a 24-hour office chair, read our selection.

18 most comfortable office chairs for long sitting

The best chairs to sit all day? The best chairs for long hours should be easy to use and personalize. When it comes to office chairs in general there seems to be a lot of settings to choose from. While personalization is essential, it can sometimes be unnecessarily complex.

Read on to learn more about the best long term computer seats so you can choose one that suits your needs. Here is our pick, offering you the most comfort and tilt angle, in order of preference.

1. ErgoChair Pro+

If you are looking for the most comfortable executive office chair in its class, you cannot ignore the ErgoChair Pro+. You won’t feel the day go by if you sit for hours, sometimes leaning back to comfort your back, or if you’re deep in thought. The backrest reclines twenty-five degrees past its upright position. You can easily lock it in one of eleven positions to support your lower back. The armrests, height and seat angle (forward/backward) are adjustable to suit your needs throughout the day. This chair has a fine mesh to allow your skin to breathe when you work long hours. The six different subtle executive colors suit most office interiors.

2. ErgoChair Pro

Your search for an ergonomic chair ends here. The backrest is supported by a fine mesh and can be easily reclined up to 22 degrees for your comfort. You can lock the seatback in any of five desired positions and change it frequently with the push of a lever. Your back has one of the best supports when you adjust the armrest, seat pan angle, height and backrest. Take the time to discover your chair and make it work for you by customizing the features. Available in six different trendy colors, it can lift up to 300 pounds of weight.

Autonomous Office Chairs have a ton of amazing customer feedback and photos on their website which is fantastic. Similarly, the ErgoChair Pro is one of the best office chairs for buttock pain because it includes backrest padding that you can adjust to make it comfortable for a person’s tailbone. While sitting in this chair, we had no trouble finding the right position.

3. ErgoChair backrest

The best computer recliner chair with adjustable height, armrest, headrest and legrest, and seat tilt. The seat is made of high-quality foam that supports and evenly distributes body weight. The reclining lumbar support is one of the best as you can easily adjust it to fit your lower back. The fine black mesh material gives your skin enough air to breathe during long working days. It can bear 250 pounds of weight.

This is a truly stunning office chair because you can sit back, rest and stretch your legs by raising this recliner desk chair as many times as you like. The armchair has many adjustment options so that you can relax and work effectively. The chair’s slim backrest keeps it from becoming overly heavy while still providing excellent support. The mesh material is breathable and the high padding in the pillion seat ensures a long-lasting comfort experience.

4. ErgoChair core

The ErgoChair Core is the best chair to sit all day. It looks much more sumptuous than a sofa and more comfortable than a desk chair. First off, this ergonomically designed, computer-ergonomic chair is known for providing consumers with comfortable, customized back support.

5. AvoChair

This is an eco-friendly office chair that offers an ergonomic alternative. This chair uses kinematic technology that adapts to your seating position and encourages rapid movement. The base of the chair is made of fiber-reinforced polymer that promotes good posture.

6. SIHOO ergonomic office chair

Visually appealing, this ergonomically designed chair has great versatility from an adjustable backrest, backrest, headrest, footrest and seat height. Although it offers you great comfort with mesh fabrics, check your comfort level before buying. It can weigh 150 kilos.

7. Steelcase Leap Chair

The seat of this most comfortable office chair for long periods of sitting offers you good padding and is perceived as soft by many users. The seat is plain and has no edges that restrict your movement. The backrest provides excellent support for your back. The Leap’s great lumbar support has a natural S-curve for your back with a two-way adjustable lumbar support system. The only thing standing between you and this chair is the restrictive high price.

8. Serta Big and Tall executive office chair

Weighing 58 pounds, this lightweight chair has a total weight of 350 pounds. Upholstered with leather-like material, it has high accents of wood finishes. Designed for a large framed chair, it has an adjustable lumbar panel for your comfort. You can easily adjust the height and recline of this extremely comfortable office chair for long periods of sitting. Consider the bulky frame before deciding to buy.

9. Homall Gaming Chair PU Leather Desk

This ergonomic chair is made of high-density foam that offers great comfort and resilience and is upholstered in PU leather. It offers you the best incline and can support a weight of 300 pounds. With a 360 degree swivel rubber casters, you have one of the best comfortable gaming chairs for long sessions.

10. Steelcase Gesture Chair

The backrest of this most comfortable office chair for long sitting has a natural curvature of the lumbar spine, bringing you comfort. Its medium to high back comfort is one of the best in its class. The lumbar adjustment gives you the flexibility to fix it for your lower back, and you can even lock that position. This rotating seat allows you to rotate to any angle in your workspace. The only limitation we saw was the prohibitive price holding us back.

11. NEO office chair

This extremely comfortable office chair for long sitting offers you a seat that is upholstered with a beautiful matte finish and will stand up to rough use. This office chair is lightweight, although it can support a weight of up to three hundred pounds. Equipped with two inch thick castors, the chair is well suited for use on any surface. Although ergonomic, we feel the lumbar support can be limited. The backrest has a breathable mesh fabric to give you comfort when you work.

12. Herman Miller Aeron

This chair offers you a good backrest with strong back support. A durable mesh back chair for when you’re working in warm weather. This chair offers you good comfort for long working hours with limited versatility to manage the armrests and other functions for each user and is available in three different sizes.

13. GTRACING 099-Black office chair

The office recliner chair with footrest can meet your needs when you need a seat for gaming, administrative work or school work. It features a sturdy metal frame and premium black faux leather to add style and impact resistance. The headrest pillow guarantees a comfortable experience and can be removed if necessary. This extremely comfortable office chair features a five-star base and swivel casters for easy movement throughout the work area. The substance is therefore not suitable for long-term use.

14. Polar Aurora gaming office chair

Gamers will like this legrest office chair for a variety of reasons, including its ergonomically designed structure that has a headrest, lumbar support, and armrests. The five-star base takes your weight effortlessly, and the five castors also allow easy operation at the workplace and still ensure mobility. You can use it on various floor surfaces including tile, carpet and wood. You can also benefit from the swivel function for more mobility. The soft leather fabric of this extremely comfortable office chair is kind to the skin and is excellent for long-term use with minimal maintenance. You can adjust it in height with a practical lifting rod.

15. Homall S-Racer task chair

With suitable armrest, headrest and backrest characteristics, this seat can accommodate your body next to a computer for a long time. The five-star steel base provides stability, and the casters allow you to get around without getting up early; However, if you don’t like wheels, you could still have the most luxurious office chair without them. The high-density cushion adds to the comfort of your seat, but also offers a reclining function in addition to the normal standing position. It’s also wrapped in an abrasion-resistant synthetic leather that won’t bother most skin types as an added bonus.

16. Chairman of the FDW Ministry of the Interior

It has slim armrests and a padded seat so you can sit comfortably for long periods of time. It has a ventilated backrest and an aerodynamic shape, making it suitable for home office use. This office chair is height adjustable and has a foam padding that adapts to your body shape to keep you comfortable. It also has a spine brace to help you maintain a strong and healthy posture. The fabric also promotes adequate ventilation, which prevents perspiration.

17. BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair

This extremely comfortable office chair combines design and durability with high-quality faux leather fabric and a durable five-star steel base. Its base is equipped with castors, so you can easily move around while working. The chair rotates 360 degrees, making it great for office productivity. The headrests and a back cushion support and relieve the back and neck. The design of this chair includes comfortable seating that promotes good postural stability.

18. Parasoft 51207 office chair from AmazonBasics

This is the best budget office chair with hydraulic control that allows you to adjust the height of the chair as needed. The alignment tilt mechanism allows you additional flexibility in finding the ideal posture. The five-point base and wheels make it easy to move around while you work. This extremely comfortable office chair is optically enhanced by the cover made of glued imitation leather and gives it a contemporary touch. It’s a solid investment or virtual office, but not a long-term solution.

What characteristics should a good ergonomic and comfortable chair have for long periods of sitting?

seat height

Chairs should be easy to adjust in height. It is best to use a comfortable chair for long periods of sitting with a pneumatic height adjustment lever. Most people sit comfortably at a height of between 16 and 21 inches off the floor. When feet are on the floor, thighs are horizontal, and arms are level with the desk, the user can have feet on the floor and thighs are horizontal.

Seat width and depth

The most comfortable office chair for long sitting should have enough depth and width for each user to sit comfortably. The standard seat width is between 18 and 20 inches. The depth of the ergonomic office chair for long sitting should be sufficient to allow the user to sit with their back flush against the backrest. You need to separate the knees from the chair seat by 2 to 4 inches. The best chairs for sitting all day can be reclined forwards or backwards.

lumbar support

The most comfortable office chair for long periods of sitting is one that offers excellent lower back support. A lumbar curvature causes slumping and stresses structures in the lower spine when you sit unsupported for long periods of time. Ergonomic chairs should have lumbar adjustment to allow the seat to adequately support the lower back as it curves inwards.

backrest

It is recommended that the backrest of an ergonomic, comfortable chair for long periods of sitting is 12 to 19 inches wide. Backrests should be adjustable in height and inclination when detached from the seat. Again, the spine should of course be supported, especially in the lumbar region. The backrest of a reclining office chair should be adjusted both forwards and backwards if the seat and backrest are in one piece.

seat material

In order for a high office chair to sit comfortably over a long period of time, it needs sufficient padding on the seat and backrest. A breathable fabric is preferred over a harder surface.

armrests

Chair armrests should be adjustable for office chairs. Users should be able to rest their arms and relax their shoulders comfortably. When typing, the forearms should be off the armrest and the elbows should be resting lightly on the forearms to best treat lower back and hip pain.

Sway

The user should be able to efficiently adjust the position of a traditional or ergonomic chair, allowing you to reach different desk areas without effort.

reclining function

The best chair for sitting for hours cannot miss this feature. An adjustable backrest lets you position it to specifically support the user’s natural spine position. You can use this feature throughout the day to allow your backrest to take some of the weight off your upper body, relieving pressure on your spinal discs and muscles.

frequently asked Questions

What is an eight hour chair?

Office chairs differ significantly from work chairs in terms of ergonomics. In terms of ergonomics and comfort, work chairs are often developed for back pain patients. A simple ergonomic, comfortable chair for long sitting will usually come with height adjustment, reclining backrest and swivel feet, but they are usually fixed in design alongside these features. A work chair has swivel and tilt functions as well as height and depth adjustment. The armrests and lumbar support will also be adjustable.

Office chairs usually have high backrests, but these do not always support the lumbar spine. Depending on their size, task chairs can have either a medium or full backrest, and sometimes they come with separate head and neck rests. You should choose the one that best suits your personal preferences, but a task chair with a full-height back will provide the most comprehensive support.

How does a 24-hour chair work?

A 24-hour chair is ideal for call centers and control rooms because you can use it 24/7. Our comfortable, long-hour desk chairs are designed for continuous use in demanding offices, so they can handle the workload. Your employees can focus on their tasks with chairs made of high-quality materials, where comfort is a priority.

Can you sit in a mesh chair for a long time?

If you sit for a long time, the chair should be fully adjustable, have a backrest and allow you to recline. You will find these qualities in a deck chair. If you want to find a leather wrapped stool with these qualities, look here. A recliner relieves stress by allowing you to recline your back. With that in mind, mesh chairs are not as comfortable as other chairs, although they can help you sit for a long time. Foam-filled seat shells with a waterfall look promote different sitting postures.

Can gaming chairs be used for long periods of time?

Depending on your back health, some gaming chairs are terrible and some are great. The components under your seat determine how bad your chair is for your back. Should You Avoid Gaming Chairs? In fact, yes you should if the chair quality meets your requirements.

