Ergonomic chairs are the most important pieces of furniture in our offices. Health issues, including lower back pain, can be a direct result of sitting for long periods of time in a chair that is not ergonomically effective. Generally speaking, you should not sit in one position for long periods of time. Even when desk chairs are comfortable and well-designed, movement is necessary for long-term health and comfort.
Many desk chairs come in more than one size; make sure that you find out what is available and purchase the model that is right for your body size and type.
Adjustments Available On Ergonomic Chairs:
Seat Height - An adjustable seat height function is very important to accommodate the user's height. Your feet should be positioned comfortably on the floor. Pneumatic mechanisms are easier to use than mechanical mechanisms. If you are petite and your feet do not rest comfortably on the floor, you should consider using a height-adjustable footrest.
Seat Depth - This adjustment allows you to adjust the front-to-back depth of the ergonomic office chair seat (also referred to as the chair pan). When adjusted properly, the back of your knees should not be touching the seat.
Seat Angle - The forward tilt feature is an option on most effective ergonomic chair models. This adjustment provides back support for those working at their computer for extended periods of time.
Backrest Height - The purpose of this adjustment is to provide lower back support in the curve of your spine. This is valuable as the curvature of spines vary from one person to another.
Lumbar Support - As in the backrest height adjustment, the lumbar adjustment is important because our backs are not all the same. When properly adjusted the lumbar should mold into the curve of your back. It should be firm, yet comfortable; not "hard like a rock."
Armrest Height - Adjusting the height of your armrests allow you to work in a comfortable position; armrests that are either too high or too low are uncomfortable in addition to being ergonomically inefficient.
Armrest Width - Adjust the armrest width based on the size of your body. It is important that armrests can be adjusted so that they can be moved out of the way for typing or similar activities. Your shoulders should not be lifted or lowered when the armrests are correctly adjusted, which involves correctly adjusted both the height and width.
Ergonomic chairs are shipped with detailed directions indicating the adjustments included in that particular model. Routinely the adjustment directions are on the hang tag tied to each chair. Keep these directions handy as one can forget what is included or how to change the adjustments.
