What does the term ergonomic mean? Have you ever sat in an ergonomic office chair before? These are specially designed chairs that are made to fit your body’s natural curves. They are made with your spine’s natural curvature in mind so that you don’t have to worry about any stress on your back while you work.
So you’ve heard about ergonomic office chairs, but do you know what they are?
You may or may not be aware of the serious health implications of prolonged sitting, and why this is a cause for concern for all of us who spend over 30 hours per week sitting at our work desks. That’s why an ergonomic office chair can help to make your work life much healthier!
An ergonomic chair, for instance, is a chair designed to provide optimal support for the human body, taking into account factors such as posture, comfort, support, and health.
Having an ergonomic office chair can be important for a number of reasons. Being comfortable in your work environment is one, but there are other benefits to having a chair that works for you. If you’re not sure whether or not your current office chair is truly ergonomic, you could be exposing yourself to chronic back and neck pain and that’s no way to live life! If you want to take control over your well-being and create a healthier work environment, it might be time to invest in an ergonomic office chair. Here are some tips on how to ensure you pick out one that works for you!
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How can you tell if your office chair is ergonomic?
Many chairs have a label that lists essential information about them. But, even if your chair is ergonomic, that doesn’t mean it will be comfortable. If your chair isn’t ergonomic but is still comfortable, you could put yourself at risk for long-term back problems. For example, one study found that up to 97% of office workers have low back pain—and 80% suffer from neck and shoulder pain as well. That’s a huge number! And a lot of these issues can be prevented or remedied with an ergonomic office chair.
The Features Of The Best Ergonomic Chairs
Seat Height:
You want your feet flat on the floor when you sit, so make sure you choose a chair with an adjustable seat height that will work for you! Adjustable seats are important because everyone’s height varies. And since most desks are at fixed heights, (unless you have a height-adjustable desk) it’s important that your seat height can adjust. A seat height that ranges from 16 to 21 inches off the floor will suit the majority of people.
Seat Width and Depth:
Proper seat depth should leave between 2 and 4 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. If the seat is too far forward, it may put undue pressure on your knees which could lead to knee pain or injury.
Seat Tilt:
A good ergonomic chair will allow you to tilt your seat back, which allows you to maintain a neutral pelvis while you sit. The anterior pelvic tilt is a posture problem that affects almost everyone who sits a lot, so it’s important to keep your pelvis in a neutral position when you sit with 80-degree angles at your hips, knees, and ankles.
Backrest Lumbar Support:
A comfortable seat will not only make you feel better but it will help you work better! When you are seated, your spine curves inward slightly so that your head is closer to your stomach. An ergonomic chair supports your natural ‘S’ shape and prevents slumping which reduces stress on your spine and pelvis. With an adjustable backrest, you can align the curve in your seat with the curve in your spine for optimal support.
Reclining Backrest:
An adjustable backrest allows you to tailor your position with ease, making it easier on your spine. With the backrest supporting your natural spine position throughout the day, you’ll feel less pressure on your spinal disks and muscles.
Swivel:
An ergonomic chair swivels so that users are able to move about their desks without straining themselves excessively.
Armrests:
Armrests help to reduce tension in the upper body and allow the shoulders to relax. However, armrests should not be used when typing as this reduces overall arm movement, which in turn increases wrist movement leading to strain on the forearm muscles. This is because when we use armrests when typing, it decreases the range of motion in our arms and restricts the wrists from moving properly.
Headrest:
The back of the head and upper neck are supported, reducing tension in the shoulders and upper torso.
Materials:
A good ergonomic chair should not cause the user’s back to sweat. This depends on the budget; high-end ergonomic chairs will use leather or velvet.
Wheels:
If your workplace/home office is carpeted, opt for hard wheels to help you navigate better. If your chair will be used on a hard surface, find a chair with soft rubber wheels.
Why is having an ergonomic office chair important?
Having an ergonomic office chair can be important for a number of reasons. Being comfortable in your work environment is one, but there are other benefits to having a chair that works for you. If you’re not sure whether or not your current office chair is truly ergonomic, you could be exposing yourself to chronic back and neck pain and that’s no way to live life! If you want to take control over your well-being and create a healthier work environment, it might be time to invest in an ergonomic office chair. Here are some tips on how to ensure you pick out one that works for you!
Things To Consider When Searching For An Ergonomic Chair
It’s important to consider how long you will be using your new ergonomic office chair each day before you purchase it. It’s important to take into account the amount of time you will spend on your new chair before you make your purchase decision.
