Choosing A Better Office Chair: Ergonomic Features To Look For
When your job requires you to spend hours every day behind a desk, your choice in office furniture is important. Sitting for long periods of time can be uncomfortable and unhealthy for your body, particularly if you don't have ergonomics in mind when you choose the furniture you're using. Luckily, you don't have to invest thousands of dollars into an ergonomic office chair. Here are a few tips to help you pick one that will work for you on almost any budget.
Cushioned, Soft Support
Hard chairs aren't going to provide your body and your tailbone with the necessary cushion. In fact, chairs without sufficient cushion will put strain on your tailbone, which can radiate into your lower back. Choose a chair with a cushioned and supportive seat so that your tailbone doesn't become compressed. The soft cushion and the support will help you protect your joints and your back.
Flexible Seat Positioning
Your chair height is important to your general comfort. Look for a chair that has a height adjustment so that you can position it properly. You'll want your feet flat on the floor with your thighs resting evenly and parallel to the floor. This keeps your lower body supported in such a way that your arms can rest level with the desk to reach the keyboard shelf easily. This takes the strain off your joints and muscle groups and makes it easier to keep your spine straight.
Adjustable Arm Rests
You might not think of arm rests as a significant feature in your chair, but they can be far more important than you'd think. Arm rests provide necessary support for your elbows, shoulders and neck muscles. Look for a chair that has adjustable arm rests, because that allows you to position them at a height that works for your body structure. For the best possible support, you'll want your arms comfortably supported when you aren't using the keyboard. You should be able to keep your shoulders relaxed with your elbows slightly bent.
Stable Back Rest
The back rest on your chair provides crucial support for your spine. Look for a chair with an adjustable, strong back rest. The adjustment is important, because it gives you the freedom to put the support where you need it most. Whenever possible, choose one that even offers a tilt lever for the back support. Tilting the support forward slightly will help you keep your back straight. When the chair back leans backward, it encourages you to slouch. This can not only lead to postural problems, but it can also strain your back.
Strong Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is important for your lower back, because it helps to reinforce the natural curve to your back. If you choose a chair that has a lumbar control, you can add the support to your lower back where you need it the most. If you find a chair that has all of the other features but is missing lumbar support, you can compromise by rolling up a towel and strapping it to the chair back. You'll want it to sit where your lower back meets the chair for the best support. This is important, because it can help you avoid some of the long-term curvature problems, such as postural kyphosis.
Ergonomics are an important consideration for your office furniture, especially when it comes to your chair. With the tips presented here, you'll know what features to look for in your new office chair for the best support. After all, when you're more comfortable at work, it is more likely to be an enjoyable and productive place to be. So keep these tips in mind as you shop for your office furniture from retailers like D&R Office Works Inc.
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