Students naturally spend a large amount of their day in the seated position, and it isn’t uncommon to see them slouching. A lot of the time, poor posture and positioning are related to unsuitable and unsupportive furniture, and one key factor that is frequently overlooked in educational settings is lumbar support.
In this blog, we’ll explore what lumbar support is, why it’s important in the classroom, and how you can choose classroom chairs that promote both ergonomic positioning and learning.
What is Lumbar Support?
Lumbar support is a feature or design that assists the lumbar spine (lower back) to maintain its natural curve whilst sitting. It fills the gap between the chair and the curve of your back in order to:
- Promote better posture.
- Keep your spine aligned.
- Reduce muscle aches and pains.
The lumbar spine, which is located between the rib cage and pelvis, supports much of the weight of the upper body. This makes it vitally important that your lumbar support is in the right place.
Where Should Lumbar Support Be?
Lumbar support in chairs should rest in the small of your back, just above your belt line. It should be either built-in and moulded to match the spine’s curve, and adjustable, or it could be an addition to the chair, such as a pad or cushion that can be placed behind the lower back. In classrooms, an adjustable option may work best to allow for students of all sizes.
Why is Lumbar Support Important in Educational Settings?
In the classroom, students often sit at their desks for many hours of the day. Well-designed, ergonomic furniture will help promote good back health and ensure that students can sit comfortably and focus on their work and learning.
Unsuitable lumbar support can lead to various issues such as:
- Bad posture and slouching from a young age
- Discomfort that can impact concentration and behaviour
- Long-term spinal issues (particularly in younger students whose muscles and bones are still developing)
Teachers are also at risk without suitable lumbar support, as they may experience back pain and problems, leading to increased time off work.
How to Choose Furniture with Lumbar Support
When sourcing furniture for your classroom or educational setting, it’s important to balance comfort with durability and support. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Ergonomic Design
Choose chairs that are suitably designed to follow the natural curvature of the spine. Many of the options available feature contoured backrests and built-in support.
Adjustable Features
If your classroom hosts students of various ages and sizes or is a flexible learning space, you may need to look for chairs with adjustable seat heights and backrests. This will ensure that you can accommodate everyone, including the teachers!
Durability & Easily Maintained
Classroom chairs are used heavily and can easily become dirty. It is important to select something that will stand the test of time and that can be cleaned with ease.
How to Maximise the Benefits of Lumbar Support
Once you have suitable furniture in place that provides students and teachers with adequate lumbar support, it is also important that they are taught to sit correctly, maximising the benefits of this furniture. Here are some top tips to share:
- Position yourself at the back of your chair to ensure the lumbar support is in the correct place.
- Don’t slouch in the chair; sit upright at all times.
- Ensure feet are flat on the floor.
- Align your head, shoulders, and pelvis to ensure the spine is kept in its most natural position. (This factor should also be considered when thinking about the best classroom layouts for learning.)
Explore our range of school chairs and seating to find the most suitable, ergonomic furniture for both students and teachers!