Having a camping chair when going camping is a major advantage. It allows you to unwind after all the heavy work you performed to set up your camp.
However, camping chairs, like any other chair, can be harmful to your back if used incorrectly or for a lengthy period. Sitting on a camping chair for an extended amount of time might put too much strain on your lower back, causing discomfort and suffering. Some camping chairs also lack adequate lumbar support, which leads to bad posture and tension in the back muscles. Taking frequent rests and stretching your muscles is critical for reducing the risk of back discomfort when using a camping chair. You may also seek for seats with enough lumbar support and adapt them to your body’s requirements. You must also maintain proper sitting posture, avoiding slouching or hunching over.
Why is a Camping Chair Bad for Your Back?
First and foremost, sitting for a long time in any chair can put pressure on the lower back, causing discomfort and suffering. This is not unique to camping chairs, but rather a common problem for anybody who spends a large amount of time sitting.
However, several elements unique to camping chairs may increase back discomfort. For example, some camping chairs lack adequate lumbar support, resulting in poor posture and tension in the back muscles.
A camping chair can be harmful to your back for several reasons.
Let’s look at them.
No Lumbar Support
Lack of support can cause significant pressure on your back. Camping chairs are meant to be portable and foldable. As a result, they provide insufficient lumbar support for your back. Sitting on these chairs for extended periods causes your spine to bend abnormally, resulting in back or shoulder pain.
To avoid this problem, lay a tiny, lightweight cushion to support your back. It is not a permanent remedy, but it is effective.
Incorrect Posture
Sitting on my camping chair, I frequently find myself slouching or hunching forward, putting more pressure on my lower back. Camping seats typically push you into an unnatural posture, and sitting in the wrong position can cause severe back discomfort.
If you’re sitting on uneven ground or a slope, you may have to take an odd position to avoid falling. This might result in discomfort and agony over time.
That is why it is critical to sit properly. To avoid future difficulties, always sit upright and maintain a straight spine.
Low-Quality Material
As an avid camper, I’ve used a good number of camping chairs. In addition to other aspects, the material of your camping chair might have a significant impact on your back discomfort.
Budget camping chairs have frames made of low-quality aluminum or plastic tubing. This causes them to bow when you sit on them, which further disrupts your posture.
Because they are comprised of rigid materials, they do not provide adequate padding for your back or shoulders. If you sit in one of these chairs for an extended period, you may get back discomfort.
To address this problem, always use high-quality camping seats. Although they are not inexpensive, they feature a robust foundation that can hold your weight.
Limited Mobility
Camping may be hard at times, and the prospect of reclining on your camping chair after all that effort might be appealing. But you have to be cautious here.
Sitting in a camping chair for an extended period of time will prevent proper blood flow throughout your body. This causes stiffness and soreness in your back. Sitting on my camping chair for lengthy periods of time causes my back to stiffen and uncomfortable owing to limited movement.
So, when you’re camping, consider taking a brief walk or promenade every now and then to keep your body active.
Tips to Avoid Back Pain on a Camping Chair
Now that you understand why a camping chair might cause back discomfort, let’s move on to some methods for avoiding back pain while using your camping chair. These ideas can help you prevent back discomfort and have an amazing camping experience:
Use a Camping Chair With Proper Back Support
As previously said, back support is critical to avoiding back pain when sitting in any chair, let alone a camping chair. Always get a camping chair with a decent back support system. Look for chairs with lumbar support and an adjustable backrest.
If you already have an old chair with no back support, you can add a pillow or cushion to help support your back.
You may also bring a lumbar pillow with you. This cushion fits exactly into the curve of your lower back, giving your spine extra support.
Use a Footrest
Using a footrest might help you maintain excellent posture and relieve tension in your back muscles. You may use a small stool, a cooler, or even a stack of books as a footrest. Place your feet on the footrest, with your knees at a 90-degree angle and your hips slightly higher than the knees.
Maintain Correct Posture
Your sitting position is a big contributor to back discomfort. So, as you sit in your camping chair, remember to keep an proper posture.
Try sitting up straight, shoulders relaxed, feet level on the ground. Keep your knees at a 90-degree angle and your hips slightly higher than your knees. Avoid slouching, as it puts unneeded strain on your back muscles.
Take Regular Breaks
When sitting for an extended amount of time, it is essential to take short rests.
Get up and walk about every 30 to 60 minutes to get your blood flowing and lessen the chances of stiffness and discomfort. You can go on a stroll, stretch your muscles, or perform some gentle exercises.
Drink Enough Water
Staying hydrated is vital while camping, especially if you spend most of your time sitting on a chair. Dehydration can induce muscular cramping and stiffness, resulting in back discomfort.
Remember to drink lots of water and consume it throughout the day to keep your muscles hydrated and healthy.
Conclusion
Using your camping chair for a lengthy amount of time might cause severe back discomfort. If you plan to go camping, you will need a nice quality camping chair.
A low-quality camping chair may cause back discomfort for a variety of reasons:
1. No lumbar support.
2. The chair material is low-grade.
3. Incorrect or poor posture
4. Limited mobility.
Back discomfort from a camping chair might ruin your trip, but it doesn’t have to. To reduce the chance of back discomfort, do the following:
- Select a high-quality chair with enough back support or use a lumbar cushion.
• Use a footrest to help support your legs.
• Maintain appropriate posture when sitting on your chair.
• Take regular pauses while sitting to move or conduct mild exercise.
• Stretch your muscles every hour to maintain proper blood flow.
• Stay hydrated during the trip. Staying hydrated promotes muscular health.