Likewise, if the quality of the seats is acceptable, no would be the appropriate answer. You will feel the most comfortable support when you are in a decent seat. At the same time, you will also achieve the correct posture. A decent chair will allow you to keep your back straight and your hand in place ergonomically.

In addition, it allows you to keep a straight head. The purpose of a gaming chair is to keep gamers active by keeping their lives inactive. Most often, such chairs are ergonomic and comfortable.

The best gaming chairs are used by many sectors of society today. Despite the benefits that gaming chairs offer, students, professionals, and general computer users prefer them.

Do I have to sit on cushions?

Using a cushion effectively distributes body weight, improves your posture, and makes your chair feel more comfortable. People often experience joint pain, back pain, and muscle pain when sitting in a chair without supportive padding.

The chair you use should be comfortable. The cushion on a lousy chair won’t do well. Be sure to rest and exercise every hour. If you have lunch, go for a walk. Both your workstation and your chair should be configured accordingly. Then you can start thinking about an ergonomic pillow when you’ve taken care of all the basics. To find the right pillow for you, you have to try several different ones. A properly set up workspace may not require a pillow.

summary

Finally, remember to take frequent breaks during long working hours to protect your health and your back. The most comfortable office chair for long hours is still a conventional office chair, such as those found in office supply stores or in your business premises. It includes everything you would expect from an office chair, namely the seat, backrest and base.

There are a variety of options for additional features such as armrests, rear seats and adjustable back support. The many features or functions that you get from the most comfortable desk chair for long hours will ultimately be determined by the exact model you choose. Choose the best office chair for long sitting that you think suits your needs

One of the most common pieces of advice for ergonomic sitting is to sit with your feet flat on the floor. We’ve repeated it often enough, and so has every website that talks about ergonomics, sitting in an office chair, or the office-related pain that comes from poor posture.

But is it true?

It’s a safe bet to say that virtually all of us sit cross-legged at some point during our day. Some people sit in their chairs like Indians. Some people cross one leg over the other’s knee while sitting in their chairs or reclined. Some cross their legs at the ankles and tuck them under their chairs or stretch them out in front.

If these postures were really bad, wouldn’t we all experience pain while sitting in our chairs? Well the truth is, most of us do. Back pain, neck pain, and all the different musculoskeletal pains we feel throughout the day are largely caused by poor posture.

The thing is, bad posture doesn’t necessarily have to be caused by how we place our feet. Balancing our back is far more important than keeping our feet flat on the ground.

Broad Strokes: Is Sitting Cross-legged Bad?

In general, we can easily answer the question. Is sitting cross-legged bad? Unfortunately, over time, sitting cross-legged is not good for you.

Sitting cross-legged throws many other elements of your sitting posture off balance. Your legs can press against each other, cutting off blood flow to your lower legs and feet. This can cause blood to pool, nerves can be cut off, and your feet can go to sleep. You could also be sitting in a way that puts pressure on your ankles at odd angles, leading to ankle pain and hyperextension. Not only can this hurt directly, but it also puts you at an increased risk of twisting or spraining your ankle on the road.

Bad posture with your legs will also push your hips out of alignment. When your hips are tilted, your spine is twisted and twisted from side to side. This has a cascading effect through your back and neck and can lead to a variety of pains and increase the risk of herniated discs, hernias and other spinal problems.

Additionally, pulling your feet back or stretching them forward can be a temptation to lean forward or backward in your chair. While studies have shown that a 135-degree reclined posture can also be ergonomic, it requires leg support and special adjustments for your keyboard and mouse, or your desk in general. You can’t just sit back in your chair for a bit and stretch your legs and assume you’re fine.

Slouching puts pressure on your back and neck and causes pain. Leaning back without proper support puts strain on your neck and throws your muscular balance off balance. All of this combines with musculoskeletal pain, making it harder to pinpoint the source.

Is an upright posture ideal?

The traditional 90-90-90 ergonomic posture can also be a bad posture depending on your circumstances. The 90-90-90 posture, or triple 90 posture, is what we typically refer to as ergonomic sitting. Your ankles are at a 90 degree angle, feet flat on the floor, legs vertical. Your knees are at 90 degrees and your thighs are level with the floor. Your hips are at a 90 degree angle, allowing your spine to be vertical and the pressure pushing straight down instead of at an angle.

Maintaining the triple 90 attitude requires proper alignment of many other elements in your office environment. Your arms need to be able to access your keyboard or desk surface comfortably, otherwise your posture will become slightly slouched. Your monitor must be positioned so that you don’t have to crane your neck up or down to see what’s on your screen. Your lighting also plays a role.

More importantly, the 90-90-90 attitude can be harmful if you lock yourself into it. The human body is designed to move, and we make constant adjustments to our balance throughout the day. When you lock into a stance, one of two things happens. Either your muscles and tendons lock up, reducing flexibility and causing pain, or your muscles relax. If your muscles loosen up during work and don’t tighten again, they’re unprepared when you need to move, making it all the easier to develop back pain when those underdeveloped muscles are constantly making micro-adjustments, even as you walk.

Three possible solutions

Sitting cross-legged in itself is not entirely harmful; In fact, sitting cross-legged for long periods of time can be harmful. Sitting cross-legged can be comfortable and is a sign that you need to change something about your office environment. We’ve identified three possible solutions for you to experiment with.

What three solutions are there? We’ll explain it in turn. They are; reclined sitting, active sitting and standing.

Option 1: Reclining sitting

The first way to solve the problem of sitting cross-legged is to sit in a reclined position. Ergonomic studies have shown that the traditional 90-90-90 posture is fine, but a reclined posture at 135 degrees (that’s about halfway between horizontal and vertical, reclined) is also good for your spine. If you can arrange the rest of your office around it, it may actually be better for you than the vertical stance.

The trick is aligning the rest of your office. You need a good office chair with leg support, which is difficult because chairs with good leg support are few and far between. You also need a good neck brace so you don’t have to strain your neck when you lift your head up to see your screens all the time. You need a tray or other surface within easy reach for your keyboard and mouse, and that’s often difficult to arrange with a longer office chair and typical desk.

All of this also makes it harder to do anything on the actual surface of your desk, including paperwork. You essentially need a desk that can lower and overlap your lap, and that’s rare in your typical office environment. In short, this option, while viable, is difficult to implement without a bespoke office environment, which most people cannot get.

Of the three choices, sitting back is probably the worst. You can still run into problems with loose muscles, and that can lead to other damage if you stay at it for too long. Why not try one of the other two options instead?

Option 2: Active sitting

The second option to try is active sitting. It’s almost the polar opposite of a reclined sitting position, making it hard to sell for some people. That said, it’s one of those “try before you judge” attitudes, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll realize just how convenient it can actually be.

Active sitting is a way to achieve a 90-90-90 posture while sitting without restricting the body. By completely removing the back of your chair, you will need to brace your legs to maintain balance. You’re also forced to use your back muscles to stay upright and comfortable.

While this may sound uncomfortable and tire you out after a while, the truth is that activating your muscles is important. The lack of basic support means you’re constantly shifting and moving, so no single muscle group is forced to carry your entire weight. You’re constantly switching between different muscle groups, working and releasing them just to keep your balance.

It’s not like exercise where you’re devotedly training and retraining the same muscles to build strength and size. It’s more like cardio, training an overall system to bring it into a semblance of comfortable health. Active sitting is like cardio in that your entire system gets stronger as you practice it. This can be of great benefit for ergonomics.

One of the best selling points of active sitting is that it doesn’t require major adjustments to a typical office. You can continue to use your desktop surface and keyboard tray the way you’re used to, although you might benefit more from a negative-tilt keyboard tray instead. You can still do all your normal tasks, although you may have an even greater range of motion than in a typical chair. Plus, it’s much easier to get up when you want and switch between sitting and standing.

Since active sitting only requires a stool instead of a full-fledged office chair, your furniture is often cheaper than a high-quality office chair. A good active stool might only cost a few hundred dollars, while a high-end office chair can cost thousands.

Overall, active sitting is excellent for solving both standard posture and cross-legged problems. After all, you can’t cross your legs if you’re using them to stay upright. Your legs are constantly busy making subtle adjustments to your balance to keep you upright and supported while you go about your normal work tasks.

Option 3: standing

The third option, and perhaps one of the most common, is to use a standing desk for many benefits. Standing for an entire shift at work is itself fraught with problems, which is why we recommend alternating between sitting and standing several times a day. Alternating between sitting and standing every hour or two allows you to work and relieve your muscles while still reaping the benefits of an ergonomic posture.

The only real device you need for this is a standing desk. We recommend a smart desk with an electric motor, like our Smart Desk, as it’s easy to press a button and adjust your height to the desired level while grabbing a snack or drink from the break room. You don’t have to worry about standing there and wrestling with gas springs or a hand crank system.

As an added bonus, you can perform many additional useful actions while standing at a desk. Some people like to use balance boards to continuously work their core and back to relieve stress and build strength. Some people like to use exercise machines, including elliptical machines or treadmills under their desks, while at work. Some people just use anti-fatigue mats and stand comfortably while they work.

You can also combine standing with active sitting. Use active sitting while sitting. When you’re standing, adjust the height of your stool to support you when your body is slightly inclined so you can relax for moments between tasks. Active sitting benefits you when you are sitting and standing benefits you when you are standing. Together they keep your muscles working without overloading them.

In general, you’ll want to switch between sitting and standing frequently throughout the day, and it can be useful to set an alarm or other reminder to switch from time to time. How often you switch depends a lot on how comfortable it is and how comfortable each position is to use.

Should you be sitting cross-legged?

Overall the answer is no. There’s no good reason to sit cross-legged, and while it may feel comfortable for a short time, it will eventually lead to more damage and more soreness to your muscles and tendons. The short term comfort you get is not worth the long term pain.

In general, if you find yourself sitting cross-legged, you probably have some other adjustments to your sitting posture that you need to make. You may need to adjust your desk or screens higher or lower. You may need to adjust the height of your chair. You may even need to lock the back of your chair in a certain position or adjust your lumbar support. There are a number of possible adjustments you can make. So if you find yourself crossing your legs, find out why and get to the bottom of it.

Better yet, get up and move whenever possible. When traveling on a plane or train, get up regularly and take a short walk up the aisle. If you are driving, stop at least every hour. Yes, we are all in a hurry to get to our events, but in the long run, a short break every hour means you’ll arrive at your destination in a much better shape. Preventing driver fatigue also reduces the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents, so drive safely and comfortably this holiday season.

If you’re sitting at a social event, find an excuse to get up and leave, or suggest to your conversation partner that you continue your conversation while you go for a walk – chances are they’re tired of it too, to sit!

Sitting for hours at work can cause a lot of pain and injury if you don’t use the right chair. What kind of job do you have? Do you work standing or sitting for long periods of time? Either way, you need to invest in the right furniture to avoid pain and injury.

Consider buying the best chair for back and hip pain when you sit for hours at work. You are sure to find an office chair for back and hip pain on the market. First things first, do you know why your lower back and hips hurt when you sit in a chair for a long time? Maybe not.

How does pain affect your health in the long term? To answer that question, read on to find out what it means to have those work-related pains. This article also describes the best ergonomic chairs that help with back and hip pain.

Reasons why lower back and hips hurt from sitting for long hours

There are many reasons why your lower back and hips hurt when you sit for long hours. You may have wondered why. You may have asked yourself a question like, “Why does the lumbar support hurt my back?”

