How to Find a Good Ergonomics Chair
If you spend a lot of time at a desk, one of the most important things you can do to eliminate unnecessary stresses on your neck, back, and shoulders as you work is to find a good ergonomics chair. Contrary to what you may think, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find an ergonomics chair with all the options you need.
I have done a lot of research on office chairs for my patients. I have found some great ergonomic office chairs for around $100.00. I have also found office chairs for close to the price you would pay for a used car! That said, just because a chair is more expensive does not always mean it has more features than a less expensive chair. You just have to know what you are looking for and have a little time to test them out.
Since you are likely going to spend a lot of time in your office chair, it is okay to spend some time trying out the chairs at your local office supply company… before you make your purchase. Though you may feel a little silly, you will be more likely to make a better purchase if you test the chairs out before buying one.
Features of a Good Ergonomics Chair
To make sure you find a good ergonomics chair, let’s discuss the five options you should look for. There are other options that are nice to have, but I consider the options we’ll discuss here as the most important options to look for in your ergonomics chair.
1. Seat Height Adjustment – It is very important to make sure you have a chair that allows you to adjust the seat height. This allows you to adjust your ergonomic office chair so that you’re knees are level with, or slightly below, your hips. This is important because keeping this relationship between the hips and knees reinforces a better sitting posture in your lower back.
2. Adjusting Seat Back – This feature allows you to adjust the seat back forward or backward. Ideally, you want to scoot forward in your chair so that about half of your thigh is on the chair and half your thigh is off. This ensures your feet are planted firmly and flat on the floor, which allows you to distribute some of your weight through your legs, taking stress off your back. If you have an adjustable seat back, you can bring the back of the chair forward to give you support as you work.
3. Adjustable Arm Rests – Office chairs are not a one size fits all, so it always amazes me to see an “ergonomic office chair” with fixed arm rests. Adjustable arm rests are important because they give your upper body support as you sit, which takes stress off your neck, upper back, and shoulders. Without arm rests, your shoulders and upper back muscles have to hold your arms in position the whole time you work.
4. Tilting Seat Pan – The seat pan is the part of the seat you sit on. A tilting seat pan allows you to tilt the edge of your seat forward or backward. This feature allows you to change the position of your seat throughout the day so you are able to relieve the pressure on your back from time to time.
5. Swivel Adjustment – The swivel adjustment allows you to turn your office chair to the right or left so you are able to keep your low back in a neutral position as you reach for things outside of your immediate grasp. In other words, it allows you to turn your chair to the left or right as you remain seated, which promotes proper body mechanics. If you don’t have a swivel adjustment, you have a tendency to stay seated in your chair and bend or twist your low back in order to reach for things in a drawer or outside your immediate reach.
Investment of Ergonomics Chair Is Worth It
Some of you may feel bad to spend money on an office chair, but look at it as an investment in your overall health. They can be expensive in the beginning, but a good ergonomics chair is something that will last for years. A good ergonomics chair is also a piece of equipment that will improve posture, take unnecessary stress off your neck, back, and shoulders, and it will ensure your productivity is not limited secondary to back pain!