Settings On Your Ergonomic Chair That Is Good For Your Back
It is often not enough just to make a conscious effort to sit upright at the desk. The reality is that most people forget about posture when focusing on the tasks at hand. This brought about the increased demand for ergonomic chairs which can help prevent poor posture and provide relief from back pain after a long day’s work.
As chiropractors and back pain specialists, we would like to share some tips to achieve good working posture.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to suit the average person. Therefore, there is no guarantee that it will suit you and your workstation. Unless a chair is specifically fitted to your body dimensions, it is best to consider one which is adjustable to allow for better customisation, particularly if it is shared with different users. The following are key features to look out for in an ergonomic chair:
Seat height
The optimal seat height should allow you to place your feet flat on the floor when your knees are perpendicular. You can use a foot stool to achieve the desired positioning if required.
Seat width and depth
You should be able to sit comfortably with sufficient space between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. This is to prevent undue pressure which might affect nerve innervation and blood circulation to your lower legs.
Seat tilt
An adjustable seat angle allows for correct positioning of the pelvis into a neutral alignment. Use this in conjunction with the backrest recline to achieve an optimal posture.
Backrest
A proper ergonomic chair should support the natural shape of the spine, which reduces stress on the lower back and pelvis. An adjustable backrest is essential to align the curve for optimal support without restricting movement.
Backrest recline
The ability to recline can help to reduce the pressure on your hips and spinal discs throughout the day. It is still recommended to take periodic breaks instead of sitting for prolonged periods.
Swivel
One of the best functions of a swivel chair is the ability to swivel a complete 360 degrees. This makes it much easier to maneuver around and turn freely in any required direction.
Armrests
Armrests should be adjustable both for height and length. Your arms should be evenly supported to reduce tension in your shoulders. In addition, it should allow you to sit close enough to your desk to perform tasks while maintaining contact with the backrest.
Headrest
A headrest can help to support the back of the head and the upper neck. This improves comfort by reducing tension in the shoulders and upper torso which often are the cause of frequent neck strain and pain.
Seat material
Although comfortability is dependent on personal preference, it is generally recommended to select breathable materials that minimise heat and moisture. Those that require forward tilted seats might prefer a surface with enough friction to prevent sliding out of the chair. Depending on the nature of your work, and current hygiene standards, ease of cleaning may be a factor to consider.
Wheels
Chairs are traditionally designed with four legs. Since most ergonomic chairs now have the option to recline backwards, clearly a configuration with a set of five caster wheels is safer and more secure to avoid tipping over. This is even more pronounced on an uneven floor, whereby four legged chairs will wobble. Moreover, wheels are designed to speed up the movement from one seated position to another. They are fitted to office chairs to aid productivity. However, if you are working from home and find that your wheels are redundant, you may try cushioning your chair with a layer of carpet just underneath to prevent excessive movement of the chair.
If you or someone you know suffer from back pain, schedule a consultation with our Australian trained & registered Chiropractors. Kissun Chiropractic is a trusted and leading chiropractic clinic in Singapore offering affordable and effective treatments for all ages in the community.
We are experienced in treating routine and complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as headaches, neck, shoulder and backaches, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, pregnancy aches and pains, sports injuries, performing ergonomic assessments and postural checks. Patients’ conditions are managed through natural, safe, non-invasive, drug and surgery free treatments, relying on the bodies’ inherent recuperative functions. Treatment plans are customized to patients’ specific needs and preferences.
Contact us today.
Source:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/chair.html
https://www.chairoffice.co.uk/blog/the-ergonomics-of-a-chair-explained/