Are you suffering from chronic back pain?
You aren’t alone since over 8% of American adults suffer from persistent back pain. As a result, their daily activities aren’t as expansive. Regardless, back pain is the sixth most expansive condition in the country.
If you want to avoid worsening your pain, your first move is to improve posture. To ensure consistency, invest in an ergonomic office chair. Read on as we discuss what to look for:
- Proper Seat Height
Your ergonomic office chair must have an adjustable seat height. The most common feature is a pneumatic adjustment lever.
As for the height, it ranges from 16 to 21 inches off the floor.
This height is enough for most people’s feet to fall flat on the floor. At the same time, your thighs remain horizontal while your arms are at the same height as the desk. If you want your chair to be more mobile, buy casters now.
- Proper Seat Width and Depth
Your seat must have enough space to help reduce back pain. The standard width for office chairs ranges between 17 and 20 inches.
Your chosen chair’s depth must be enough to ensure you can sit with your back against the backrest.
It should leave around 2 to 4 inches of space between the chair seat and the back of your knees. Maximize your comfort by ensuring the tilt is adjustable.
- Lumbar Support
The lumbar spine curves inwards, and sitting for a long time without support leads to slouching. It flattens the natural curve and strains your lower spine structures. The best ergonomic chairs should enable lumbar adjustment.
Look for chairs with adjustment features for both height and depth. It allows for consistent lower back support to ensure your inward curve remains natural.
- Backrest
An ergonomic office chair must have a 12 to 19 inches-wide backrest. If it’s separate from the seat, ensure their length and angle are adjustable. The chair must support your natural spinal curve, as stated in the section above.
If your office chair combines the seat and the backrest, the latter must have an adjustable angle. It should come with a locking mechanism to maintain the right angle. It prevents you from going too far backward and developing one of the primary causes of back pain—poor posture.
- Seat Material
Your office chair seat and backrest must have sufficient padding for comfort. It’s an important consideration when you plan to sit for prolonged periods. The chair should have a breathable cloth fabric instead of a hard surface.
- Armrests
The armrest must be adjustable to ensure a healthy work environment. It must be comfortable and allow your shoulders to relax. Your forearm should never be on the armrest while you’re typing.
Buy an Ergonomic Office Chair Now
These are some factors to consider when buying an ergonomic office chair. Use these to ensure workplace safety, even when you’re working from home.
However, finding the right chair is only the start. If you’re running a company, you must develop the right company culture soon.
