This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
Recliners are often associated with comfort and relaxation, making them a popular choice for many people. Whether you’re watching TV, reading a book, or taking a nap, a recliner provides a perfect place to unwind.
There is some concern about whether reclining chairs can be bad for your hips, particularly when used for extended periods of time. In this article, we’ll explore the potential effects of recliners on your hips and offer tips for choosing a recliner that promotes proper hip health.
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Key Takeaways
- Recliners aren't inherently bad for your hips, but the wrong recliner can be bad for your hips
- When picking a recliner, consider your hip alignment and your leg positioning while sitting
- If you're sitting for too long, it's important to get up and move around
How Recliners Affect Your Hips
When used properly, a recliner chair can provide good support for your body and help alleviate stress on the hips. However, if you spend too much time sitting in the wrong position or if your rocker recliner doesn’t provide adequate support, it can contribute to discomfort and potential hip problems over time.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Posture and Hip Alignment: One of the primary concerns when using a recliner is how the seating position affects your posture and alignment. If a recliner doesn’t provide proper support for your lower back, pelvis, and thighs, it can lead to poor posture, which can put pressure on your hips. When your hips are not aligned with your spine, it can cause strain and discomfort.
If you have lower back pain and are looking for the perfect recliner for you, this article walks you through the best recliners for back pain at La-Z-Boy South Texas.
- Limited Movement and Flexibility: Spending extended periods in a reclined position can limit movement and flexibility, which may lead to stiffness and discomfort in the hips. When you're reclined for long periods, your hip flexors can become tight, and the muscles surrounding your hips can become weakened, making it more difficult to move freely and causing potential pain.
- Excessive Pressure on the Hips: Recliners with poorly designed or inadequate cushioning may put excess pressure on the hips, especially if the seat depth or padding doesn’t provide enough support. This can result in discomfort or even lead to issues such as hip bursitis, where the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joints) becomes inflamed due to repetitive pressure.
- Incorrect Leg Positioning: If the recliner doesn’t allow you to elevate your legs properly, or if the seat is too low, it may force your legs into an awkward position. This can cause added strain on your hips and lower back, leading to discomfort and muscle imbalances over time.
Can Recliners Contribute to Hip Pain?
Recliners that don’t provide the proper support or are used incorrectly can potentially contribute to hip pain and other issues. If you experience chronic hip discomfort, a recliner could be part of the problem. Here’s how:
- Hip Bursitis: As mentioned earlier, poor alignment and prolonged sitting can increase pressure on the hip joint, leading to conditions like hip bursitis. This is a painful condition where the fluid-filled sacs around the hip joint become inflamed. While this is more likely to happen with sedentary habits and poor posture, prolonged use of an ill-fitting recliner can contribute to the issue.
- Lower Back Pain and Hip Discomfort: Poor lumbar support in a recliner can lead to poor posture, which can affect the alignment of your entire spine and hips. When your back is not properly supported, it can affect your pelvis, causing discomfort not just in your back but in your hips as well.
- Sciatica: Recliners that don’t provide adequate leg support can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the hips and legs. Poor circulation or a pinched nerve caused by improper seating can exacerbate sciatica, resulting in pain and discomfort that radiates through the hip and leg.
How to Choose the Right Recliner for Hip Health
Not all recliners are created equal, and selecting the right one can help mitigate any negative effects on your hips. Here are some tips to help you choose a recliner that supports your hip health:
- Look for Proper Lumbar Support: A recliner with good lumbar support is essential for maintaining proper posture. The lumbar region of your back should be supported to keep your spine aligned, which in turn helps keep your hips in a more neutral position. Many recliners have adjustable lumbar support, which can be a good option for custom fitting.
- Check for Adjustable Features: A recliner with adjustable features—such as a footrest, backrest, and seat depth—can help you find a position that’s comfortable and supportive for your hips. Being able to adjust the chair to support your legs and hips in a neutral position will reduce strain and discomfort.
- Choose a Recliner with Proper Seat Cushioning: The seat cushion of the recliner should be firm enough to provide support, but not so firm that it creates pressure points. A well-cushioned seat with high-density foam or memory foam can help distribute your body weight evenly and reduce the risk of hip pain.
- Look for a Recliner with a Proper Seat Height: Seat height is an important factor in ensuring proper hip alignment. The seat should be high enough that your feet are flat on the ground when you are seated, and your knees are at or slightly below hip level. A recliner that allows you to adjust the height of the seat can help maintain this alignment.
- Avoid Deep Reclining Positions for Long Periods: While recliners are great for relaxation, sitting in a fully reclined position for long periods can cause stiffness and discomfort in the hips. Try to avoid staying in a deeply reclined position for extended periods. Instead, choose a more upright position when sitting for long periods, and take breaks to move and stretch regularly.
- Check for Footrest Functionality: A recliner with an adjustable footrest will allow you to elevate your legs properly, reducing pressure on your hips and improving circulation. Elevating your legs can help prevent hip discomfort and even promote better blood flow, which is essential for maintaining joint health.
- Consider Zero Gravity Recliners: Zero gravity recliners are designed to distribute your body weight evenly, taking pressure off your spine and hips. These recliners offer a more neutral posture and may be especially beneficial for people who suffer from hip or lower back pain.
If you’re looking for a zero gravity recliner, you can find them at places like Macy’s.
Ready to Find the Right Recliner For You?
Recliners themselves are not inherently bad for your hips, but improper use or choosing a poorly designed recliner can contribute to discomfort and even exacerbate hip issues.
The key is to select a recliner that offers the proper support, promotes good posture, and allows you to adjust your seating position for optimal comfort. If you experience hip pain, make sure to evaluate how your recliner fits your body and adjust its settings to improve support.
Finding the right recliner requires you to go into a store to sit in one. This is the only way you’ll know how it fits you.
If you’re ready to take this step, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.