How An Ergonomic Office Chair Helped A Severe Back Pain Sufferer Return To Work!

James, an Irish Third level education employee, suffered numerous back problems, after fracturing a number of vertebra in his lower back a few years previous.  This later caused slipped discs, trapping nerves which resulted in extreme discomfort when sitting for long periods.

Choosing The Best Office Chair For Back Pain

James tried a number of “orthopaedic chairs” and found they did not support his back and left him stooped over his desk, without any relief from his back pain.

James’ Health and Safety Representative approached KOS Ergonomic Solutions, who recommended the RH Logic 400 chair.  This chair has been awarded the FIRA Ergonomic Excellence Award for 10 consecutive years and is recommended by ergonomists, physiotherapists, and occupational health professionals for back pain.

Adapting An Office Chair To Prevent Lower Back Pain

KOS Ergonomic Solutions adapted the chair to suit James’ size and weight. The seat was set at the correct depth for his legs so as blood flow was not impeded. The lumbar area in the back of the chair was adjusted so as the optimum support was applied to the area of his back where he needed most support. The neck rest was set for comfort when taking phone calls or micro breaks. The chair was equipped with rotating arm rests, which were height, width and depth adjustable.

James found them very useful when typing as they stopped his shoulders from drooping. The chair rocking mechanism was set to his weight. This allowed him to effortlessly lean back, but more importantly, lean forward with full back support at all times.

James has returned to work full time. The sciatica, that he experienced before, has diminished and stiffness from getting up from sitting for long periods has disappeared.  He is delighted with the support the chair offers.

What Is The Best Office Chair For Back Pain?

The RH Logic 400 is widely regarded as the best ergonomic office chair to help manage pain.

The big advantage of the Logic 400 is that the chair moves with you, ensuring that your back is constantly supported at all times.The RH Logic 400's design is inspired by the human form, and by two joints in particular - the knee and the hip, and is excellent for people who need to be able to spend long periods of the day resting and periods of the day active.

One of the best things about the fluid mechanism on the RH Logic 400 range is the minimal movement of the front of the seat when leaning backward - Your feet remain in contact with the floor, minimising pressure on the underside of your thigh.

Additionally the backrest height remains constant regardless of the seat angle so the lumbar support is always in the correct position.

The Logic 400 has a high backrest with padding to provide support between the shoulders and pronounced support for the curve of the back to provide optimum sitting comfort. The backrest narrows towards the top to allow greater freedom of movement for the arms.

You will notice the effect as soon as you sit down. First of all, the vertical movement of the front of the seat is minimal when leaning backward or forward. Your feet always remain in contact with the floor, minimising the pressure against the underside of your thighs, which eliminates numbness due to restricted blood circulation.

Secondly, the backrest height remains constant, regardless of the seat angle. Consequently the lumbar support is always in the correct position, which helps facilitate an upright posture.

The RH Logic 400 can be adapted to suit the individual, taking into account their height and weight so that the correct loading is placed on the body.

The degree of neck and lumbar support needed is also taken into account, resulting in a chair that fits you, follows your smallest movement and gives you full strain relief, support and comfort. Your back is fully supported in every sitting position.

Why Do Office Workers Suffer From Back Pain And Musculoskeletal Pain?

Traditionally, the office was considered a low hazard area and the office worker considered the least likely to have back problems and musculoskeletal disorders. Most office jobs are now dependent on computers and so, office workers are exposed to a number of health risks.

Problems can result from sedentary work, working in prolonged static postures in awkward positions due to incorrect workstation set up and poor quality seating.

Back pain is the most common work related problem in the office and is major cause of absenteeism. We were not designed to sit in an office 8 hours a day.  Static and poor postures are a major source of musculoskeletal pain especially back pain.

Ergonomic Office Chairs Prevent Back Pain

A good ergonomic chair is a vital tool in promoting good posture and preventing back pain in the office.

Occupational Health Professionals are increasingly advocating the use of chairs that encourage dynamic and active sitting. This is one of the main reasons the RH Logic 400 is so successful in alleviating back pain. The movement pattern of the Logic 400 chair mimics the movement of the human body.  You will notice the effect as soon as you sit down.  The chairs can be adapted to suit the individual, taking into account their height and weight so that the correct loading is placed on the body.  The lumbar support is always in the correct position, regardless of your movements, which helps facilitate an upright posture.


Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which are defined as bone, joint or muscle problems affecting the back and upper and lower limbs, are the most common cause of occupational ill-health. People who work in offices are among the most likely to suffer MSDs.  Keyboard and mouse work cause more MSDs than handling heavy weights. Back pain is by far the most common MSD problem.

The RH Logic 400 from KOS Ergonomic Solutions has improved the lives of many office and industrial workers with severe back pain.

KOS Ergonomic Solutions can be contacted at 01 6110 200 or 0504 43341