How To Choose An Ergonomic Office Chair For Back Health

ADVERTISEMENT

Do not skimp on a good ergonomic chair for back health if you have an office job that involves sitting down for large portions of the day.

Why Choosing An Ergonomic Chair For Back Health Is Essential

Using an ergonomic chair for back health is a good investment for good posture and supporting the lower back.

Making Your Selection

Not all office chairs are created equal, but it is important to choose an ergonomic office chair that is not only comfortable and suited to your office environment, but also good for your back. Don’t settle for a chair that is cheaper but uncomfortable, as you will be spending a lot of time sitting on it. On the other hand, an executive chair that is too comfortable might not offer proper back support. Looking at the individual components of the chairs can help you to make a more informed decision.

Seat Properties To Look For - Are Big And Tall Office Chairs Better?

There are a couple of very important factors related to the seat of any ergonomic office chair to look for when making your selection. One is the ability to easily adjust the seat to the correct height. Most good office chairs feature a pneumatic adjustment lever to accomplish this with ease. Before purchasing the chair, make sure that you are able to adjust the seat so that you are able to sit with both feet flat on the floor and your thighs horizontal. Knowing the height of your desk can be handy as your arms should be even with the desk height when you are seated.

For comfort and support, the width and depth of the chair are just as important. Make sure that the depth of the seat is adequate for your back to reach the backrest while still leaving a small gap between the seat and back of your knees. Without this gap, you will be sitting forward which can cause strain on your legs and back. In addition, the material of the seat is often overlooked. It should be padded enough to provide comfort even during extended periods of sitting. Ideally, you should look for cloth fabric material instead of hard surfaces - and for big and tall office chairs which can fully support your back.

Backrest Properties To Look For

The backrest of your ergonomic desk chair is what will be protecting your spine, so choose one that is at least 12 to 19 inches in width. Some chairs have backrests that are separate from the seat, but these should still be adjustable in both angle and height. A good backrest supports the curve of the spine and provides adequate lumbar region support.

Lumbar Support Properties To Look For

Because lower back pain is such a common issue for people with desk jobs, it is vital that the chair you choose has proper lumbar support. Chairs that feature an adjustable lumbar system for the position and firmness will allow you to sit correctly. This means better blood flow to the brain because oxygen can move freely throughout the body, which can help to improve your focus at work. When sitting in an ergonomic desk chair with proper lumbar support, your lower back should rest against the lumbar support in a comfortable manner.

Other Chair Properties To Look For

When it comes to office chairs, you will want one with a swivel base as this provides you with more mobility and less need for straining. Chairs with more spokes on the base typically offer better stability and less risk of the chair tipping over when you recline in it. Don’t forget to take a look at the quality of the casters on the base of the chair and make sure that they will be able to move freely over the floor surface in your office. Armrests that are adjustable are also great to have; you should be able to position them in such a manner that your arms rest comfortably.

When choosing an ergonomic chair for back health, it is better if you are able to try out the chair before making the purchase. This way, you will be able to get a real feel for the chair and know whether or not it is something you can make use of on a daily basis. This is also helpful when buying chairs, such as a standing desk chair, that you might not have any previous experience with. The last thing you want is to purchase a standing desk chair only to find out that you would rather prefer a more traditional office chair. It doesn’t matter whether you end up choosing an executive chair or ergonomic desk chair, as long as you make sure all the basics for back health are covered.