Person sitting on sofa using a Putnams sofa support

From Sofa to Support: Why Your Couch Isn’t Helping Your Back

Sep 04, 2025

Have you ever wondered why your back hurts after sitting on a sofa for just a short while? Many people experience sofa back pain after lounging, working, or napping on their couch, not realising how much a couch not good for back health can contribute to lasting discomfort. While sofas are designed for relaxation, they're rarely made with the best way to sit on sofa or proper sitting posture on couch in mind.

Over time, these issues can lead to stiffness, soreness, or even chronic pain.

But don’t worry, learning how to protect your back while lounging is easier than you might expect. With a few simple changes and the right accessories, you can make your couch more supportive for your back and enjoy pain-free lounging.

Let’s explore why your couch may not be supporting you, and how you can change that.

Why Sofas Can Cause Back Pain

The Soft Cushion Trap

Sofas often feature soft, plush cushions that let you sink in.

This may feel comfortable at first, but too much softness means your spine loses support. A lack of lumbar support puts excess pressure on your lower back and makes your muscles work harder, one big reason for sofa back pain and why so many people wonder “why my back hurts after sitting on sofa” for extended periods.

The Posture Problem Most People Don’t Notice

Most people unconsciously adopt poor sitting posture on the couch, slouching, slumping, or twisting into awkward positions. It is estimated that we spend over 20 hours per week 'relaxing' on the sofa.

Are you guilty of 'couch slouch'?

For instance, tucking your legs under or stretching out sideways can cause your pelvis to misalign, making your couch not good for back health at all.

Scientific studies, including research from the National Institutes of Health, have shown that staying in poor posture for too long reduces spinal disc height and increases the risk of chronic lower back pain. So, the longer you keep bad habits, the more likely you are to suffer from discomfort.

Couch Potato Work Risks

Working remotely from your sofa might sound appealing, but spending hours without proper sofa posture support is a recipe for muscle tension and spinal problems. Even if your sofa is comfortable, it's not the best way to sit on sofa for your back.

Whilst we are all ultra-aware of correct sitting practices at work, it isn't uncommon to forget those when we get home.

Memory Foam Back Support - I bought this to use on my office chair but have moved it to the settee as I needed some lumbar support there, and it works very well. It's small and neat and stays in place with the weight. Would recommend. - Robert G

How to Lounge Without Hurting Your Spine

Good lounging doesn’t have to be bad for your back. Here’s how to protect your back while lounging and enjoying relaxation at home:

1. Find the Best Way to Sit on a Sofa

To minimise strain and prevent sofa back pain, keep these seated posture tips in mind:

Sit upright, using the backrest for support.
Keep both feet flat on the floor, knees at a right angle.
Avoid slumping, crossing your legs for long periods, or perching on the edge.

If you need more support, Putnams’ lumbar support cushions are among the best cushions for sofa posture, instantly making your couch more supportive where it matters most.

2. Choose the Right Support Materials

Not every couch was designed with your back in mind. That’s where accessories can help:

Putnams Lumbar Support Cushions & Wedges

Adding a lumbar cushion or back wedge from Putnams can improve your sitting posture on the couch dramatically. These products help maintain your spine’s natural curve, reducing muscle strain and preventing bad habits that make your couch not good for back care.

Putnams Leg Wedges and Pressure Cushions

Leg positioning matters for spinal alignment. Elevating your legs with a leg wedge can ease pressure on your lower back, while a high-quality pressure cushion evenly distributes your weight, helping create the best way to sit on a sofa for people prone to discomfort. Putnams offers some of the best cushions for sofa posture, designed for all users.

3. Adjust and Move Regularly

No posture, even perfect, should last forever. Stand up, stretch, and move around every 20–30 minutes to reduce stiffness and further protect your back while lounging.

Lumbar Support with adjustable strap - D, 4" & 5" Rolls - I have now bought several of these cushions, for myself and for friends. Without exception, they have proved beneficial in supporting the back and avoiding lower back pain. Buy Putnams, other makes are hard and ineffective. - Jake A

Support Solutions That Work With Any Sofa

You don’t need a new sofa to make your couch more supportive. Simple changes can turn almost any couch into a haven for your back:

Try Putnams lumbar cushions to support your lower back.
Use a back wedge to encourage healthy alignment.
Add a pressure-relief cushion to improve comfort and reduce the risk of stiffness.

All these products, recommended for those asking how to make a couch more supportive, work seamlessly with most sofas, adapting to your lifestyle.

Whether you love binge-watching or reading, these easy upgrades can help you enjoy your lounge time with confidence and comfort.

Why Back-Friendly Lounging Matters

Better sofa posture support can change your daily comfort and help you avoid long-term issues. Preventing sofa back pain isn’t just about feeling better now; it’s about maintaining overall health and mobility as the years go by.

Putnams’ products make it easy to personalise your sofa setup, delivering the best cushions for sofa posture, ergonomic wedges, and practical solutions for every need.

... and Relax

Your sofa doesn’t have to mean back pain. With thoughtful changes and the right support, you can build healthy habits and maximise comfort.

Let Putnams help you find the best way to sit on a sofa, discover the best cushions for sofa posture, and truly make your couch more supportive, so you can relax and feel your best every day.