Ideally, lumbar support shouldn’t hurt your back unless something is wrong. Below are some reasons why you may experience lower back or hip pain when sitting for long hours. They can help you understand why lumbar support hurts your back.

Bad attitude

Hip pain often occurs when you sit slouched if you don’t take care of your posture. What’s that doing to your back and hips? It puts pressure on your hips, especially when there is no back and hip support. This stress from poor posture can lead to back and hip pain when sitting.

leg crossing

You can sometimes cross your legs without realizing the risks this poses in the long run. What it does to your body is that when you sit, you lean to one side. Leaning puts pressure on one or both hips, causing pain.

Existing medical conditions

You may have a pre-existing medical condition that is causing your back pain. If this is the case, it goes without saying that you may continue to experience pain from sitting for hours. Conditions can include gallbladder problems, rare abdominal artery tumors, and kidney stones.

Sitting on an uneven surface

Sometimes you can sit, oblivious to the surface and the dangers it poses for you. Sitting on a surface or cushion that is too soft can tilt your body to one side and put pressure on your hips. This extra weight on one hip leads to poor posture and eventually hip pain.

Pinched nerves

Sitting for hours can pinch your nerves without even knowing it. The condition results from compression, stretching, or narrowing of the nerve. Medically it is a radiculopathy. A pinched nerve causes pain in the thigh, hip, groin, and buttocks. You become numb, tingling and have a burning sensation. There are also restrictions on movement.

muscle strain

A muscle strain is also known as a lumbar strain. It happens in the lower back when you hyperextend or twist your back beyond accepted limits. Straining your muscles creates pain that extends to your lower back. Your back becomes stiff and difficult to move. If you don’t take action to fix the problem, it can become a long-term problem.

to be out of shape

If you don’t do a lot of physical exercise, your core muscles will become weak. You, in turn, cannot support your spine well, leading to back and hip pain. How can you overcome this problem? Get plenty of stretching and aerobic exercise to strengthen your core. In return, the strain on your back is reduced.

The health effects of back and hip pain

After looking at what causes lower back and hip pain, do you know how it affects your health? If you don’t, here are some of the effects physical pain can have on your health:

Discomfort due to prolonged pain at work

Severe pain can be persistent if you work sitting for long periods of time. Eventually your productivity will drop and you will lose your focus.

It can develop into a permanent health condition

If not checked and fixed in time, it can become a lifelong problem. The condition can lead to a disability where you walk hunched over or face down because you cannot stand up straight.

It can cause dependency on other people

Back and hip pain can be ignored as minor problems. However, they can develop into serious life problems. You may find that in no time at all you will be depending on other people to do basic things for you.

It can lead to inferior living or poverty

Since it costs money to take care of such pains, if they get serious, you can lose all your money. Expensive medical treatments can lead to poverty and a deteriorated lifestyle. It’s important to nip the problem in the bud before it sends you down this unwanted path.

Best chair for back and hip pain

1. Autonomous AvoChair

This is one of the most eco-friendly chairs you can find on the market. Inspired by nature, this chair has minimal lines that relate to the environment. Its artificial organic construction increases its durability and safety.

The AvoChair is the best ergonomic chair for hip pain. It offers back comfort and lumbar support. It is characterized by its individualization and adaptability to the environment.

2. Autonomous ErgoChair backrest

It is the best chair for back and hip pain with top picks that protect you from hip arthritis. The chair is highly adjustable and looks elegant in your office. It has custom features that make it ideal for back comfort. This adjustable office chair has a legrest, a headrest, an adjustable height and an armrest. Its adjustable mesh provides lumbar support and relieves fatigue and back pain.

3. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

This is a product from Autonomous which is the best ergonomic chair for back support. Its flexible back and lumbar support make it a good office chair.

The ergo office chair has a modern design that complements your office. It also helps control your lumbar support and engages your core. This chair is customized to provide lower back support and comfort.

4. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro+

It is an office chair for back and hip pain that has a unique herringbone design. The chair is made of a TPE material that helps correct your sitting posture. It also promotes back health and relieves back pain.

Unlike other chairs, ErgoChair Pro+ has an optimal support function that offers you improved lumbar support. Its herringbone design engages your core, reducing back or hip pain.

5. Autonomous ErgoStool

ErgoStool is the best Autonomous chair for back and hip pain that stands out from other stools on the market. It is a specialized and unique office chair with excellent ergonomic properties.

This stool helps correct your sitting posture and improves core engagement. Its ability to balance your body and keep it relaxed makes it ideal for office use. The ErgoStool is also rated as the best ergonomic chair for hip and lower back pain.

6. Ticova office chair

“Why does the lumbar support hurt my back?” Many office workers ask themselves this question every day. Back pain is caused by poor sitting posture and an unsuitable office chair. Ticova is structured to give you the comfort you need to work.

It promotes excellent support for your lower back and hips. The chair also reduces incidences of hip arthritis and improves longer work sessions. Its durable metal back provides lumbar support and comfort.

7. Humanscale ergonomic chair

Sitting in front of your desktop for too long can eventually cause pain. The pain occurs mainly in the neck and back area. To solve this problem, you need a good office chair for back pain.

This chair has a swivel backrest that improves on a simple backrest. It also prevents desk snagging and corrects your sitting posture. With its recline function, the seat gives you lumbar support and can support up to 300 pounds.

8. Tempur-Pedic TP9000

If you are looking for an office chair that is best for back pain, this is a good option. This mesh chair is ideal for little people as it is highly adjustable. Its foamy and comfortable cushion offers good back support.

Although the arms are not padded, you can easily detach them if needed. This reclining office chair with lower back support enhances your relaxation with 135-degree recline and 360-degree rotation.

9. Ergonomic chair by Herman Miller

Are you looking for the best office chair for hip pain with a stylish design? Well, this chair is your solution. It is mainly designed for developers who work long hours.

The chair is equipped with a high-quality mesh for back support and air circulation. It has a variety of luxurious features to keep your back safe and comfortable. This adjustable office chair has an adjustable armrest and recline tension.

10. Gabrylly Mesh Chair

Gabrylly’s chair is an ergonomic chair for hip pain that offers a wide range of motion. It has an incredible lumbar support system that is ideal for long work hours.

The adjustable height, armrest and headrest promote relaxation at work. This chair has a custom ergonomic design to suit your preferences. It is also good for relieving back pain.

11. Steelcase jump

This is a valuable masterpiece that is ergonomically designed for hip pain. The chair is designed to provide comfort while working. Its adjustable and customizable nature is a bonus to the many other features the chair offers.

In addition, it offers a wide range of beautiful colors and other upholstery options. Its supportive back improves lumbar support and engages the core. Although it’s a bit pricey, it offers you value for money with impressive features.

12. Sidiz T50

If you are looking for the best chair for back and hip pain with a forward reclining seat, this chair is a product of choice. It miraculously reduces hip and back pain through a flexible angle with a lever.

This back support chair allows the hips to stay forward and above the knees. It minimizes the forces exerted on the back and hip area. With this chair you can sit for up to eight hours without getting tired.

13. Duramont office chair

Duramont is an ideal office chair for lower back support, durable and extremely affordable. It has an adjustable backrest, headrest and armrest that increase your comfort and preference. This office chair gives you back support and maximum core engagement.

14. Zipcode mesh chair

Zipcode is one of the best chairs for back pain. It has a durable mesh back for lumbar support and a backrest. This affordable seat conforms to the curve of your spine, engaging your core.

Unlike other best office chairs for hip pain, Zipcode offers you supreme comfort with a touch of modern design. It has four main functions including height and seat angle adjustment, armrest adjustment and backrest adjustment.

15. The Neo chair

Here is another best chair for back and hip pain for you. The Neo Chair is one of the most popular chairs in many offices. This chair is characterized by its adjustability and comfort. It is ergonomically designed with a swivel joint and other impressive features.

The back design of this best office chair for hip pain helps correct your sitting posture and provides maximum back support. Its adjustable mesh provides lumbar support and relieves hip and back pain. Other features include an armrest and an adjustable height.

Conclusion

Whenever you feel a bit of pain in your lower back or hips, check it out. Don’t ignore it. The problem could be a hint of greater things to come. Investing in a good ergonomic chair with back support goes a long way. The article has listed several office chairs with lower back support for you.

Make sure you understand what is causing your lower back and hip pain before addressing it. Your health is very important to your work, your loved ones and yourself. Take care of it accordingly. There’s no harm in investing in a good office recliner if you need it to help.

What is posture?

Posture is the position in which you hold your body while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture involves training standing, walking, sitting, and lying down to minimize stress on muscles and ligaments when moving or carrying weights.

Good posture helps you in the following ways:

Keeps bones and joints in the correct position (alignment) for proper muscle use.

Helps reduce wear and tear on joint surfaces (such as the knee) to prevent arthritis from developing.

Reduces stress on the ligaments in the spine.

Prevents the spine from being fixed in abnormal positions.

Prevents fatigue as muscles are used more efficiently, which allows the body to use less energy.

Prevents back and muscle pain.

Correct sitting position

Sit with your back straight and shoulders back. Your buttocks should be touching the back of the chair.

All 3 normal back curves should be present when seated. You can use a small rolled up towel or loin roll to help maintain the normal curves of your back.

Sit at the end of your chair and recline fully.

Pull yourself up and accentuate the curve of your back as much as possible. Hold for a few seconds.

Loosen the position slightly (about 10 degrees). This is a good sitting position.

Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips.

Bend your knees at right angles. Keep your knees level with or slightly higher than your hips. (Use a footrest or stool if necessary.) Do not cross your legs.

Keep your feet flat on the floor.

Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes.

At work, adjust your chair height and workspace so that you can sit close to your workspace and tilt it toward you. Rest your elbows and arms on your chair or desk and keep your shoulders relaxed.

If you’re sitting in a chair that rolls and swivels, don’t twist your waist as you sit. Instead, rotate your whole body.

As you rise from the seated position, move toward the front of the chair. Stand up by straightening your legs. Avoid bending forward at the waist. Immediately straighten your back by doing 10 standing backbends.

Here’s how to find a good sitting position when not using a back brace or lumbar roll:

Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips.

Bend your knees at right angles. Keep your knees level with or slightly higher than your hips. (Use a footrest or stool if necessary.) Do not cross your legs.

Keep your feet flat on the floor.

Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes.

At work, adjust your chair height and workspace so that you can sit close to your workspace and tilt it toward you. Rest your elbows and arms on your chair or desk and keep your shoulders relaxed.

If you’re sitting in a chair that rolls and swivels, don’t twist your waist as you sit. Instead, rotate your whole body.

As you rise from the seated position, move toward the front of the chair. Stand up by straightening your legs. Avoid bending forward at the waist. Immediately straighten your back by doing 10 standing backbends.

Correct driving position

Use a back brace (lumbar roll) at the curve of your back. Your knees should be level with or higher than your hips.

Move the seat close to the steering wheel to help arch your back. The seat should be close enough for your knees to bend and your feet to reach the pedals.

Correct lifting position

If you must lift objects, do not attempt to lift objects that are awkward or weigh more than 30 pounds.

Before you lift a heavy object, make sure you have a secure footing.

To pick up an object that is lower than your waist, keep your back straight and bend your knees and hips. Do not bend forward at the waist with your knees straight

Stand close to the object you want to lift with your feet wide and feet planted on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and use your leg muscles to lift the object. Straighten your knees in one smooth motion. Don’t pull the object against your body.

Stand straight without twisting. Always move your feet forward when lifting an object.

When lifting an object off a table, slide it to the edge of the table so you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so you are close to the object. Use your legs to lift the object and get into a standing position.

