You’ve probably heard a ton about lumbar support. But the right way to position lumbar support? That’s where things get a bit fuzzy for a lot of people.
In this post, we’re going to clear that up for you. You’ll learn what lumbar support really means, why it matters for back pain, how to position it correctly, and why knowing this can help you sell more chairs and keep your customers happy.
What Is Lumbar Support, Anyway?
First off: what is lumbar support? Think of it as a little helper built into an office chair’s backrest, designed to provide dynamic support specifically for the lumbar region—your lower back.
That curve right above your hips? That’s your lumbar spine’s natural inward curve, medically called lordosis. Lumbar support helps maintain that curve when you’re sitting.
Why is this important? Because when the natural curve is unsupported, your spine flattens and stretches muscles and ligaments in ways that cause discomfort and pain over time.
Types of Lumbar Support in Chairs
Lumbar support isn’t “one size fits all.” There are various kinds, sorted by adjustability and design style.
By Adjustability:
Fixed Lumbar Support: This is built into the chair and can’t be moved. It’s designed to fit an average lower back curve but doesn’t adjust for different body types.
Adjustable Lumbar Support: This gets interesting. These supports can be adjusted in height (so the support lines up with your lumbar curve) and often tension or depth too—meaning you can make it firmer or softer depending on your preference.
By Design:
One-Piece Style: A single, continuous lumbar support section integrated into the chair’s backrest.
Split Style: Here, the support is divided into sections—dual, triple, or even quadruple partitions—that allow more precise contouring and tailored support across different parts of the lumbar area.
Why does this matter? Because offering chairs with these features allows customers to find a better personal fit, reducing back fatigue and improving overall comfort.
Why Does Back Pain Happen When People Sit?
If you’ve sold chairs for any length of time, you know a lot of customers complain about back pain. But why? Sitting itself isn’t the problem—it’s how people sit and the kind of chair they sit in.
Poor posture, especially slouching, puts extra pressure on the lower back. When a chair’s backrest doesn’t support the natural curve of the lumbar region, the muscles and spinal discs have to work harder.
Also, sitting for hours in a chair that doesn’t promote good alignment can cause muscles to become fatigued and spines to compress. It’s a recipe for discomfort and even chronic pain down the line, which is exactly why ergonomic seating is a booming industry. Knowing how to highlight these points can help you close sales—people want comfort and health benefits.
What Is the Correct Lumbar Support Position?
Here’s where it gets interesting and crucial. You can have the best-laid chair, but if the lumbar support is in the wrong spot, it won’t do its job.
Height: The lumbar support should line up roughly with the inward curve of the lumbar spine. That’s generally around the L3 to L4 vertebrae, which is about the middle or lower part of the backrest. Too low, and it won’t support the lumbar curve. Too high, and it feels like a block under your ribs.
Depth: Lumbar support should stick out enough to fill the gap in your lower back, but not so much that it pushes you forward or feels like a hard bump. Proper depth means it cradles your lower spine just right.
Here’s a quick tip for checking: have users sit back in the chair and place a hand behind the lower back. A good lumbar supportshould gently press into that curve without forcing your back out or causing strain.
Adjustable lumbar supports are gold because they let users tweak height and depth, accommodating different body shapes and sizes. Teaching customers how to use these adjustments is a game-changer for both comfort and satisfaction.
Common Myths About Lumbar Support Position
Let’s bust some myths with a quick true or false quiz you can share with your team or customers—helpful for marketing too:
Lumbar support should be positioned as low as possible on the back.----False. Too low, and it won’t align with the lumbar curve properly.
Lumbar support that sticks out too much can cause discomfort.----True. Overly protruding support can push the spine unnaturally and cause strain.
Everyone has the same lumbar curve, so one fixed position works for all.----False. Lumbar curves vary, which is why adjustable support is often best.
Proper lumbar support can reduce the risk of chronic back pain.----True. When used correctly, lumbar support maintains healthy posture and reduces pain risk.
Knowing the facts like these helps you position yourself as an expert and boosts buyer confidence.
Benefits of Proper Lumbar Support Positioning
Why should ergonomic chair sellers care about nailing the right lumbar support position? Because it leads to happy customers.
Here’s the quick rundown:
Less fatigue and less back pain. Customers who sit comfortably longer are customers who keep coming back.
Better posture and spinal health. Ergonomically sound chairs help prevent repetitive strain and chronic issues.
Customer satisfaction equals fewer returns. If your customers feel the health benefits, they’re less likely to return their chairs—good for your bottom line.
Increased productivity. Many workplaces understand that comfortable employees work better, so chairs with good lumbar support sell well in bulk too.
Highlight these benefits in your product descriptions and sales pitches to make ergonomic features irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you want to differentiate your inventory, improve customer loyalty, and sell more chairs, focusing on correct lumbar support position is non-negotiable. It’s a relatively small feature for manufacturers to get right, but it makes a huge difference for users.
Make ergonomic benefits clear and highlight adjustable lumbar support in your catalogs, showrooms, and online stores. Your customers will thank you with repeat business—and so will your bottom line.
Ready to Upgrade Your Chair Selection?
Check out our curated collection of ergonomic office chairs with superior lumbar support positioning. Whether you’re buying in bulk or stocking a showroom, having the right chairs with the correct lumbar support position will keep your customers comfortable and coming back for more.
Want help choosing the perfect chairs for your business? Download our buyer’s guide or contact us today for expert advice!
