How Ergonomic Seating Supports Your Spine Health

For over 75 years, Haworth has been creating workspaces that prioritize people’s well-being. Central to our mission is promoting spinal health through ergonomic seating designed to provide personalized comfort and support.

When workspaces lack the ergonomic furniture necessary for your health, it can lead to discomfort and potential long-term issues. Sitting for long periods without the right support can contribute to lower back pain—a major cause of work loss and restriction, as well as reduced quality of life around the world.

Our commitment to the science of sitting is grounded in our history of strong design, engineering, and manufacturing—and our ergonomic expertise—to benefit people at work. A workday doesn’t have to be a health challenge. With the right approach, your workspace can enhance your well-being, ensuring you stay comfortable and productive throughout the day.

What a Healthy Workday Looks Like

A healthy workday combines regular movement with the use of supportive furniture designed to maintain your spine’s natural alignment. Let's take a look at how ergonomic chairs, specifically, care for your spine.

Lower Back: Lumbar Support

The lumbar region of your lower back is crucial for supporting your upper body and maintaining proper posture. Without good lumbar support, it’s easy to slip into a slouched posture that can strain your spine and cause pain over time. Haworth chairs, with their adjustable lumbar pads, help maintain your spine’s natural S-shape, reducing the risk of discomfort. An adjustable lumbar system is best, so that you can personalize the height of the pad to your preference.

Pelvis and Sacrum: Lower Spine Support

Your sacrum and pelvis form the foundation for many body movements, and proper support in this area is vital for spinal alignment. When you sit for long periods without proper support, your pelvis can tilt, causing your spine to lose its healthy alignment. Ergonomic chairs with pelvic support help keep your spine in that ideal S-shape, so you stay comfortable. 

Upper Back and Neck: Thoracic and Cervical Support

The thoracic region of your upper back provides stability, while the cervical region of your neck supports your head and facilitates mobility. Chairs like Zody and Fern are ergonomically designed to stabilize your upper spine, with optional headrests to support your neck's natural curve. Remember, an upright head position is key to avoiding added strain on your spine.

Armrests: Essential for Spine Health

Armrests play a crucial role in back support by helping to distribute the weight of your arms, which constitute about 10% of your body weight. By using well-positioned armrests, you reduce the load on your spine throughout the day. All Haworth ergonomic office chairs offer fully adjustable (4D) arms, allowing you to adjust them in every direction to fit your posture.

Fine-Tuning Your Chair for Maximum Comfort

Haworth’s ergonomic chairs are designed for personalization, allowing you to adjust settings to fit your body perfectly. Make sure you’re adjusting all the settings correctly to fit your body, from lumbar support to arms. 

A healthier workday isn’t just about having a good chair—it’s also about moving regularly. By combining ergonomic seating with frequent activity, you can boost your well-being and productivity.