Are Bean Bags Good for Your Back?

Bean bags are often viewed as the ultimate veg-out solution. Your body sinks into their embrace almost like a warm bath, easing your muscles and helping you to relax. But as you’re sprawled at your leisure, occasionally posture comes to mind. And we often get asked the question of whether bean bags are good for the back, or if they should be avoided by back pain sufferers. 

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in the UK. Approximately 1 in 6 people (16.9%) in England have back pain. And it accounts for 11% of the total disability of the UK population. It’s painful and it can be debilitating. Finding the right seating solution can be difficult. But maybe surprisingly, despite the almost boneless sensation that a really comfy bean bag can bring, they are actually really quite good for your back.

Bean Bags and Back Care: What You Need to Know

Do bean bags damage your posture?

Quite the reverse! Contemporary living has turned us into a nation of slouchers. If we work in an office, we stoop over our keyboards, curling our spines and hunching our shoulders. When relaxing, we crunch our vertebrae, falling back on to sofas and armchairs, our backs unsupported. And we all sit for far longer than we should.

Bean bags support our muscles and joints as we sit, adjusting to our position. While it is possible to adopt a poor posture when using a bean bag – perhaps allowing your spine to curl as you attempt to sit upright and work – most of the time, you can use a bean bag for support. Helping to reduce the strain on your body.

How can bean bags reduce back pain?

Some back problems are caused by injuries or long-term conditions. And in these instances, bean bags may be able to alleviate symptoms, but they won’t be able to resolve the problem, However, most back issues can be attributed to lifestyle choices and poor posture. And that’s where bean bags can be of benefit.  

Sitting with the proper support reduces the pressure on your joints and muscles. Allowing your body to properly align. The most common areas of concern when it comes to back pain are the gluteal muscles, sciatic nerves, lower spine, hips, and shoulders. When you are able to relax without compromising your posture, you have more of a chance of preventing back pain from developing.

Why are bean bags good for your back?

There are a number of reasons why bean bags can be beneficial when tackling back pain.

Comfort

Firstly, bean bags are super-comfy. And comfort is really important, psychologically, when you’re trying to confront health issues. Just as a side example – most of us know that we need more exercise, but most of us also ignore that knowledge because exercising simply isn’t comfortable. Because bean bags are so comfy, and support the body so well, it’s much easier for us to maintain the correct posture to improve physical alignment.

Support

Bean bags also support your body. While this is integral to comfort, it also means that you are putting less strain on your joints and muscles. Even the best ergonomically designed chairs fail to provide the back support that we need. Because bean bags move with your body, you are always supported.

Awareness

One of the great things about bean bags is that they move with us. And we can hear them moving. While that can be irritating to start with, it does increase our awareness of the position of our body. So, if we slip into a posture that is potentially damaging to our back health, we can be more aware of it. And rectify it.

One of the reasons that we love bean bags is their versatility. They can be made for indoors or out. And they can be used for work, play, or relaxation, by all ages. They’re fun and they’re comfortable. But more than that, they can be good for you.

Bean bags aren’t the answer to every back condition. And they won’t solve all of your problems. But they could help improve your posture and reduce the strain on your back. So, if you’re suffering from back pain, why not give a bean bag a try?

Shop the full range of bean bags at Big Bertha.