Kneeling chairs for sciatica are designed to have the body sit in a negative tilt position so that tension is taken off of the hips and middle back, therefore, creating less pain. They allow the user to move from a position of sitting while resting on their knees, to one of standing while kneeling.
Kneeling chairs sciatica also provide support for the back and pelvic regions which can reduce stress and strain on the spine. It is designed to reduce pain in the shoulders & muscles of the lower back. A kneeling chair for sciatica is an excellent alternative seating option. It can often relieve symptoms associated with seated postures that put stress on the lower back.
The seated position can be further enhanced via a lower-lying kneeler, which will help to maintain the pelvis in its natural alignment. A kneeling chair for sciatica should not be seen as a cure. But rather a way to extend the time spent sitting to allow for periods of exercise and activity.
In this post, I will discuss are kneeling chairs are good for sciatica?. Also, I will discuss the pros and cons of kneeling chairs.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a pain along the sciatic nerve. This nerve branches out from your lumbar spine (the lower back) and runs through each buttock into each leg, down to the foot on that side. Sciatica is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, often due to herniated disc or bone spur.
Sciatica can be a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your lower back through your buttock and into the back of your leg. Or it may have a burning sensation. The pain usually worsens when you move, sneeze, cough, or lift something heavy. Symptoms may come on suddenly or build over time.
What is a Kneeling Chair for Sciatica Pain?
As you sit on a kneeling chair, your body weight is transmitted to the kneepad (or knee platform) positioning your pelvis in an anterior tilt. This tucks your hips under and takes the pressure off of your lumbar spine. Also, reducing shear forces across vertebral disc tissue and through ligaments can build up over time, potentially leading to injury or pain.
This positioning also encourages a forward lean of the torso. It encourages the gluteal muscles to activate and provides an adjustable stretch for your hamstring which can help stretch out tightness in this muscle group.
Kneeling chairs come with several different adjustments. These adjustments allow you to fully customize their position to accommodate individual body types, needs, and preferences.
So are kneeling chairs good for sciatica? Yes, they are. Kneeling chairs takes stress off of the hip & middle back, therefore, creates less pain. They provide support for the back and pelvic regions which can reduce stress and strain on the spine. Also, they give you an adjustable stretch for your hamstring which can help stretch out tightness in this muscle group.
Pros and Cons of Kneeling Chairs for Sciatica
Advantages
Here are some advantages of a kneeling chair for sciatica pain.
1. Ergonomic benefits. It takes the pressure off of the hips & lower back, therefore, alleviating pain.
2. Can be used to change positions during prolonged sitting periods, encouraging movement and activity. This is especially useful for individuals who are required to sit for long periods at work or home. Also, frequent breaks throughout the day may help reduce the risk of the development of an overuse injury.
3. Kneeling chairs take the pressure off of the hip & middle back, therefore, creates less pain. They also provide support for the back and pelvic regions which can reduce stress and strain on the spine.
4. An adjustable stretch for your hamstring muscle can help to stretch out tightness in this muscle group.
5. Great for employees who have to sit in a desk job for extended periods or individuals whose jobs require them to sit for long hours, such as computer programmers and designers.
6. Can easily be adapted to the home environment.
7. Works well with back support equipment.
Disadvantages
Now let’s take a look at some disadvantages of kneeling chairs for sciatica sufferers.
1. Adjusting to this new seated position may initially feel awkward, taking time to get used to, especially if you are accustomed to using a standard chair for prolonged periods.
2. Kneeling chairs can be costly, especially if you are looking for additional features such as adjustable armrests and back support. However, it is important to remember that investing in proper seating can reduce pain, increase productivity and minimize the risk of developing an overuse injury.
3. Using the correct size of kneeling chair for your body is important. If you are seated on a knee platform that is too high or low, it can cause increased pressure on the knees and also increase shear forces which can be painful.
4. Kneeling chairs should not be used by individuals with severe osteoporosis because they cause increased pressure on the kneecap.
5. Proper positioning of the hip and knee is vital for reducing shear forces across these areas, as well as maintaining a neutral lumbar spine curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Kneeling Chair for Sciatica Works?
A kneeling chair for sciatica reduces pressure on the lumbar spine, hips, and knees. Also, frequent breaks throughout the day may help reduce the risk of developing an overuse injury. A person using a kneeling chair can easily get up from their seat without having to place too much strain on the back. Also, push off with their feet which is a common way to lift oneself from a standard office chair.
As a result, this can be used as an ergonomic office or home seating option.
Which Kneeling Chair for Sciatica is Best?
The best chair for sciatica is a kneeling chair with arms and back support would be best suited to reduce strain on the lower back as well as increasing comfort and support to the upper body.
How do you Choose a Kneeling Chair for Sciatica?
It is important to consider the desired features that you want your kneeling chair for sciatica to have including adjustable armrests, adjustability of seat height, and distance from the seatback. Also, it is crucial to ensure that the knee platform fits correctly on top of your legs so that the height is suitable for your needs.
How Long Should You Sit in a Kneeling Chair for Sciatica?
While there are no specific guidelines on how long you should sit in a kneeling chair, it is recommended that you take frequent breaks throughout the day to move around and change positions where possible. This reduces the strain on the lower back.
How Often Should you Change Positions While Sitting in a Kneeling Chair?
It is recommended that you flex your hip, knee, and ankle every 10 minutes to reduce strain on the spine. Also, rotating your trunk assists with reducing pressure on the hips and knees as well as increasing blood flow, which reduces the risk of developing an overuse injury.
Kneeling chairs are ergonomic office or home seating options. The sciatica kneeling chair can be used to reduce pain and stiffness while increasing productivity. It is important to take frequent breaks throughout the day to allow your body to change positions where possible. This reduces pressure on the spine, hips, and knees which should reduce the risk of developing an overuse injury.
How to Prepare for Using a Kneeling Chair?
When you first start using a kneeling chair, it is important to stretch and warm up before sitting in your new seating position. Also, make sure that you sit with correct posture by placing both feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, keeping your spine neutral by tucking your chin slightly inwards, and drawing your shoulder blades back.
How Do you Care for a Kneeling Chair?
A kneeling chair should have regular checks to ensure that it has no loose or sharp parts that may cause injury. Also, the knee platform should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and sweat.
How to Enhance the Ergonomics of a Kneeling Chair?
Ensure that your chair is of adequate height by placing feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart with knees directly above ankles while keeping your spine neutral by tucking chin slightly inwards and drawing shoulder blades back.
Make sure that your chair is of adequate height so that knees are directly above ankles while keeping your spine neutral. Adjustments can also be made to the angle of the knee platform to meet each person’s individual needs which can improve ergonomics.
Final Thoughts
Kneeling chairs can be a great alternative to the standard office and home chairs, especially for individuals that struggle with back pain. They provide support for the back and pelvic regions which can reduce stress and strain on the spine. For Sciatica, the kneeling chair can be of more help. They also provide an adjustable stretch for your hamstring muscle. Plus, good to work out the tightness in this muscle group which is often involved with sciatica pain. So they are good for sciatica relief and prevention as well. Exercise may help a lot. Here are some exercises to relieve you from sciatica pain. But it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them if you have severe osteoporosis.
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