Expert insights from Dr. Kurt Armstrong
Table of Contents
Why Spine Health Starts at Your Desk
What is most of our time spent doing? Sitting!
From remote meetings to late-night emails, the modern home office has become our daily environment and it’s taking a quiet toll on our bodies. According to Dr. Kurt Armstrong, a chiropractic specialist with over 32 years of experience in spinal trauma, orthopedics, and neurology, the damage often starts long before we feel any pain.
In this guide, Dr. Armstrong shares what you really need to know about posture, ergonomic chairs, and how to future-proof your spinal health.
Spinal Health 101: What Most People Don’t Know
Spinal issues don’t always announce themselves. In fact, the most dangerous conditions often develop without pain, because they involve autonomic nerves that don’t trigger warning signals. “Pain is the last symptom to appear in almost any disease process,” Dr. Armstrong explains.
"You have one spine, you better take care of it."
From birth trauma to childhood falls to years of poor posture, spinal deterioration can quietly build over decades. Dr. Armstrong estimates that 8 out of 10 people already have some form of spinal dysfunction, whether they’re aware of it or not.
The Real Cost of Poor Posture
Sitting upright already puts pressure on your lumbar spine. Sitting in a bad chair can add 40–90% more. Over time, this leads to:
Degenerative disc disease
Nerve impingement
Muscle torsion
Organ dysfunction due to interrupted nerve signaling
Every time we slouch, lean forward, or hunch over a phone, we're training our spine into dysfunction.
What Real Ergonomics Looks Like
Many chairs claim to be ergonomic—but most offer only generic solutions, like fixed lumbar bumps or minimal adjustability.
According to Dr. Armstrong, here’s what actually matters:
Customizable lumbar support
Cervical and thoracic support that adapts to posture changes
Adjustable armrests to reduce shoulder strain and promote breathing
“Eureka’s telescoping lumbar support? I haven’t seen anything like it in 32 years.”
Comfort starts with a personalized fit, because no two bodies sit the same.
Our Axion Ergonomic Chair offers 12 points of ergonomic adjustment and our Typhon Hybrid Ergonomic Chair also offers adaptable support.
Typical “Ergonomic” Chair vs. Truly Ergonomic Setup
Feature |
Generic "Ergonomic Chair" |
Dr. Kurt's Ideal Ergonomic Chair |
| Lumbar Support | Fixed, one-size-fits-all | Adjustable, telescoping, custom to curve |
| Cervical/Neck Support | Rare or fixed height | Forward-adjusting, height-and-depth-adjustable |
| Seat Base | Flat or sloped | Slight sacral cutout for tailbone relief |
| Armrests | Fixed or 1D | Multi-directional, pressure relieving |
| Thoracic/Back Fit | Flat or generic curve | Contoured to embrace upper spine |
Gamers & Teens: No Pain Doesn’t Mean No Problem
Dr. Armstrong warns that the absence of pain is not proof of health—especially in young people.
“Teenagers sitting in gaming chairs think, ‘I feel fine.’ But damage takes 15 to 25 years to show up. By the time they’re in their 30s or 40s, degenerative arthritis could already be too far along to reverse.”
Postural issues begin early and accumulate. Don’t wait for the warning light to blink red!
Listen to Your Body
One of Dr. Armstrong’s key tips? Listen to your body, even when it’s quiet. If you're feeling pressure behind your knees, soreness in your lower back after just minutes of sitting, or your shoulders naturally round forward when you relax, it's a sign your chair or setup isn’t serving you. A healthy posture should allow you to:
Sit with your feet flat on the floor
Keep knees at a 90° angle without pressure
Rest your head against a support without leaning forward
Breathe deeply without tension in the chest or shoulders
If any of those feel impossible in your current chair, it’s time to reassess.
Adjusting to Better Posture Takes Time
Switching to a properly designed ergonomic chair may feel awkward—at first. That’s normal. “Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons have adapted to poor posture,” says Dr. Armstrong. “Reversing that takes time and consistency.”
Like wearing orthotics, easing into better alignment is key. Start with shorter sessions, then build up as your body recalibrates.
Think Preventative: Your Spine Needs Maintenance Too
We spend thousands maintaining our cars—but almost nothing on our spines. Dr. Armstrong recommends monthly spinal check-ins and daily ergonomic awareness.
“We’re pulleys and levers. Just like machines, we wear out—unless we’re aligned.”
In addition to chiropractic care, consider:
Monitor height: Keep the top of your screen at or just below eye level to avoid neck strain.
Keyboard alignment: Elbows should rest at your sides, forming roughly a 90° angle.
Micro-movements: Every 30–45 minutes, stand up, stretch, or shift positions to improve circulation and reduce spinal fatigue.
Proper alignment helps with more than just comfort. It improves:
Breathing and circulation
Mental clarity and focus
Long-term energy and resilience
What Chair Designers Should Know (and Most Don’t)
When asked what the industry gets wrong, Dr. Armstrong didn’t hold back:
Most chairs are “one-size-fits-all”—a flawed assumption.
Lumbar support should telescope, not sit static.
Cervical supports should be adjustable forward, not just up and down.
Chairs should accommodate wide hips, tall torsos, and shifting needs.
His vision? A fully adaptive chair that supports spine health across all body types—and all stages of life.
Invest in Alignment Now
Spinal health is one of those things you only notice once it’s compromised—but by then, damage may be irreversible. If you’re investing in a healthier future, it starts with your chair—and a commitment to change the way you sit, move, and work.
Whether you're a gamer, a remote worker, or someone just starting to feel stiffness creep in, the message is the same:
“Take care of your spine now, and it’ll take care of you later.”
Feel the Eureka Difference
If you’re investing in a healthier future, it starts with your chair—and a commitment to change the way you sit, move, and work. Feel the Eureka Difference in every sit, stand, and stretch.
1. What is the best ergonomic home office setup?
The best ergonomic setup supports your spine, encourages movement, and adapts to your body. This usually includes a height-adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair with lumbar support, and proper monitor and keyboard positioning.
2. How can I reduce back pain while working from home?
Taking standing or stretching breaks every 30–60 minutes, and ensuring your chair supports your lower back. Small posture shifts throughout the day also help reduce spinal strain.
3. Is a standing desk better for your back?
Alternating between sitting and standing is ideal. A height-adjustable desk helps you move more throughout the day, which improves circulation and reduces the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
