A guide from your Chiropractor in Stoke-on-Trent to help you sit comfortably this summer
Quick answer: Deckchairs and low-slung garden loungers tend to place the most strain on the lower back and neck, due to poor spinal support and unnatural sitting angles. Garden chairs with firmer, upright backs are generally kinder to your posture. If you are experiencing ongoing back or neck discomfort after long afternoons in the garden, a chiropractor in Stoke-on-Trent can assess your posture and offer practical advice.
Why Garden Seating Matters More Than You Think
Summer in Stoke-on-Trent often means long afternoons in the garden, at Trentham Gardens, or relaxing in a local park with friends and family. But the seating we choose for these moments can have a real impact on our back and neck, particularly if we are sitting for extended periods without proper support.
Unlike an office chair or dining chair, garden seating is rarely designed with posture in mind. It is designed to be light, foldable, and easy to store, which often comes at the cost of proper spinal support. Let’s break down the three most common types.
The Deckchair: Relaxing but Risky
The classic deckchair is a summer favourite, but it is often the worst offender for back and neck strain. Here is why:
- Low seating position: deckchairs sit close to the ground, which means getting in and out often involves an awkward twisting or crouching motion, placing strain on the lower back.
- Sagging fabric: the canvas seat tends to sag in the middle, curving the spine into a C shape rather than supporting its natural curve.
- Reclined angle without neck support: the backward lean can leave the neck unsupported, encouraging you to jut your chin forward to read, chat, or look at your phone.
If you do use a deckchair, try placing a firm cushion behind your lower back to help maintain some natural spinal curve, and take regular breaks to stand and stretch.
The Sun Lounger: Better for Sunbathing, Not for Sitting Upright
Sun loungers are designed primarily for lying flat, and many people use them for reading, working on a laptop, or scrolling on a phone while propped up on one elbow. This can create uneven strain through one side of the neck and shoulder.
If you are using a sun lounger to sit upright rather than lie flat, look for one with an adjustable backrest that can be angled closer to 90 degrees, and use a cushion or rolled towel to support the lower back.
The Garden Chair: Generally the Better Choice
A well-designed garden chair, particularly one with a firm, upright back and armrests, tends to offer better support than a deckchair or sun lounger. Look for:
- A seat height that allows your feet to sit flat on the ground
- A backrest that supports the natural curve of your lower back
- Armrests to reduce strain through the shoulders when getting up and sitting down
Adding a supportive cushion can further help maintain good posture, particularly during long garden gatherings or barbecues.
Tips for Protecting Your Back This Summer
- Change position regularly. Avoid sitting in any one chair for more than 30 to 45 minutes without standing and moving.
- Use cushions for lower back support. A rolled towel or small cushion behind the lower back can make a noticeable difference in softer, sagging seating.
- Mind how you get in and out of low chairs. Bend at the hips and knees rather than twisting through the lower back.
- Keep screens and books at eye level where possible. This helps avoid prolonged neck flexion.
- Stay active between sitting sessions. A short walk around the garden or a few gentle stretches can help ease any stiffness building up.
When Should You See a Chiropractor?
Occasional stiffness after a long afternoon in the garden is common and often eases with movement and rest. However, if you are experiencing recurring or persistent back pain or neck pain, a chiropractor can carry out a full assessment of your posture and spinal movement, and offer tailored advice on seating, stretching, and daily habits that may be contributing to your discomfort.
Chiropractic care is not a treatment or cure for pain caused by any specific chair or seating arrangement, but for people with ongoing musculoskeletal discomfort, an assessment can help identify contributing factors and whether care may be appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are deckchairs bad for your back?
Deckchairs can place strain on the back and neck due to their low seating position, sagging fabric, and lack of proper lumbar support. Using a firm cushion for lower back support and taking regular breaks can help reduce discomfort.
What is the best garden chair for back support?
A garden chair with a firm, upright backrest, armrests, and a seat height that allows your feet to rest flat on the ground tends to offer the best support. Adding a supportive cushion can further improve posture during long periods of sitting.
Can sitting in a sun lounger cause neck pain?
Yes, particularly if you are propped up on one elbow to read or use a phone, as this can create uneven strain through the neck and shoulder. Using an adjustable backrest closer to an upright position can help reduce this.
Is there a chiropractor near Trentham Gardens for back pain after a day out?
Yes, our clinic serves patients from across Stoke-on-Trent, including those visiting Trentham Gardens and the surrounding area. If a day spent sitting in the gardens or parkland has left you with back or neck discomfort, we offer thorough assessments to help identify the cause.
Do you see patients from Hanley for posture and back pain assessments?
Yes, we welcome patients from Hanley and the wider Stoke-on-Trent area. Whether your discomfort has developed from garden seating, work posture, or another cause, our team can carry out a full assessment and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Our Stoke Chiros at City Chiropractic Clinic are Here to Help
Don’t let a day of sunshine leave you stiff for a week. If your garden chair, deckchair or sun lounger has left your back feeling worse for wear, our chiropractic team at City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke-on-Trent is here to help you get back to feeling comfortable and moving freely.
Book an appointment online with your Chiropractor in Stoke-on-Trent today or call our clinic on 01782 848 184 and let’s sort out that stiffness before it settles in for the summer.
This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Chiropractic treatment plans are tailored to the individual following a full consultation and examination.