Avoid lifting heavy objects above waist height.

Hold packages close to body with bent arms. Keep your abs tight. Take small steps and walk slowly.

To lower the object, place your feet as you did for lifting, tighten your abs, and bend your hips and knees.

What is the best position for sleeping and lying down?

No matter what position you lie in, the pillow should be under your head, but not under your shoulders, and it should be of a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position.

Try sleeping in a position that helps you maintain the curve in your back (e.g., on your back with a pillow under your knees or a loin roll under your lower back, or on your side with your knees slightly bent). Don’t sleep on your side with your knees drawn up. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach, especially on a sagging mattress, as it can put strain on your back and be uncomfortable on your neck.

Choose a firm mattress and box spring set that won’t sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress. You can also temporarily lay the mattress on the floor if needed. If you’ve always slept on a soft surface, switching to a hard surface can be more painful. Take the time to find the right mattress and box spring for your needs.

Try using a back brace (lumbar support) at night to make you more comfortable. A rolled up sheet or towel tied around your waist can help.

When getting up from a lying position, turn onto your side, draw both knees in and swing your legs over to the edge of the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at the waist.

These recommendations will benefit most people with back pain. If any of these guidelines cause pain to increase or spread to the legs, discontinue activity and seek the advice of a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist.

Sitting at a desk all day?

If you’re one of four adults who sit more than 8 hours a day, you might feel it by the end of the workday. All that time at your desk can affect how your hips feel when you can finally stand.

Why are my hips stiff after sitting?

Stiffness in the hips after sitting isn’t just a sign of aging. Often times, this stiffness is simply a reflection of your hips and legs being in the same position for an extended period of time.

“When you sit with your knees bent, your hamstrings are in a relaxed, shortened position and your hip flexors are at their maximum shortened length,” said Kirsten Zambon, DPT, CLT-LANA, physical therapist at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. “Hip pain from sitting can result from poor posture, but if you’ve been sitting 40 to 50 hours a week for 5, 6 months or more, you likely have decreased strength in your hips. When you get up from your desk, your glutes, core and hip extensors weaken and you don’t feel as strong.

How should I sit to reduce or prevent hip pain?

“The first thing to do is prevent the pain with a good ergonomic setup,” Zambon said. Sitting with your feet properly aligned, your pelvis in alignment, and your spine straight can often have a positive impact on your back health.

When you sit, avoid crossing your legs or “slouching” or leaning to one side, said Susan L. Helton-Groce, MS, CSP, OHST, ergonomics specialist at Franciscan Health WorkingWell in Greenwood.

Watch this video on how to improve your workplace.

For some employees, a standing desk may be an option.

Can a standing desk help my hip pain?

The increasing popularity of standing desks can also impact your posture and hip pain.

“Make sure to vary your stance by changing your stance and putting one foot on a small stool for a few minutes and then switching to the other side,” Helton-Groce said. “If possible, avoid static postures when standing.”

Posture isn’t the only thing that affects hip pain. Helton-Groce added that wearing the right shoes can make a difference in how you feel at the end of the day.

“Make sure your shoes are in good condition,” she said. “Consider new insoles if your shoes are older. Hip pain can often be exacerbated by older, worn shoes with little cushion.”

Does Arthritis Cause Stiff Hips When Sitting?

While arthritis can cause stiffness in the hip joint, the way the stiffness occurs is different than stiffness from tight muscles. A hip ulcer from arthritis typically has more stiffness or pain in the morning. This joint stiffness can generally improve with gentle exercise but can worsen with vigorous activity.

“The best thing about arthritis when you’re stiff is to try gentle walking and stretching to warm up the joints,” Zambon said.

How can you stretch your hips at your desk?

Even if you sit at your desk all day, there are seated hip stretches that can help relieve stiffness in the hip flexors and tight hamstrings. These stretches include:

Seated hip flexor stretch

Start sitting up straight in a chair.

Move to the side of the chair and extend your leg backwards.

Hold onto the chair or other stable object for balance

Gently tilt your pelvis forward to feel a stretch in front of your hips.

Seated hamstring stretch

Start sitting up straight in a chair.

Straighten one leg.

Lean your torso forward and bend at your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg.

Keep your knee straight throughout the stretch. Don’t arch your back.

Seated Figure 4 Piriformis Stretch

Sit up straight in a chair and place both feet on the floor.

Bring the ankle of one leg onto the knee of your other leg.

With one hand, apply light pressure to the top of your bent knee

Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your buttocks.

Keep your shoulders relaxed and your back straight during the exercise

What other stretches help stiff hips?

If you’re able to close the door to your office or take time to stretch at home, these stretches are other alternatives for stretching your hip flexors and hamstrings:

Standing hip flexor stretch

Start standing, one leg in front of you.

The leg that you will straighten is positioned behind your body. Put your hands on your hips.

Keeping your back straight and upright, tighten your glutes and slowly shift your weight forward until you feel a gentle stretch in front of your hips.

Your hips and shoulders should be facing forward. Don’t arch your back.

Standing hamstring stretch on a chair

Start in an upright position with a chair or stand in front of your body.

Lift one leg to place your heel on the chair with a very slight bend in your knee.

Bend your hips and lean your torso forward until you feel a stretch in the hamstrings

Keep your back straight as you stretch.

Supine Figure 4 Piriformis extension

Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet on the floor.

Lift one leg and place that ankle on your opposite knee

Apply gentle pressure to your bent knee with your hand. You should feel a stretch in your buttocks.

Keep your lower back flat on the floor during the stretch.

Pelvic tilt backwards in supine position

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Slowly arch your lower back and tilt your pelvis back into the floor, then return to the starting position and repeat the exercise.

Make sure to only move your pelvis and lower back and keep the rest of your body relaxed.

beginner bridge

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

On an exhale, raise yourself through your pelvis, inhale and slowly lower yourself back down, and repeat the exercise.

Maintain a neutral spine and keep your upper back on the floor throughout the exercise.

It’s important that when doing these hip exercises, you remember to keep your back in the correct position as directed for each exercise.

What Other Steps Can Help Reduce Hip Pain?

Exercise can make all the difference in reducing hip pain at work. Keep your muscles loose by taking frequent breaks to stand or walk.

“I recommend if you have a sedentary job that you get up every hour,” Zambon said. “Walk or stretch your hip flexors or hamstrings and hip joints, too. Walking for 5 to 10 minutes before getting in the car can also help, even if it’s during your lunch break or after work. Do something good at the end of the day Hamstring stretches or hip flexor stretches and some gentle core training.

Zambon suggests simple core exercises like pelvic tilts or bridging (if back pain isn’t a problem) to stretch these important hip areas.

“If you have pain that you can’t relieve within 30 minutes of work, gentle stretching alone should do the trick,” Zambon said. “If you have pain when you wake up or whatever you do during the evening, it’s a good time to contact a doctor.”

Ergonomic chairs have different characteristics. Each of them improves the comfort that the chair gives you every time you sit on it. However, not all chairs are created equal. Some of them are missing features or adding new ones. Many therefore ask themselves: Do I need desk chair armrests?

Armrests are by far the most controversial feature of ergonomic chairs. Many ergonomics experts say using them is bad for your posture. Some others say that’s nonsense and that armrests are great for addressing postural issues.

This debate confuses many office workers. They don’t know whether to choose a chair with or without armrests. If you are one of these workers, you have landed on the right page.

Are armrests good for ergonomics? Should you use an office chair with or without armrests? Read this page to find out! You can also see some examples of excellent chairs with armrests for your office. Don’t hesitate to get one of them.

Do I need armrests in an office chair?

The short answer is yes. You need armrests for your office chair. This feature offers many benefits to office workers. What people say about armrests making your posture worse is not true. On the contrary, using a desk chair with armrests gives you more back and neck support.

Our arms need something to hold or support them while we work. This relieves the muscles and relieves the back. The armpit brace can also give you more strength and energy to do the work you need to do.

However, armrests don’t just affect your back and arms. It also relieves the strain on the neck and shoulders. This makes you feel more comfortable and active when you work. The main benefits of this feature are to promote good posture and reduce stress on your lower limbs and back.

Conveniently, you can also use armrests to stand up and sit down. Even if it seems like a small thing, using this support will help you move faster and more comfortably. This is perfect if you often need to move to other offices.

You can always adjust the armrests of your chair if you don’t like them. The same happens with most features in ergonomic chairs. Users can also adjust the lumbar support, height, desk chair armrests, and neck support to suit their body characteristics.

How harmful can a chair without armrests be?

As you know, using a desk chair with armrests is wonderful for your back and posture. However, what happens if you don’t use a desk chair with armrests? Many people think nothing is happening, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you don’t have desk chair armrests in your chair, it can hurt your back. If you don’t have anything to support your arms, your body can lean forward. This is a common problem among office workers. If you lean forward, you lose lumbar support and arch your spine, leading to back pain.

The same will happen if you don’t adjust the armrests of the chair. What makes ergonomic chairs good for your back is that you can customize them to be the perfect chairs for you. If you don’t, you’ll just have an average traditional chair.

Regardless, what we say doesn’t mean you can never use armless chairs ever again. You can. However, you should look forward to using one that has them. They are better chairs overall and tend to have more features. Some of them even let you remove the armrests of the chair if you feel like it.

Some desk chairs with armrests

Now that you know how important it is to have desk chair armrests in your fabric office chair, you may be wondering what are the best options available for you. As we have already mentioned, all chairs are different and each of them offers you different things.

With that in mind, some products may be less helpful than others, even if they include armrests. The best thing office workers can do is look for an overall decent office chair and analyze all the options available before settling on one.

To do this, you should consider customizability, features, budget, and design. Any ergonomic chair should score well on these five aspects to be a worthwhile consideration for you. However, we understand if you find that researching this information is tiresome.

Luckily we are here to help you. Here you will find the best chairs for back pain on the market. Each of them has unique characteristics that make them an advantageous option for you. Consider buying them for your workplace!

1. Autonomous ErgoChair backrest

The first product on this list is the Autonomous ErgoChair Recline. Autonomous focuses on developing all kinds of ergonomic products. As a result, it has a wide catalog of ergonomic chairs with different and innovative designs. His best line of chairs are the ErgoChair products.

This series consists of three desk chairs with armrests. The three share some features and excel in different things. What sets the ErgoChair Recline apart from other products is its adjustable mesh backrest. Feeling comfortable at work makes everything easier for you.

Autonomous understood that and gave us an office recliner that is perfect for both work and breaks. The chair supports up to 250 lbs with ease, making it suitable for almost all heights. The supportive foam seat makes you feel like you’re sitting on your couch while you work.

You can adjust the lumbar support, incline, height, armrests, legrest and headrest of the chair. Take the time you need to customize this product!

One of the things that makes office workers think of Autonomous when shopping for an ergonomic chair is ease of use. The company guarantees this armrest desk chair for 1 year in case anything happens to it.

Apart from that, the ErgoChair Recline is made from the best materials on the market. Autonomous wanted this chair to be durable and strong so don’t worry about this product deteriorating over time.

2. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro+

The ErgoChair Pro+ is one of the Autonomen’s most expensive chairs. That’s because of the features it offers you. While the ErgoChair Recline focuses on comfort and adjustability, the ErgoChair Pro+ is the best chair to improve your productivity and work performance.

Its features aim to increase your focus and creativity. For this reason, Autonomous considers it its most dynamic chair. One of its most important features is that the chair encourages micro-movements.

