Needless to say, sitting for a long period of time is unhealthy, and sitting on a non-ergonomic chair makes it even worse. Prolonged sitting on non-ergonomic office chairs overstretches and stiffens your glutes. It can also add stress to the spine which can, later on, lead to compounding back problems.
As non-ergonomic chairs promote bad posture, the spine does not get the sufficient support it needs which could potentially lead to spinal musculature. Moreover, bad posture due to prolonged sitting on a non-ergonomic chair also messes with the alignment of your spine.
Poor posture can easily develop into a habit which can also aggravate episodes of neck and back pains. The good news is that with ergonomically designed chairs, you can have better control of your posture. Before you experience these chronic pains, it is better to switch to an ergonomic chair right away. Here are the top features you need to check:
Adjustable Seat Height
When shopping for chairs, it is better to find those with adjustable height. For instance, a pneumatic type of chair is more ideal for office work as it would allow you to have your feet on the floor and your thighs at a 90-degree angle. Here’s a quick hack: to figure out the ideal height of your chair, stand in front of it then adjust the seat height at the same level as the lower end of your knee cap. If you are optimizing your work space ergonomically, this trick should work.
Backrest with Optimum Width
The best ergonomic chair also comes with a backrest of the optimum width of between 12 to 19 inches. The design should also be able to support the spine’s natural curve. If you prefer an ergonomic chair with a detachable backrest, then see to it that both height and the angle are adjustable. It should also come with a locking mechanism to secure it once the appropriate angle has been determined.
With Sufficient Lumbar Support
The backrest should also provide supplemental support to the lumbar region. The lack of support to the lumbar spine tends to flatten its natural curve, straining the lower structure. When choosing an ergonomic chair, find one that has an adjustable lumbar support in terms of depth and height to ensure that users of any height can get the maximum lumbar support.
Comfortable Seat Width and Depth
Chairs usually have a standard width between 17 and 20 inches. If the user needs a wider seat, having the chair custom-made is highly recommended to ensure ergonomic support and comfort. The depth should be spacious enough so the user can lean against the backrest comfortably. There should also be around a 2 to 3-inch space between the back of the knee and the edge of the seat to ensure maximum support.
Seat Padding and Material
The best ergonomic chair should be equipped with sufficient padding for added comfort, especially for prolonged seating. The use of breathable cloth is also recommended for a harder surface. Chairs that are made from Neoprene or an expensive synthetic rubber are soft and built with a comfortable cushion.
Swivels and Armrests
Two aspects that are often overlooked when finding the best ergonomic chairs are the swivels and armrests. An ergonomic chair should easily rotate to avoid straining the back and shoulder muscles when trying to reach any area of the desk. The armrests should also be adjustable to allow the shoulders to relax and the arms to rest with ease and comfort.
Consider Custom-Built Ergonomic Chairs
Another effective method of getting the best ergonomic chairs is to have them custom-built. Users have different needs, sizes, and movement mechanisms. A customized chair that would accommodate your every need can help relieve back pains and discomfort. Another advantage of going for a custom-built ergonomic chair is that you can have them reconfigured as your needs evolve.
Whether this is for office use or home use, purchasing the best ergonomic chair is a good investment. The use of ergonomic chairs does not only add comfort to the users but also helps in boosting the users’ productivity. They may be slightly more expensive than regular chairs, but as the cliche goes, you can never put a price tag on health and comfort.
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