This is a collaborative post.
It’s no secret that nearly all of us in desk jobs spend most of our day seated. When we work from home, we can spend nearly all day sitting down, only moving to make the odd brew. Sitting this long might seem harmless, but the hours spent like this can quickly add up. Spending prolonged periods of sitting in a poorly designed chair can lead to a number of health problems. This is why ergonomic home office chairs are so important.
Working from home
Remote work has become a norm rather than an exception. More and more people are setting up home offices, which has led to a growing awareness of the need for proper ergonomic furniture. However, many remote workers are still overlooking the importance of investing in a high-quality, ergonomic office chair. Unlike a standard chair, an ergonomic chair is designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, promote good posture, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
The impact of poor posture
Poor posture can be a significant contributor to various health issues, with back pain being one of the most prevalent. Sitting slouched or in a chair that lacks support can quickly start to strain the muscles in your upper back, which can lead to back pain and discomfort. Similarly, hunching forward due to poor posture exerts extra pressure on your neck and shoulders, often resulting in chronic pain and stiffness.
Sitting at these lengths can also cause digestive problems. Slouching in a bad chair puts pressure on your abdominal organs and spending a long time sitting can decrease blood flow. Since sitting compresses the organs and blood flow is decreased, it is common for bowel function to suffer.
The benefits of ergonomic chairs
Ergonomic chairs offer a wide variety of benefits such as promoting good posture, supporting the spine’s natural curve, and helping maintain a neutral sitting position. Most ergonomic chairs also will feature adjustable lumbar support which helps support the lower back, and prevent slouching, which in turn will help reduce back pain.
Additionally, an ergonomic chair can enhance circulation by allowing seat height adjustments that ensure feet rest flat on the floor. This design reduces pressure on the thighs, helping improve better blood flow.
Features such as padded seats, breathable materials, and adjustable armrests, will all contribute to better well being. These features help maintain focus and productivity by evenly distributing weight and reducing strain on the body. These chairs support healthy movements by encouraging dynamic sitting through tilting seats, backrests, and swivel bases, promoting frequent position changes and reducing stiffness.
How to choose the right chair for you
Not all ergonomic chairs are created equal. When selecting an ergonomic chair, prioritise adjustability to customise the fit to your body. Look for chairs with features like adjustable seat height, backrest angle, lumbar support, and armrest height, as these will enhance comfort and support.
Proper lumbar support is essential to maintain the natural curve of your spine, so opting for a chair with the above features will help ensure comfort and support. Seat depth and width are also important; the seat should support your thighs without pressing against the back of your knees, ideally leaving 2-4 inches of space.
Setting up your home office
Alongside your ergonomic chair, it’s important to set up your home office in a way that promotes good posture and reduces strain.
For optimal workspace ergonomics, ensure your desk height allows your forearms to remain parallel to the floor while typing. If the desk is too high, consider using an adjustable keyboard tray to maintain the correct posture. Your monitor should be positioned at eye level and about 20-30 inches away from your eyes, helping to prevent neck strain and encouraging an upright posture.
Place your keyboard and mouse close enough to avoid reaching, with your elbows near your body and your wrists in a neutral position to minimise strain. If your feet do not comfortably touch the floor, use a footrest to keep them flat, which will help maintain proper alignment and reduce lower back pressure.
An investment in yourself
An ergonomic office chair is more than where you sit, it’s an investment in your health, posture, and well-being.
Choosing the right ergonomic chair that supports your natural movements and helps reduce the risk of back and neck pain can improve your overall comfort and productivity. When you couple your ergonomic office chair with a properly designed home office set-up, you can create a workspace that helps you thrive.
Using an ergonomic chair is a proactive step towards preventing chronic pain and creating a more comfortable, productive, and healthy work environment.
