When you’re working in an office, you typically spend most of your time sitting in a chair in front of your desk. While sitting down when working is better than standing, it still adds stress to your spine’s structures. This situation can lead to problems with your lower back or aggravate any existing lumbar problem.
Many modern offices are providing their employees with a comfortable office chair, typically an ergonomic chair to reduce stress and help employees work better.
How to choose the best ergonomic chair
When you say ergonomic chair, it does not only mean a standard chair with the right curvature to make the user remain comfortable while sitting down.
There are several types of ergonomic chairs. If will be difficult to pinpoint which one is the best as there are factors to consider to make an ergonomic chair a good choice for the one who will use it. Since each person has a particular need or working habits, the chair you choose should work well for you.
Features to consider
We already established that you need an ergonomic chair to make you more comfortable while you work. A good ergonomic chair will relieve the usual office work-related stresses, aches and pains. It will minimize injuries and allow you to work long hours without too much discomfort. So, when it comes to features you should consider, here they are.
- Seat height. Choose an office chair with a well-padded adjustable seat height. For most people, the most comfortable height from the floor should be around 16 to 21 inches, with the feet flat on the floor or a footrest. Your thighs should be horizontal to the seat and your arms should be resting nearly flush to the desk.
- Width and depth of the seat. The ideal seat should have ample width and depth to support the user’s body. Look for a chair with a seat width of around 17 to 20 inches. The depth of the seat (measured from the seat’s front to back) should be enough so the user can sit with their back against the chair’s backrest. There should be space between the back of the knees and the front of the chair seat of around two to four inches. You should be able to adjust the chair’s forward or backward tilt.
- Lower back support. Support for your lower back is vital in an ergonomic chair. Your spine at the lumbar region curves inward. The absence of support while sitting down for long periods will cause you to slouch and strain the lower spine. A good ergonomic chair should have adjustable lumbar support.
- This part’s width should be between 12 and 19 inches. If it’s separate from the seat, it must be adjustable in angle and height. If it’s in one piece, the forward and back angles should be adjustable and locked into place.
- The armrests should be adjustable as well, to allow the shoulders and arms to relax. The length should allow the elbows and lower arms to rest on them lightly and comfortably.
- A good ergonomic chair should rotate easily to prevent the user from straining their muscles to reach different areas of the desk.
These are the features you must consider. Shop around as there are stores that specialize in ergonomic chairs, table, and peripherals like mice and keyboards.
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