Reduce Back Pain With Your Office Chair
by: James Miller on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 at: 6:33 AM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
Whether you spend most of your day at home or in an office setting, if much of your time is spent at a desk, you've likely encountered the uncomfortable back pain that can result if using the wrong kind of office chair. Spending extended periods of time sitting isn't good for you and doing so in the wrong style of chair won't do any favors for your back either.
Luckily, finding the right chair isn't difficult if you use these simple tips. They'll help you determine what you (and your back) need in an office chair. Understanding the effects not having the right chair can have on your back is important.
Damage can be done to your lower back discs and muscles if you spend a good deal of time (particularly uninterrupted time) in a non-ergonomic chair. The natural tendency to slouch either over or downward while sitting causes the spinal ligaments to stretch too far and overextend themselves. Other areas affected include:- Neck- Shoulders- Hips- Arms- Legs For these reasons, you need an office chair that offers great back support and is flexible enough to extend that support to the other areas of your body that may suffer.
What kind of chair does this? Most standard, affordable office chairs do this, but if shopping for a chair or testing out the one you currently own, keep these things in mind. The chair should ideally be fully adjustable, as it will need to be adjusted for your individual height and needs- It should line up with the desk or workstation in a way that allows your body to line up comfortably if sitting.
The chair should have a sturdy back rest that is 12-19 inches wide and is adjustable if attached to the seat- It should likewise have arm rests that adjust to offer maximum shoulder, arm and elbow support while typing or doing other works- It should allow you to lean backwards at to an angle of 135 degrees, which is more relaxed. Ideal measurements for your seat are a height of 16-12 inches from the floor, a seat width of 17 to 20 inches and a depth that allows you to sit with your back against the seat's back while leaving 2-4 inches between the back of your knees and the chair's seat.
It should have the ability to swivel, allowing for easy movement and access to areas surrounding the workstation without strain- An ideal office chair is ergonomic and therefore, well padded, made of breathable material and feels comfortably firm but not hard; executive style office chairs are high quality and built to meet these standards for comfort and the reduction of back pain Be sure to also practice good posture by not slouching while sitting, ensuring your chair is always adjusted to suit you best, keeping your feet flat, keeping your chair at a height that lines up well with your computer screen and using additional back support if necessary (such as a pillow or support cushion). Don't forget to take breaks and walk around if you've been sitting for an extended period of time!
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