Sitting is rightly called the new smoking today, as the effects of a sedentary lifestyle have long-term repercussions. Working in an office entails spending hours together sitting in an office chair. This position adds to the stress on the spine leading to or compounding existing back problems. Back pain is ranked second in the leading cause of distress due to disease in Australia.
One cannot completely do away with sitting in our workplaces. So, the best support one could offer their body while sitting is by providing it with a good chair. An ergonomic chair relieves stress and supports the lower back. It is also beneficial in promoting good posture.
What is the best kind of ergonomic chair?
There are several types of ergo chairs available in the market today. Some features will help one choose the appropriate model and design. These aspects will aid the user in making the chair suit their specific needs. Some of the features that you should look at while purchasing an ergo chair are:
- Adjustable seat height
- Headrest
- Lumbar support
- Weight Tension
- Back Height
- Seat Depth
What are the features that an ergonomic office chair should possess?
Taking into account the conventional style, the features that an ergonomic chair should have are:
1. Seat Height:
An office chair should be conveniently adjustable. The presence of a pneumatic adjustment lever enables this. A seat height that is between 16 and 21 inches seems comfortable for most people. This quality gives room for the user to place their feet flat on the ground. A good posture includes placing thighs horizontally and arms at an even length with the desk, preferably in or below the elbow height. This state relieves most stress.
2. Seat Depth and Width:
The seat should ideally have ample width and depth to support all users comfortably. 17-20 inches is the usual standard. The depth has to be enough for the user to sit with their back against the backrest. While leaving a few inches between the knee and the edge of the seat. Having adjustable settings makes it easier for the user to customise it to suit their needs.
3. Lumbar support:
Lower back support is vital to spine health. The spine has an inward curve, which has to be supported. In the absence of it, the spine curves leading to slouching. This condition leads to the structures in the lower spine getting strained, leading to sustained backaches. Therefore, an ergo chair should have a lumbar adjustment for both depth and height.
4. Armrests:
Armrests allow the user’s hands to rest comfortably and the shoulders to be relaxed. Adjustable armrests add to the user’s comfort.
5. Swivel:
A well-designed chair should enable easy swivel motion to aid the user in reaching any part of their desk without straining.
6. Seat material:
Yes, the material is essential while considering the needed features in a chair. A cloth fabric provides a breathable space, and the chair should have enough padding to offer comfort for an extended period.
Conclusion:
Considering the number of people facing the burden of back pain in the modern world, it is a grave issue that needs to be taken care of immediately. On the one hand, companies invest in ergonomic office furniture for productivity reasons. Anyone who spends long hours sitting should make a conscious choice in buying the right kind of support for their spine.