These movements reduce stress and anxiety. Even if you think it’s something normal, getting these issues out of the way is a huge help. This chair doesn’t come in many colors, but you can have it in grey, black, white and blue.

What encourages micro-movements in this chair is its frameless construction for unhindered movement. In addition, the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro+ is a perfect product for people who lead an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Because the chair is made of eco-friendly TPE material. As a result, the environment is not polluted at all during the construction of the chair. The TPE material offers even more advantages. One of them is the durability it brings to the chair, making it a strong and sturdy alternative.

The main feature of this chair is its adaptive spine support. You can see how comfortable it is to use this chair by looking at it. This product has a herringbone design that conforms to the natural curve of your back. As a result, you get improved lumbar support and posture correction.

That being said, Autonomous offers a breathable mesh option for those looking to optimize the comfort of the chair. This product is considerably more expensive than the previous one. Because of this, the warranty lasts longer.

In this case you have a five-year guarantee. It is important to mention that the chair has no edges. Autonomous has decided to remove them all to allow the user to move freely around their office. This is also the reason why the chair has no frame.

Of course you can easily lean back in this armchair. This is a feature that almost every autonomous chair has. The same goes for the armrests of the chair, which you can adjust or remove at any time.

Choose this desk chair for long hours when you have to work for a long time. The chair is designed to work all the time without you feeling back or neck pain. This means you can be in the office as long as you like without worrying about it.

3. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

Coming to the final chair on this list, we have the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro. This is also the last chair in the ErgoChair range. The design of the chair is similar to most ergonomic chairs. That doesn’t make it a bad product though. On the contrary, the ErgoChair Pro offers more advantages than others on the market.

An example of this is its variety of colors. You can purchase this product in more than three different colors, so choose the one you are more comfortable with. Like the previous chairs on this list, the ErgoChair Pro is fully adjustable, offers back and neck support, and has a breathable mesh backrest.

In addition to adjusting the height, armrests, headrest and backrest, you can always adjust the seat angle of the chair as needed. This product also optimizes the reclining function of the ErgoChairs. You can lean back steplessly and lock in five different positions.

Each position provides flexible lumbar support. That’s because the chair is designed to support your back regardless of your seating position. As you read in this article, the ErgoChair Pro can lift 250 pounds with ease. This office chair with armrests improves on that, lifting 300 pounds with ease.

Your back can breathe at all times while using this chair. That’s because of its breathable mesh back, which aims to improve your back’s airflow. Likewise, the leg support of the chair promotes blood circulation in your legs.

Unfortunately, the product doesn’t have a five-year warranty like the ErgoChair Pro+. However, it still offers a two-year warranty. We recommend you to choose this chair if you suffer from back pain. You can see your problems disappear after using this chair for a while.

That’s because the chair is designed to increase mobility and reduce pain. While the ErgoChair Recline focuses on comfort and the ErgoChair Pro+ on increasing your productivity, the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro wants to ensure your well-being when working and sitting on this chair.

In addition, it perfectly corrects the sitting posture. The chair does this thanks to its adjustable tension and reclined positions mentioned previously. These lockable positions are designed to keep your spine stable. They also support your lumbar area at all times. Forget fatigue, anxiety, stress or mental exhaustion while using this chair.

The user only feels comfortable when sitting on it.

bottom line

Many chairs offer their users desk chair armrests and other features. As you read, the three chairs in the Autonomous range have them, but you can remove them if you feel like it. However, it is important to understand that you should always have armrests in your chair. They correct your posture and make you feel better and more active at work.

There are many chairs other than the ones we mentioned earlier. However, these three are the best out there, so we strongly encourage you to buy them. Autonomous offers other products with different goals. For example, one of the chairs is made for eco-friendly people working on a budget.

Be sure to browse the Autonomous website at all times! Try to choose a chair that offers adjustable armrests for desk chairs.

Ergonomic mesh chairs are very popular, but are they comfortable and should you consider buying them if you are looking for a good chair? Here’s what you should know before you buy.

Mesh is popular for pretty obvious reasons: constant airflow keeps you cool, and mesh is a good-looking, modern style. The amount of support you get depends on the mesh used and the overall design of the chair. First, let’s talk about chair backs. A good ergonomic chair provides support for your lumbar region, either with a mechanical lumbar support (Nightingale CXO and Knoll Life are good examples) or by shaping the chair back to provide lumbar support (J3 Ergonomic Chair, Pursuit Ergonomic Chair, Humanscale Liberty, and Ergohuman mesh chair Eurotech Apollo MT9400). One of the best examples of the latter type of lumbar support is UPLIFT Desk’s J3 Ergonomic Chair. The curvature of the back combined with the ability to adjust the back height really gives the support where you need it. Compare this to the Nightingale CXO’s mechanical lumbar support, which offers an adjustable gel pad that you can position where you want it. Both approaches can be comfortable and supportive.

With mesh seats, comfort is easier to discuss ergonomically. A great chair seat conforms to your body to spread your body weight over a larger area and relieve the pressure put on your hips, buttocks, and spine. A stiffer mesh won’t distribute your weight and is a poor choice for someone who sits long hours every day. A softer mesh will yield better, but may stretch and sag over time. For these reasons, few of the better chair designers produce a chair with a mesh seat, and most mesh chairs come with an upholstered seat.

A bigger potential problem with a mesh seat lies in the plastic frame that many use. When you sit in your chair, your knees should be slightly lower than your hips (raise or lower your seat height to do this). However, many chairs use a synchro-tilt mechanism that causes the seat to rock backwards with the back of the chair, raising the front edge of the seat. This can put pressure on the back of your thighs and reduce blood flow to your lower legs. That hard edge can also be very uncomfortable if you like to squat forward in your seat. One mesh seating chair that doesn’t have this problem is the Knoll Life, which has a waterfall seat front and a flexible edge that moves down when you lean forward.

In summary, an all-mesh chair can be a good choice for a conference room or home office where users don’t often sit for many hours a day. If you sit all day, you may benefit from the combination of a mesh backrest with lumbar support combined with a contoured, padded seat.

Our favourites:

J3 Ergonomic Chair – Mesh back with slightly contoured leather seat for style and ergonomic function

Pursuit Ergonomic Chair Stylish mesh back with contoured fabric seat for comfort

Humanscale Liberty Chair – 3-section mesh backrest with foam or gel seat

Ergohuman LEM4ERG – Mesh Backrest with Contoured Leather Seat provides an all-day solution for fans of the hugely popular Ergohuman ME7ERG chair

Nightingale CXO – Mesh backrest with mechanical lumbar support with gel padding and soft, energy-absorbing foam waterfall seat

Eurotech Apollo MT9400 – The contoured mesh back provides lumbar support and the thickly padded seat offers a surprising level of comfort for a budget chair

View all of our chairs at TheHumanSolution.com.

Herman Miller Remastered Aeron Chair: Is it worth it?

The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the most well-known and popular office chairs in the world. It’s also one of the most expensive ergonomic chairs on the market. Given its high price, we’re often asked, “Is the Aeron worth the money?” The answer, of course, depends on your wants and needs when purchasing an office chair. This blog covers all the pros and cons of buying the Herman Miller Aeron and if it’s the right chair for you.

Do you need help? Get our free office chair buying guide!

Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture retailer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our evaluation process and why you can trust us, please visit Why We Are Different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?

Herman Miller Aeron: Is it worth it?

Check out Herman Miller’s Aeron office chair: is it worth it? Video

Herman Miller Aeron professionals

Herman Miller policies

When you order a Herman Miller Aeron Chair, you get the best office chair warranties in the industry. You get a 12-year guarantee on the entire chair. This includes every part of the chair including the mesh. If something goes wrong, they’ll replace the part or send a technician to fix it, ensuring you’re covered for the full 12-year period.

When you order an Aeron Chair, it will be delivered to your door fully assembled. You also get 30 days to return the chair for a full refund if you don’t like it. One of the benefits of delivering a fully assembled chair is that if you don’t like the chair and want to return it, you don’t have to spend time disassembling the chair for repackaging. There are very few chairs in the industry that have such good guidelines when purchasing a chair.

Build quality of the Aeron chair

When you buy the Herman Miller Aeron you really are getting one of the best built chairs on the market. We tested over 50 different office chairs and the Aeron received the highest build quality of any chair. Made in the USA, every component of this chair is of the highest quality. The parts fit together perfectly, the chair is very easy to use and its design is very attractive enough to be exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art. Overall, with the Aeron you get one of the highest quality chairs you can get.

Aeron armrests

When you get the fully adjustable arms we recommend, you get three-way adjustment. Height, depth and swivel adjustments all have a very wide range, allowing you to move and rest your arms in your preferred position. While the arms don’t offer width adjustment, the pivot adjustment makes up for it with reach and movements that double as width adjustment.

The arm caps themselves are very soft and comfortable to rest your arms on. During our chair tests, they’re possibly some of the most comfortable armrests we’ve used.

Aeron chair backrest

The Aeron chair is also known for having a few different options to choose from for solid lumbar support. First, there is a non-lumbar option that uses only the support provided by the natural curvature of the backrest. You can also get a height-adjustable lumbar system or the Posture Fit SL, which covers more of your back and gives you depth control of lumbar adjustment. Overall, the Aeron offers good back support and scores well on almost every tester in our office, so you can expect good support from this chair.

Seat tilt of the Aeron forward

An added bonus this chair has that many others don’t is the forward seat recline. This particular setting is not used in many applications, but there are people who are specifically looking for a forward seat tilt. If you are looking for a high end chair with this option, this may be the chair for you.

Aeron recline function

The Aeron features a reclining function that feels almost like a mix of a knee recline and a synchro recline mechanism, which is perhaps the smoothest adjustment there is on an office chair. It’s similar to a rocking sensation, but it’s very easy to get yourself back into the fully upright sitting position. It has very nice tension adjustment and multiple locking positions, all of which makes it a great chair for those who like to rock or recline all day.

Herman Miller Aeron cons

Seat of the Aeron chair

When deciding if the Aeron is worth the money, it’s important to note that the seat won’t be comfortable for everyone. The first possible problem is that the chair does not include any seat depth adjustment. There are three different sizes of this chair, all with different sized seats, but none of them will have a seat slider or depth adjustment option. This can be an issue for those who prefer the seat to be longer or shorter than their chosen size, as some people can feel the front edge of the frame on the back of their legs, which can be uncomfortable.

Another factor that caused some of the people in the office to dislike the seat is the plastic frame on the side. The design pops up and cradles you, rather than giving you a completely flat experience, so it doesn’t allow for much wiggle room or shifting while you’re in the chair.

The seat itself is very firm and is made of mesh material. While the mesh is soft and flexible, some of our testers felt it was a little tight in the office. If you don’t like a firm seat, this may not be the chair for you.

Aeron backrest

The Aeron’s backrest won’t be comfortable for everyone either, due to the pronounced frame and lack of back height adjustment. Some found that they could feel the frame on their upper back when they leaned back or stretched, causing discomfort. Since there is no back height adjustment, you cannot move the frame up or down to prevent the frame from touching your upper back. If you’re someone who moves around a lot when you’re sitting, this could be a disadvantage for you.

Price of the Aeron chair

One of the main reasons people don’t buy this chair is the price. Starting at $1,195, even the most basic version of this chair is very expensive. If you have it fully personalized, it can cost as much as $2200, making it one of the most expensive chairs on the market.

Is it worth?

With all this information, the question to be answered is whether this chair is worth buying. You get one of the highest quality chairs on the market with the best guidelines in the industry. It has an excellent arm and back package with the best recline feature in the game. Plus, you get unique features and customizations that you can’t find on many other high-end office chairs.

