Tips for Buying an Ergonomic Office Chair

If you sit down to work, you may spend as much time in your office chair as you do in bed. And sitting up working is hard on your spine! An uncomfortable, unsupportive office chair creates strain in your neck, arms, back, hip, and legs.

Ergonomically supportive chairs are crucial for those who work at a desk all day, so let's look at what makes a good office chair.

---

A Better Office Chair Makes You More Productive

An 8-hour day in an unsupportive chair can cause you a lot of pain. As your body works to compensate for the lack of support, the result is pain, strain, and lost productivity.

You may squirm at the hefty price tags on some office chairs. But for your work productivity as well as your daily comfort, buy the best chair you can afford.

---

A Good Office Chair Is Adjustable

Every good office chair is adjustable. Your body has a unique shape and your chair must adjust to fit your own arm, leg, and torso length. Make sure your chair has these adjustments:

• Seat height and tilt: Your thighs should be parallel to the floor when your feet are flat on the floor.
• Armrest height: Armrests should be adjustable so arms can rest lightly on the armrest parallel to the floor.
• Lumbar support: This is critical because sitting for long periods without support for the lower back flattens the natural curve and strains the spine. Look for a height and depth lumbar adjustment.
• Backrest: The backrest should be adjustable in height and angle.

---

Which Options Are Best?

Many price-conscious office chairs are modeled after their more expensive cousins. Take a look at more expensive office chairs and see which features are most important for you.

• Headrest: This is a popular option for those spending all day at a desk. You may not use it all morning but be glad for it as the day wears on.
• Different sizes: Some chairs are available in different sizes, which makes adjustments and fit much easier. A woman who's 5'1" needs a smaller chair than a man who's 6'4".
• Durability: Check the quality of materials and construction. Many economy chairs break down fairly quickly, while the pricier models are built to last.
• Materials: There should be enough padding to sit for extended periods, although some people prefer the lightweight, breathable fabric of an Aeron-style chair.

---

If your office chair or workstation is causing you pain and stiffness, call King Chiropractic Hand & Foot in Wilmington today at (910) 777-7228. We'll check for problem areas and try to resolve any strains, ease pain, and restore your range of motion so you're back on track!