Most often than not, working in an office means spending a lot of time sitting in an office chair, which adds stress to the spine structures. Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic is still a threat, many are now working from home.
Therefore, to prevent developing or compounding back issues, it is essential to have an ergonomic office chair that supports the lower back and encourages good posture.
What Kind of Ergonomic Office Chair is Best?
Several ergonomic chairs are available in the market for office use, ranging from office chairs for directors to office chairs for staff.
However, no one office chair style is always the best, but in a good ergonomic office chair, certain features are essential to look for when shopping.
These features will allow individual users to make the chair function well for his or her personal needs.
What Are The Features of a Good Ergonomic Office Chair?
There is a range of features an ergonomic chair should have when choosing the type of office chair to use for work:
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Height of the Seat
The seat height of an office chair should be conveniently adjustable. The best way to do this is to use a pneumatic adjustment lever. For most individuals, a seat height that ranges from about 16 to 21 inches off the floor should fit.
This makes it possible for the user to have their feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms also at desk height.
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Width and Depth of Seat
To serve any user comfortably, the seat should have enough width and depth. The standard is usually 17-20 inches tall.
The depth (from the front to the back of the seat) must be adequate so that the person can lean against the backrest of the ergonomic office chair with his or her back while leaving approximately 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat.
Also, the tilt of the seat (forward or backwards) should be adjustable.
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Lumbar Support
Provision for lower back support in an ergonomic chair is extremely crucial. The lumbar spine has an inward curve, and sitting without support for this curve for long periods appears to contribute to slouching (which flattens the natural curve) and stresses the lower spine structures.
An ergonomic chair should have a lumbar adjustment (both height and depth) so that any person can get the correct fit to support the lower back's inward curve.
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Backrest
An ergonomic office chair's backrest should be 12 to 19 inches high. If the backrest is placed separately from the seat, the height and angle should be adjustable. The natural curve of the spine should be supported, with particular attention once again paid to the lumbar region's proper support.
The backrest should be adjustable at forward and back angles if the office chair has the seat and backrest together as one piece, with a locking mechanism to ensure that it goes too far back until the user has decided on an appropriate angle.
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Seat Material
The office chair seat and backrest should have enough padding to sit on for long periods. Choosing an office chair with a breathable seat material is better than those with a hard surface.
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Armrests
The armrests for your office chairs should be adjustable. They should allow the arms of the user to rest comfortably and to relax the shoulders. The elbows and lower arms will rest lightly, and when typing, the forearm should not be on the armrest.
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Swivel
Any traditional-style ergonomic chair should move easily so that, without straining, the user can access various areas of their desk.
In a Nutshell
Quick breaks should be taken during the day to increase blood circulation, no matter what sort of ergonomic chair or office furniture is used or the features it has.
Getting up from the chair can promote better posture from time to time, alleviate pressure on the eyes, and decrease fatigue.