The downsides that come with this are also important to consider. The seat and backrest won’t be comfortable for every user, and the lack of backrest adjusters makes it difficult to adjust to your body if you’re not the right size. In addition, the high price could deter future buyers.

From a pure value perspective, we can confidently say that this chair is worth the money. We can break the chair down to annual cost because of Herman Miller’s outstanding 12-year warranty. Using this chair will cost you between $100 and $185 per year depending on how you configure it at checkout. When you consider the cost per year, it’s really not that expensive for a high-end office chair. You can go for a low-end chair that needs to be changed every two years, or a mid-market chair that might last four or five years that you replace twice in the Aeron’s lifecycle. With the peace of mind that the Aeron will hold up that 12 year warranty, and knowing that you’ll be using one of the best chairs on the market, we think the value of this chair is worth it. (Buy at Herman Miller) (Buy Refurbished at BTOD)

Additional resources for office managers

Have you ever tried sitting cross-legged and found it much more difficult than when you were a kid? Because after decades of being less active and sitting all day, both your hips and knees become stiffer, which limits your range of motion, says Sarah Duvall, DPT, physical therapist and founder of Core Exercise Solutions.

If you can’t sit cross-legged in front of you, you’re probably struggling with muscular weaknesses and imbalances that you acquired in adulthood. But criss-crossing applesauce isn’t just for little kids—it has benefits for adults, too.

“Our bodies love variety — getting in and out of work from different positions, including sitting cross-legged, is very beneficial for maintaining range of motion in the knee and hip joints,” says Duvall.

Here, she shares some reasons you might be struggling with this pretzel position and offers strategies to help you regain the limber limbs of your youth.

Read more: Can’t touch your toes? Here’s what your body is trying to tell you

If you: feel a pinch in your hips

You might: Have poor hip mobility

“To sit comfortably in this cross-legged position, you need full external rotation in your hips (that is, the hips must be able to rotate outward),” says Duvall. The tension in the muscles associated with the leg, combined with the limited range of motion in your hip joint, will make this sitting position quite difficult – and maybe even a little painful.

“For many people who experience pinching, pain, or tightness when attempting to sit cross-legged, the femur (thigh bone) sits too far forward in the socket. So when they open their leg, they stuff themselves into the soft tissue and joint capsule,” says Duvall.

To correct this problem, you need to reposition the femur into its correct position, which allows for more range of motion and therefore less pinching. “Once you establish this range, you’ll see rapid improvements in your ability to sit comfortably cross-legged,” says Duvall, who recommends incorporating the hip-opening pigeon pose into your daily routine.

pigeon husbandry

Start in Downward Facing Dog, balancing on your hands and feet with your hips in the air.

Slowly bend your left knee and bring the leg forward by gently bringing the knee behind your left wrist.

Push your right hip back as far as possible and release your toes by pressing against the top of your right foot.

Make sure your left knee is positioned outside of your hip. Ideally, your left shin should be parallel to the top of your mat.

Step forward with your hands, fold your arms and rest your head in them.

Hold this pose for 10 breaths and then repeat on the other leg.

Tip

Place a rolled up blanket or yoga block under your butt for extra support. And if you can’t get your head to the floor, rest your forehead on a mid-height yoga block and let your shoulders drop away from your ears.

During this stretch, Duvall suggests that you gently pull your bent knee back, which will help push the femur into place in the socket and create a greater range of motion in the hip.

To make this movement easier to perform, you may need to perform it on an elevated surface — like an exercise bench or couch. In this case, you would place your front leg (bent knee) on the edge of the couch and let your bottom leg support you on the floor.

But developing reach in the acetabulum is only one piece of the puzzle and doesn’t result in long-term improvement, says Duvall, who explains that you need to follow the stretch with activation exercises like the one below, which teach your muscles how to quit.

retreats

Grab a medicine ball and lie down on a mat. (If you don’t have a ball, a pillow or rolled-up towel will do.) Bend your knees and place the ball between them. Maintaining a neutral pelvis, squeeze your inner thighs, shift your left hip back, and then return to neutral mid-position. Next, push and shift your right hip back and come back to center. Be careful not to lift your hips up. The movement should not come from the back, but from the hip joint. Continue for 30 to 60 seconds.

Read more: 7 dynamic stretches to improve hip mobility

“To pull those feet under you, your knees have to have a pretty wide range of motion in flexion,” says Duvall. “Any knee problem…can limit your ability to sit comfortably cross-legged.”

If you: experience pain in your knees

You might: Have weak arches or glutes

Even if you experience pain in your knees, it’s entirely possible that the problem is coming from another part of your body. “That’s because of weak arches and weak glutes that cause pain and problems in the knee, including degenerative meniscus tears, increased swelling, and even osteoarthritis,” Duvall says.

That’s right, weak feet and an inactive butt can be at the root of your knee problems. Here’s why: “When your arches are weak, you overpronate and the foot sags. As a result, the lower leg often compensates for this decreased arch force with external rotation,” says Duvall. This leads to misalignment and discomfort in the knee area.

A similar scenario can happen with your glutes, Duvall says. “The glutes and deep hip rotators provide external rotation of the femur, and if the glutes are weak, the femur can collapse (while the lower leg rotates outward), creating a rotational effect at the knee.”

So what can you do? To improve arch strength, Duvall recommends arch arch training throughout the day. Try doing the following archery exercise in the shower.

Arch activation

Start barefoot. Spread your toes (use your fingers if you must). Then activate the muscles in your feet. Imagine raising and shortening your arch while keeping your big toe firmly planted on the floor.

For the glutes, Duvall suggests facedown squeezes to activate the glutes.

Prone heel crush

First, lie on your stomach with your arms crossed in front of you and your knees bent at about a 90-degree angle so that your heels are in the air. Your hips should be slightly wider than shoulder width. Squeeze your heels together and squeeze your glutes for 3 seconds. Relax and repeat.

“Once you learn to activate the glutes, exercises like hip thrusts and bridges can help strengthen them,” says Duvall.

Read more: Bad knees? Try these 14 knee strengthening exercises

If you: cannot sit up straight

You might: Have tight pelvic floor muscles

Your pelvic floor muscles extend from your tailbone to your pubic bone and support your bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in women). And when your pelvic floor is tight, it can cause tension in the surrounding hip and pelvic muscles.

“Tension in the posterior pelvic floor muscles can pull your tailbone down, making it difficult for you to sit upright in this cross-legged position,” says Duvall. One reason for tight pelvic floor muscles is weakness. “You tend to tense up when you’re weak. A strong muscle is better able to properly relax and then contract.”

Even more: “The pelvic floor is also a master compensator. So if your glutes, adductors, deep hip rotators, or abs are weak, then your pelvic floor is in the best position to compensate for the sagging,” she says. In this scenario, you may need to strengthen the surrounding muscles to release tension in the pelvic floor.

Alternatively, tight muscles can be the result of stress. “Some clench their jaws and others clench their pelvic floor,” says Duvall. “This is an awareness issue and a habit focused on change.”

Whether your tension is from weakness or stress, Duvall recommends deep breathing as the first step in combating it. “Learning how to get good breaths that go down and touch your pelvic floor will help relieve tension held in the muscles.” Unfamiliar with deep breathing techniques? Check out this tutorial on diaphragmatic breathing.

Gentle yoga poses like Happy Baby can also be useful for relaxing tight pelvic floor muscles.

happy baby

Lie on your back and bend your knees toward your chest. Spread your knees wide apart, hold onto the outside edges of your feet and stack your ankles over your knees. Your shins should be perpendicular to the floor. Gently pull your feet down and bring your knees closer to your armpits. Keep your feet bent and vigorously extend through your heels. Hold the pose for 5 to 15 deep breaths.

Originally posted by: https://www.livestrong.com/article/13723942-cant-sit-cross-legged/

For some people, sitting cross-legged is not possible even for a few seconds. For many people, this leads to pinching pain, numbness and cramps, which is a sign that something is terribly wrong with your health, particularly the muscles in your lower body. If you cannot sit cross-legged for a long time, this is a clear sign that you have tight muscles. – It improves range of motion – It improves circulation – A great way to stretch your muscles – Good for your knees and joints – Improves your posture – Increases your bowel movements – When you sit cross-legged, your ankles put more pressure on your arteries inner thighs. As a result, your heart pumps more blood, resulting in better blood supply to all parts of the body. Here’s what your body is trying to tell you when you can’t sit cross-legged for more than a minute. When you sit cross-legged, your body weight is on your glutes and if your glutes aren’t strong enough, the area will feel numb. To do this, you need to indulge in exercises that are good for your glutes. If you can’t, make sure you get up and walk every other hour to improve your circulation. Your thighs will carry the stretch when you’re cross-legged and unless you have a stronger thigh, you won’t be able to hold the pose for long. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to train your legs at least once a week. A loose pelvic musculature is worse than a pelvic musculature that is far too tight. When your pelvic floor muscles are way too tight, it becomes difficult to mobilize them. The only solution to both problems is to do pelvic floor exercises regularly. Stiff muscles are a sign that your blood isn’t circulating properly, and it’s the only reason you feel numb in your lower body. With age, the problem gets worse. Muscle stiffness also leads to stiffness in your ankles and joints. All of this hinders your movement. There are various exercises and yoga poses that one can do to increase mobility in the lower body.1. Kid’s Pose – Helps make your hamstrings and quads more flexible2. Pigeon Pose – The pose improves hip mobility3. Toe Touch – Helps relax your leg muscles4. Vajrasana – The pose helps stretch your thigh muscles to the maximum5. Lung Pose – The pose strengthens your glutes6. Bridge Pose – It helps to properly align your pelvic muscles. You can do all of these poses for 10 seconds daily for a month to see the difference.

In order to take care of your health and body, it is necessary to learn the best posture to sit at a desk all day. Most people have bad posture. Sitting in front of computers and electronic devices all day puts a strain on our bodies.

Many jobs require you to sit at a desk all day. It’s not always possible to get up and stay active. Research has shown that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It also constricts nerves, causes back pain, and compresses abdominal organs, leading to poor digestion.

If you’ve had hip replacement surgery, there are a few things to keep in mind as you recover.

Continue to follow these guidelines until your doctor tells you otherwise.

After hip surgery, you should avoid the following:

Bend beyond 90 degrees.

Rotate your leg inward or outward.

cross legs

Lying in bed after total hip replacement

Lie on your back while resting in bed.

Hold a pillow between your thighs to prevent your knees from touching, especially when lying on your side.

Getting up from a bed or chair

Scoot to the edge of the bed or chair before getting up.

Keep your operated leg in front of the other when getting up from a chair or bed.

Avoid low beds.

meeting

Sit in chairs that are higher than knee height.

Sit in a firm, straight-backed chair with armrests.

Do not sit on soft chairs, rocking chairs, sofas, or ottomans.

Walking after hip surgery

Continue using your walker, crutches, or cane until your doctor says you can stop.

Wear well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles.

Get up and move every hour. Take short, frequent walks.

Be careful on uneven ground or wet surfaces.

Maintain your weight bearing as instructed until your doctor or therapist tells you otherwise.

Avoid swinging your operated leg. Take small steps when turning.

going to the toilet

Use a raised toilet seat at or above knee height.

Avoid twisting while grooming.

Bathing after total hip replacement

Take a sponge bath or buy a tub bench. You can use a walk in shower.

