Your spine is comprised of vertebrae like a stack of bones. At your lower back, this stack normally curves in. In between these vertebrae is a separate disk, and like an ice pack, it is strong on the outside and full of gel in the inside. If your vertebrae decide to stay in their normal position, the space in between the vertebrae and the disks are evenly filled with this "gel".
When leaning forward, the vertebrae pushes all of the gel to the rear of the back. This motion compresses the nerves that exit the spine to the central nervous system. In response, the nerve tightens up your back muscles, thinking it is supposed to contract the lower muscles in your back. With this continued movement, the muscles slowly pull the vertebrae further out of line while pushing the gel further back against the nerves.
This can become a vicious circle that once started, is hard to stop and can take quite some time to correct. Your back muscles, constantly being contracted are starting to ache and at the end of your work day it is hard to get comfortable in other seating. This same nerve that runs through the spine also runs down the leg to the feet and toes. Without treatment, the buttocks, legs and foot can also start to feel the pain. In the worst case scenario, the "ice pack gel" can completely break open and you can be in for a long recovery.
Proper lumbar support is necessary for prevention of muscle and nervous system issues when seated at your workstation. Without this prevention, serious injuries can occur and workplace production can be completely put on hold. Proper lumbar support can be found in most good office chairs. Make sure when shopping for your chair that it has the back support needed for your work hours.
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