How to choose the right Ergonomic Chair
If you sit behind a desk regularly you know how important it is to have a good chair. Not having the right chair while on your workstation can cause lower back pain as well as neck and shoulder pain. A good ergonomic chair can help your back, lumbar region and arms by transferring the pressure generated by your weight and balancing it out. Investing in a good ergonomic chair can be beneficial to your comfort as well as your health. There are five basic features that your chair must contain to meet the ergonomic standards.
- Adjustable Height – Since not everybody has the same height, your chair must have a lift so that you can adjust the height of your chair. Having too low a chair can cause you lower back pain and having too high a chair can cause problems with your knees and circulation.
- Backrest – The chair must have lumbar support, and if it’s possible the back rest of the chair must also be adjustable. That way, you can adjust it so that your shape matches the contour of your lower back, providing even pressure and support.
- Adjustable Armrest – It is a must for your chair to have armrest, but even better are adjustable armrests. Having your armrest too high or too low can cause strain, since you would be seated in an awkward position.
- Stability – The chair must have a five-point base, or 5 legs, to balance your weight. (And if the wheels roll, much better because it’s fun!)
- Cushioning – Lastly for your comfort, the seat must be made of a good cushioning material that doesn’t exceed more that 2-3 cm when seated.
The right way to sit on your chair
Not all the strain that you suffer at your workstation can be attributed to the chair, but also to your posture. Follow these simple rules to achieve a better posture at your workstation.
- Sit all the way back into the chair for proper back support.
- Rest your arms at your armrest at a 90 degree angle.
- Your back and neck should be straight ahead.
- Don’t cross your legs or shift your weight to one side.
- Place your feet firmly on the ground and have your legs and your thighs at a 90 degree angle.