Don’t bend over or grab the tub controls.

bend or reach for the tub controls. Do not bend or squat to wash your legs and feet. Use long-handled equipment to reach them.

bend or squat to wash your legs and feet. Use long-handled equipment to reach them. Don’t sit on the bottom of a regular bathtub. Use a tub seat or bench seat.

dressing

Use long-stemmed gear to get dressed.

Sit down when passing clothing over your feet.

Don’t bend, lift your legs, or cross your legs when getting dressed.

Housework after hip surgery

Use long-handled grabs, mops, brooms, or dustpans to do simple tasks that require bending, stooping, or turning (such as washing floors, dusting low tables, or making beds).

Do not bend down to pick up objects from the floor. Use a long handled reacher.

bend down to pick up objects from the ground. Use a long handled reacher. Do not leave the vacuum cleaner or sweeper running.

Run the vacuum or sweeper. Use a trolley to transport items.

Place items that you use frequently above knee height or on the top shelf of your refrigerator.

Slide items along the kitchen counter.

Sit while preparing food.

Driving after hip prosthesis

Don’t drive until your doctor allows you to.

Drive until your doctor allows you. Do not get into your car while standing on a curb or step.

Get into your car while standing on a curb or step. Avoid long car journeys. Get up every two hours and walk around.

long car rides. Get up every two hours and walk around. Avoid cars with deep bucket seats or low seats. Sit on a cushion to increase the seat height.

Sexual relationships after hip surgery

Don’t feel like you need to avoid sexual relationships. You must take certain precautions regarding your position.

Discuss this with your doctor or therapist.

Learn more about hip pain from UPMC Orthopedic Care.

Hip chairs are designed to support patients who have had hip or knee surgery or mobility issues such as arthritis. With a high seat that minimizes knee and hip movement, getting in and out of a hip chair is much easier for these users.

Many of our most popular chair models can be specified as accessible hip chairs including the Midway, Calvin and Snowball, making them an ideal complement to many healthcare facilities.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our site, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Sitting for long periods is a necessary evil of office work, whether cooped up in a home office or back in person with your colleagues at work. Everyone has their own opinion on how to combat neck strain and chronic lower back pain that comes with spending most of the day in front of a computer screen, but not everything will work for you. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on an ergonomic desk chair that’s tailored to your spine (although we have our favorites), you might want to consider a kneeling chair.

While it may seem like an unconventional, counterintuitive solution (how comfortable can kneeling for hours really be?), the best kneeling chairs actually encourage proper posture and subtly align your spine in a way that reduces neck tension. Trust us, you don’t need a piece of NASA-made furniture to get the same ergonomic benefits.

Sure, there are already a variety of desk accessories to take your mind off the daily aches and focus on your work, from laptop risers to seat cushions to ergonomic mice. But your butt will be in contact with a chair most of the day, so we’ve found the best kneeling chairs that put your physical health first during the workday.

What are the best ergonomic kneeling chairs?

Kneeling chairs work because they’re specifically designed to maintain the natural curve of your lower back, put you in a more upright position, and take pressure off your entire back. Although you bend at the knee, the chair can also take some of the pressure from your glutes and hamstrings, and lengthen your hip flexors (which tend to tighten when you sit for long periods of time). Some kneeling chairs even rock back and forth to help activate your core.

No ergonomic solution is perfect, however, and you should still try to get some exercise during the day so you don’t get too tense. During your workday, try alternating between a kneeling chair and a regular desk chair or a kneeling chair and a convertible standing desk. At least make sure that the base of the kneeling chair is also adjustable to your height.

Here are the best ergonomic kneeling chairs that will help you maintain a comfortable, stable posture for hours.

1. DRAGONN kneeling chair

OVERALL BEST

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DRAGONN’s ergonomic kneeling chair has really strengthened your back (and your knees, shins and butt) in terms of long-term comfort and mobility.

Kneeling chairs tend to prioritize a design that helps you maintain a good spinal curvature, rather than considering how long you actually rest your weight on your knees. DRAGONN’s three-inch-thick mesh padding helps provide excellent support for hours on end.

Depending on your height, you can adjust the kneeling chair with a base that increases from 21 to 31 inches, giving you the best angle to engage your core (though we won’t promise the expense reports you’re looking at). will keep you busy). The base is sturdy and built to support up to 250 pounds.

One thing we love is that unlike other kneeling chairs, like a traditional desk chair, it comes with four wheels that lock into place. It’s comfortable, adjustable – what’s not to love?

Buy: DRAGONN Ergonomic Kneeling Chair for $109.99

2. Varier Variable Balans Kneeling Chair

BEST ROCKING KNEELING CHAIR

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Based on a Norwegian design from the 1970s, the Varier is considered the ‘original kneeling chair’ and its simple but effective structure makes it a worthwhile choice to this day.

What sets the Varier apart from other ergonomic kneeling chairs is both the knee brace configuration (with two knee pads instead of one smaller one) and a rocking chair-like motion that allows you to engage your core while seated. A two-piece knee brace can actually help you keep your hips open when seated without having to adjust the chair itself.

That being said, the lack of adjustability might be a dealbreaker for some people – you can’t raise, lower, or slide the seat back, but that doesn’t mean the chair doesn’t suit a range of bodies. It still supports up to 240 pounds, and there’s an optional backrest you can buy separately. But the streamlined, IKEA-like design and natural-looking fabric make this one of our favorites.

Buy: Varier Variable Balans Kneeling Chair for $329.00

3. Flash Furniture mobile ergonomic kneeling chair

MOST COMPACT

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This wooden desk chair from Flash Furniture is not only super compact, it also packs a lot of functionality, all at a reasonable price.

The wood finish of the frame just looks so good and is well suited for dorm rooms, TV rooms or professional offices as it can work with lots of decor. If there is little space, the chair can also be easily folded up and stowed away in your free time.

Despite its natural-looking design, it can be manually adjusted in height using a ring in the center column and has two fabric-covered cushions for additional comfort. While the 2.5-inch padding isn’t as thick as some of the other options on our list, it suffices when it comes to waking up those core muscles for a few hours a day.

Buy: Flash Furniture Kneeling Chair for $126.32

4. BetterPosture Jazzy Kneeling Chair

BEST WITH BACKREST

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Listen, because as much as a knee pad supports your lower back, we’ve got it if you’re skeptical or want something even more supportive. Enter: the BetterPosture Jazzy Kneeling Chair, which features a built-in backrest for added lumbar support.

The backrest only complements the purpose of the kneeling chair, which still allows you to shift your body weight to your leg muscles and off your lower back (the backrest can be removed at any time). The memory foam pads are definitely some of the plushest we’ve seen for a thick and comfortable seat. A durable, stretchy knit fabric covers the foam, making it easy to clean.

The durable metal frame can support up to 275 pounds, and the seat can be adjusted between 21 and 28 inches. Overall, while the backrest doesn’t offer much more support, it’s a nice added benefit to an already outstanding kneeling chair.

Buy: BetterPosture Jazzy Kneeling Chair for $294.99

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There are many reasons for hip pain. According to WebMD, arthritis is the most common cause, although basically any kind of repetitive strain on the tendons and ligaments that support the hips can lead to hip pain.

Whatever the reason, if you suffer from hip pain, choosing an appropriate office chair can go a long way in preventing your condition from getting worse. After all, most of us spend almost half of our waking hours sitting.

The best chairs for hip pain should have a firm seat that supports your two hips evenly, a high waterfall seat edge, and a sturdy backrest that can relieve stress on your lower back.

With those criteria in mind, here are our picks for the best office chairs for hip pain.

The best chairs for hip pain at a glance

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It’s no exaggeration to say that the Steelcase Series 2 is perhaps the best office chair for hip pain in its price range. With advanced mesh and fabric upholstery, a pliable seat and unique ergonomic features, it’s an incredibly effective chair to ward off hip pain.

The Steelcase Series 2 seat is where a lot of the magic happens. The fabric-covered cushion is strong yet soft. There are air pockets under the foam, which contribute to an even distribution of pressure. The seat also has a sloping edge. But wait, it’s not just any ordinary waterfall design. The edge is actually flexible. This further minimizes the pressure under the thighs.

Let’s talk about the seat shell. The Steelcase Series 2 seat height can be adjusted between 16.5″ and 21.5″. This means that according to the BIFMA recommendation, it is suitable for people who are only 5 feet 2 inches tall. The seat is 19 inches wide, so the average Joes and Janes will find it roomy enough. The seat depth can also be adjusted by up to 10 cm.

A responsive backrest, adjustable lumbar support and weight-activated synchronous tilt complete this amazingly supportive office chair.

One happy Steelcase Series 2 owner mentioned that he noticed that the Steelcase Series 2 didn’t make his hip pain worse, even during long sitting sessions.

Prepare your wallet, however, because the cost of a pain-free experience is high with the Steelcase Series 2. But depending on how severe your hip pain is, this could very well cost you money.

Pros: Advanced waterfall design seat with flex edge

Suitable for a variety of body types

Adjustable seat depth

Reactive backrest and synchro tilt mechanism

Adjustable lumbar support and 4D arms

12 year guarantee Cons: No neck support

Expensive

When we reviewed the Korean-made Sidiz T50, we were taken back by how adjustable the chair was. This is a high-end ergonomic chair without the sky-high price tag.

The most notable feature of the Sidiz T50 for hip pain relief is the forward-leaning seat. With a lever, you can easily recline the seat about 5 degrees forward. This helps bring the hips slightly above the knees to open the hips and reduce the force exerted on that region. As one buyer pointed out, this is an amazing feature that works similarly to his last Herman Miller chair, except the latter costs three times as much.

We also love other aspects of the Sidiz T50’s seat. The pronounced waterfall edge reduces contact between the back of the thighs and the buttocks, where pressure can build up. Add in an adjustable seat depth and soft fabric upholstery, and this is a seat we found comfortable even after 8 hours of sitting.

The curved backrest of the Sidiz T50 can be reclined in 5 lockable positions, up to 125°, to relieve pressure on the spine. There’s also decent lumbar support, which is also adjustable in two levels.

As great as it is, the Sidiz T50 still has some limitations. For example, it is more suitable for small to medium-sized users (4’9″ to 6’2″). The backrest doesn’t recline either, just tit. This is more of a productivity chair than anything else

As long as you meet the requirements in terms of height, the Sidiz T50 can help eliminate your hip pain.

Advantages: Seat tilt forward and seat with a waterfall edge

Curved backrest tiltable up to 125°

3D armrests

Decent lumbar support that is depth adjustable. Disadvantages: Backrest is not padded

Delicate casters that slide too easily on hardwood floors

Upholstery thickness not sufficient for heavy people

If you often work up a sweat, an office chair with a mesh back and seat like the XUER is a good option. With smart lumbar support, a springy mesh cover, and a waterfall-edge seat, it’s one of the best mesh office chairs for hip pain relief.

Choosing a mesh office chair to prevent hip pain is actually quite difficult. We chose the XUER because it performs well in three critical areas – seat design, mesh type and lumbar support.

The XUER has a curved, reclined seat design, a must for mesh office chairs where its shape is unyielding. Otherwise, the edge of the seat will dig into your thighs and restrict blood flow to your lower extremities. The mesh material on the XUer is also tight enough to keep you from slipping off and into an awkward position. It has just the right amount of give to make it comfortable. The sliding seat pan is a wonderful bonus, allowing you to find the least painful position while working.

The icing on the cake is the lumbar support that automatically adjusts to the user. According to one owner, it’s even better than the much more expensive Gesture chair. Given these three factors, it’s not surprising that one happy buyer said his hip pain went away after switching to the XUER.

