June 7, 2011. Paul Hixon
Many people don’t seem to pay enough attention to the chair they’re using while at the computer. Although most business these days will provide their employees with high quality seating arrangements, the home office seems to be sadly neglected when it comes to a comfortable, supportive chair.
Although a good ergonomic office chair will probably cost more than a simple task chair, it’s a worthwhile investment in your health that you shouldn’t neglect.
When you regularly sit in a poorly designed chair, you’re far more likely to have poor posture. This means that the muscles in your back, along with those in your neck, are going to have to compensate for your poor alignment, and they’ll end up being strained. The result can be chronic back problems, a situation you definitely want to avoid.
By choosing an ergonomic chair, you will have the ability to make multiple adjustments that will make the chair seem like it was designed for your body. If you have the financial means, you should invest in one of the top end chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron or the Steelcase Leap. These products have been researched and designed to provide superior support to the back and body, with features like adjustable lumbar cushions, contoured backrest technology and gliding seats.
If you find you can’t afford one of these superior chairs, there are still certain things you should insist on in an ergonomic office chair. You must be able to adjust the height and angle of the seat, and it’s desirable to be able to adjust the depth as well. Make sure the seat pan is wide enough for your size. You also need the ability to move the backrest up and down, and control the angle so it fits your back, particularly your lumbar region. Finally, make sure the armrests can be moved up and down, and that there are five casters that roll smoothly and are attached to a sturdy, swiveling base.
Updated June 7, 2011. Published January 12, 2011. Paul Hixon
