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Sit with a difference: the lowdown on the kneeling chair

Getting bogged down by back pain? Experts give you the lowdown on the kneeling chair

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Backaches are a problem faced by many these days, especially those who sit working for long hours on a desk. But not many are aware of the kneeling chair. It might sound like a chair meant for punishment but it is actually the opposite. This specialised chair can help one with their back pain issues by helping maintain a better posture. We asked experts for a guide on the kneeling chair.

What is it?

“A kneeling chair is used to maintain posture. The curvature of the lower back is strained while sitting on a right angle position. But, the kneeling chair keeps the thighs bent and maintains the posture while sitting, the body weight is borne by the shin bone. It is not technically kneeling but supports the shins and the pressure is passed on to the shin bones,” explains Dr Nikhil Iyer, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Zen hospitals. The kneeling chair is not a new invention, it’s been around for some years in the market.

Who should use it?

Individuals who have mechanical back pain are recommended a kneeling chair. That’s a very common back pain anybody can have in today’s lifestyle, opines Dr Vijaya Baskar, Lead of Rehabilitation, Nightingales Home Health Specialist, who has recommended kneeling chair to patients, but not in India, because it is not easily available. However, he makes an important point saying, not all people with backache will get benefit of this chair. And not all backache patients are recommended this.

Dr Iyer, who has occasionally recommended the kneeling chair for adults, says that those sitting and working for long hours and especially for those with prior backaches, the kneeling chair is advised. “This is true of many individuals in the corporate sector but often it is their office management who can take a call on the kind of chairs available in offices," he says.

Can children use it?

Sometimes, even adolescents tend to complain of backaches. In such cases, is the kneeling chair advisable for children? “Yes, children can use it but again I would say that people who have issues with their back can use this chair. Personally, I won’t recommend the kneeling chair to kids. That’s because they are growing, they have to train their body according to the environment,” reasons out Dr Baskar.

Cost and purchasing

Though not easily available in India, the kneeling chair can be purchased online. The cost varies anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 depending on brand and variety. A person with mild back pain can benefit from this chair however, it is advisable to purchase one under the guidance of a doctor. Do not self-prescribe.

Purchasing

“Despite the umpteen variants of kneeling chairs, one should always opt for the one with good padding and soft upholstery. Always opt for a modern kneeling chair than the older version,” recommends Dr Tejas D Upasani, Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Upasani Hospital. 

There are not many variants available in India, the common two-seater for resting the knees and to sit is usually available, informs Dr Iyer adding that there is another variant which can be preferred, it comes with a saddle and has a contour. It provides stability and does not pressurise the shin bones as the weight does not pass on to the shins.

Who shouldn’t use it?

The posture of the chair is in such a way that you have to bend your knee and then you have to sit. It’s easy for people in their 30s and 40s to get in and get out. For those who are obese, it’s difficult for them to sit and then get up. And for older people, it’s tough. So they should not use this chair because it’s really awkward for them, advises Dr Baskar. Dr Upasani says that anyone with a spine or knee surgery should not be using a kneeling chair. 

Once a person gets used to the kneeling chair, won’t it become a habit? “Anything that is comfortable becomes a habit gradually but there is no harm in using this chair regularly. But the elderly should be wary of this chair as their spines are stiff and it’s difficult to get a curvature,” cautions Dr Iyer.

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