If there’s one thing we could improve on the XUER, it’s the tilt feature. It’s decent with a maximum tilt angle of 119° which is lockable at 4 points. However, we’d like to see it increased to 125° to allow users to open their hips more when reclining. The seat depth, which is about 40 cm when fully extended, is also not suitable for people with long legs.

All in all, the XUER is a great option for people with hip pain who are looking for a highly breathable office chair that won’t break the bank.

Advantages: Ergonomically designed mesh seat

Excellent lumbar support

Wide adjustable headrest Cons: Below average maximum recline angle

3D arms move too easily

Seat depth might be lacking for tall users

Secretlab Titan – Seat with the highest support

Secretlab Titan Suggested Retail Price: $419

The Secretlab Titan is one of our favorite gaming chairs due to its impeccable build quality and all-round comfort. In particular, for those with hip pain, the spacious and supportive seat will help your pain not worsen while sitting.

The inside of the Titan seat is almost 5″ of cold-cured foam. This high quality material helps the seat hold its shape even under heavy weight and supports both hips evenly unlike a squispier seat.

This supportive seat works great with the chair’s multi-recline mechanism, which further relaxes your lower back. The maximum inclination is 165° and turns the chair into a kind of weightlessness chair when the seat angle lock is activated:

The Titan is aimed at users who are 5’9″ to 6’7″ tall. Its seat is 20.5 inches wide and 19.7 inches deep, with soft bolsters on the sides.

One thing we’d like to see in future versions of the Titan is more pronounced lumbar support. While you can control its depth even at the maximum setting, it only sticks out about 2 inches, which might be insufficient for some people.

The truth is, it’s really hard to find serious flaws in the Secretlab Titan. You definitely get what you pay for with this premium chair.

Benefits: 165° recline with seat angle lock

Spacious seat with tapered side bolsters

Wide 4D arms

Built like a tank

Cold-cured foam padding that won’t sag Cons: Built-in lumbar support might be insufficient for some

The neck pillow doesn’t go down far enough for small people

The 2xhome Saddle Chair is a great second chair for people with hip pain. It differs from standard chairs in that it has a forward-sloping seat, which has proven to be extremely beneficial for the lower back.

A saddle chair causes a so-called open hip angle when sitting. according to dr AC Mandal, this pose helps maintain the natural lumbar lordosis that minimizes pressure in the lower back.

Most people initially find it difficult to get used to the back-friendly posture promoted by saddle chairs. The 2xhome has a more forgiving contour that eases the transition for beginners. In addition, the seat of the 2xhome is much thicker compared to other saddle chairs. According to one buyer, this allows her to sit longer in the driving style.

Aside from the comfort it offers, we chose the 2xhome for its customizability. It is tilt and height adjustable from 22″ to 28.25″.

The 2xhome is great, but it’s by no means perfect. Those under 5ft 3in may find the seat too wide. To achieve that ideal open hip angle of 120° to 135°, it is best suited for those who are 5’4″ to 6’2″ tall.

All in all, if you’re in this height range and need extra relief for your hips and lower back while sitting, we recommend using a good saddle chair like the 2xhome in conjunction with a regular ergonomic office chair.

Pros: Tilt and height adjustable

Thicker seat cushion compared to other saddle chairs

Comes with a backrest > Cons: Seat too wide for shorter users

Not suitable for long periods of sitting

FAQs on hip pain at work

What is causing my hip pain?

Hip pain, which is felt in the outer hip, thigh, or buttocks when sitting, is usually due to inflammation of the hip muscles, ligaments, or tendons. If the pain is coming from the inside of your hip or groin, the problem is probably in your hip bones or hip joint. – Source

Existing Conditions

Certain medical conditions can cause hip pain. The following are some of the most common.

Condition Description Common Causes Pain area Arthritis Worn protective cartilage of the hip joint Joint injury, age and obesity Groin or buttocks Bursitis Inflammation of the shock absorbers of the hip joints Joint injury, joint overuse and improper posture Outer and posterior hips Tendonitis Swelling of the hip tendons Strain, injury and overuse of the hip tendon Front part of the hip Sciatica Pinched or damaged sciatic nerve Herniated disc, spinal canal stenosis, piriformis syndrome Buttock and hip muscles

Sitting too long

Staying in one position regularly for too long, especially when seated, leads to reduced hip strength and hip pain.

Your glutes, core, and hip extensors will be weaker. Because of this, you sometimes feel unstable when you stand up after hours of computer work.

The following factors increase hip pressure and increase the likelihood of hip pain.

Crossing the Legs (Hip Adduction)

Lean to one side while seated (hip flexion)

Sitting on an uneven or too soft surface

Incorrect seat height

An incorrect seat height can also lead to hip pain over time.

While backrest, seat tilt, and lumbar support are all important, the primary cause of hip pain development is usually improper seat height adjustment. The seat height directly affects your hip joint angle when sitting.

If the chair is too high, you have to slide forward and jump with the backrest. Staying in this position can eventually lead to hip fatigue. If you try to use the backrest, your feet will dangle and put pressure on the backs of your thighs.

On the other hand, if your chair is too low, your knees will be placed higher than your hips. This causes your hip joints to flex extremely. Since most people are not flexible enough to do this, hip and lower back pain can occur.

Extra body weight

For every 10 pounds of extra body weight, 50 pounds of excess pressure is added to a person’s hips and knees (source). It’s no wonder that obese people are very prone to hip pain.

Improper Movements

Getting out of your office chair incorrectly can increase your chances or make your hip pain worse. There are two ways this often happens:

Spin quickly to get out of the chair, forgetting to move your feet

Sharp swivel to get up without pushing the chair off the desk.

What can I do to prevent or relieve hip pain?

There are many things that can help in relieving your hip pain.

Pay attention to the correct ergonomics in the workplace.

Use an ergonomic office chair that can be adjusted to your height.

Move at least 2 minutes every hour. You can use Healthy Browsing if you are a Chrome user. Otherwise, just set a phone alarm.

Avoid sitting cross-legged.

Don’t put your wallet or phone in your back pocket.

Do quick stretches every now and then to keep your hip flexors and hamstrings flexible.

Use a stool if your chair is too high.

Maintain correct posture when working on the computer.

Use the lumbar support on your office chair. If it doesn’t have one, get an external lumbar pillow.

Alternate between sitting and standing whenever possible.

Consider switching between an ergonomic office chair and a saddle chair.

What should I look for in an office chair for hip pain?

An ergonomic office chair that is properly fitted to your body shape can minimize hip pressure and strain from sitting.

You should pay attention to this when buying an office chair for hip pain.

backrest

Since the hip and back are connected, a back problem can also lead to hip pain.

The backrest should recline and recline with adjustable tension. Aim for 135° tilt and synchronous tilt.

Seat tilt forward

When your pelvis is in the right position, pain-free sitting follows. Ideally, the pelvis should be level or slightly higher than the knees. A chair with a forward-leaning seat can help you with this.

Seat design and cushions

The seat should have a waterfall edge. This relieves pressure on the back of the thighs and promotes blood flow to the lower limbs. The pillow should be soft but not sagging and firm but not hard.

seat height

It’s important to find a seat that keeps your feet flat on the floor and allows your knees to form a flexed angle of 90° to 100°. But what exactly is the right seat height for you?

To calculate your ideal seat height, simply measure the length from the back of your knees to the floor.

Alternatively, you can refer to the table below for the correct seat height for each user based on the BIFMA recommendation.

Your Height (Feet) Ideal Chair Height (inches) Your Height (cm) Ideal Chair Height (cm) 4’11” 15.9″ 149cm 40.2cm 5’0″ 16.2″ 151.5cm 40.9cm 5’1″ 16.4″ 154cm 41.5cm 5’2″ 16.7″ 156.5cm 42.2cm 5’3″ 17″ 159cm 42.9cm 5’4″ 17.2″. 161.5cm 43.6cm 5’5″ 17.5″ 164cm 44.2cm 5’6″ 17.8″ 166.5cm 44.9cm 5’7″ 18″ 169cm 45.6cm 5’8″ 18.3″ 171.5cm 46.3cm 5’9″ 18.6″ 174cm 46.9cm 5’10” 18.9″ 176.5cm 47.6cm 5’11” 19.1″ 179cm 48.3cm 6’0″ 19.4″ 181.5cm 49cm 6’1″ 19.7″ 184cm 49.6cm 6’2″ 19.9″ 186.5cm 50.3cm 6’3″ 20.2″ 189cm 51cm 6’4″ 20.5″ 191.5cm 51.7cm 6’5″ 20.7″ 194cm 52.3cm 6’6″ 21″ 196.5cm 53cm 6’7″ 21.3″ 199cm 53.7cm 6’8″ 21.6″ 201.5cm 54.4cm 6’9″ 21.8″ 204cm 55cm 6’10” 22.1″ 206.5cm 55.7cm 6’11” 22.4″ 209cm 56.4cm 7’0″ 22.6″ 211.5cm 57.1cm

seat depth

Proper seat depth allows you to get the most out of your backrest without putting pressure on the hamstrings of your thighs.

A seat depth of 17″ to 21″ is good enough for most people. Even better if the seat depth is adjustable by at least 2 inches.

You can tell if the seat depth is right for you if there is a distance of 2 to 3 fingers between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat.

seat width

With a sufficient seat width, you can sit comfortably. Too tight and it pinches on your hips. Too wide and the armrests are too far apart to rest your arms on.

According to BIFMA, a 19.2 inch wide seat shell is sufficient for most people. In the meantime, OSHA simply suggests measuring the width of your thighs and adding some tolerance.

Can a standing desk help with hip pain?

Because sitting puts stress on your hips throughout the day, alternating between standing and sitting regularly can help with stiff hips.

According to a 2013 study, a ratio of 1:2 is optimal. That means 1 hour of standing for every 2 hours of sitting. If you tire easily, you can choose to stand for 30 minutes and sit for 1 hour.

You should also practice “active standing” at standing desks. For example, the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) suggests the following:

Using an anti-fatigue standing mat to activate different muscles while standing

Use a footstool to shift your weight between your legs and break up your standing routine

If you’re interested in adding a standing desk, be sure to check out our post on standing at work best practices as well.

Is Sitting in a Saddle Chair Good for Hip Pain?

Yes, sitting in a saddle chair can help prevent or eliminate hip pain. But it takes some getting used to.

A saddle chair allows you to adopt a riding style that reduces stress and pressure on the hip joints. The increased joint space reduces compression in the hip cartilage. In addition, there is more space for the nutrient liquid, which keeps the hip joints healthy in the long term.

Watch the video below to see how a saddle chair is used:

Especially for people with stiff hips, using a saddle chair can be uncomfortable or even painful at first. This is because your muscles are actively working and your hip joints are still loosening up.

Start by using the saddle chair for an hour each day. Gradually increase the application time as you become more comfortable with this new position.

Be patient. For some people, it can take weeks or even months to get used to a saddle chair.

Stretches to strengthen the hips

Stretching is very beneficial for keeping your hips healthy when you have to sit most of the day. Here are a few stretches to add to your routine.

Seated butterfly stretch

This is one of the most effective — not to mention the easiest — stretches to open up your hips and increase blood flow to that region.

Sit on the floor with your back straight and your legs apart.

Clasp your feet in your hands while using your elbows to push your knees toward the floor.

Slowly learn from your hips forward as low as possible.

Hold this position for 20 seconds and repeat 4-5 times.

pigeon husbandry

Often referred to as the “king of hip openers,” the pigeon pose stretches the psoas muscles while also stretching your hamstrings, groin, and back. Your hips will feel like a million bucks after every pigeon pose.