Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball?

Q: For back pain relief, is it better to sit on an ergonomic chair or a fitness ball?

Paule / Canada

If you work at a desk, your choice of desk chair is important. For back pain relief, a properly fitted ergonomic chair is generally the best choice. An ergonomic chair will help you maintain correct posture and provide maximum support for your back. For some people, however, there may still be a role for a fitness ball at work. Sitting on a fitness ball encourages good posture and promotes core strength. You'll also have more freedom to move while you're seated, which can be helpful if your back pain is aggravated by prolonged sitting. On the downside, holding yourself on a fitness ball requires good balance. It can be tiring, and some people find it uncomfortable. You might want to experiment with various types of desk chairs to find out what feels best for you. Sometimes alternating between chairs throughout the day is an option, too.