Missing your office chair – tips to find the best Office Chair

This year has seen an increase number of low back and general back complaints in our office. One of the factors for this increase is the fact that people are working from home without their good office chairs and general ergonomic desk set up. In this blog we look at 5 tips to consider when buying the best office chair for home.

If you are not able to grab your office chair from the office and feel that making an investment in a great office chair, then we have 5 tips for you.

5 tips to consider

  1. Seat depth
  2. Lumbar support
  3. Arm rests
  4. Adjustable back
  5. Fabric

3 points of contact

Always keep in mind when looking at an office chair these 3 points of contact:

  1. Seat
  2. Back rest
  3. Feet on floor/foot support

1. Seat depth

The seat depth is an area that often is missed when looking at a great office chair. It is important that the seat is padded to provide comfort but it needs to be the right length to support the thighs. The front of the seat should not touch your calves, in fact the general rule of thumb is a 3-4 finger breadth between the back of seat and the calves. When the seat is too long and hits the calves, it can put pressure on structures around the back of the knees and if it is too short the seat can cut into the back of the thigh.

2. Lumbar support

Maintaining a normal forward curve in the low back while sitting does help to reduce strain on the back and minimise pain and aggravations. Choosing a chair that has an adjustable (up and down) back rest to accomodate your body size is important as is an adjustable lumbar depth of support.

3. Arm rests

With arm rests it is important to ensure that they are adjustable and can slide under the table it necessary. Using arm rests when watching a screen can mean that it does take the support of your arms to reduce the pull on your neck and upper back.

4. Adjustable back

Ensuring the back of the chair is adjustable is a feature a great chair should have. The angle of the back rest should be 100 degrees, in other words a slight tilt back.

5. Fabric

Upholstered chairs generally offer more support. The padded nature of the backrest can offer additional comfort and variability in the depth of lumbar support. A mesh chair doesn’t tend to be as durable as an upholstered one.

When choosing a great quality office chair, whether it is for studying or work, then please take into consideration the above features.

Also remember;

  • Get up every 30 minutes
  • Sit in front of your scree, avoid twisting to one side with your neck or body
  • Drink adequate water through out the day
  • Stretch your spine and neck a couple of times during a work day

To find out what type of chair is best for your body type and needs you can email us and we can send you out a check list that will help your selection.

Email us at info@errolstchiro.com.au for your chair selection guide.

Find out why wearing shoes can help your low back at the desk, CLICK HERE. Help to switch your brain on by eating these 3 things, CLICK HERE.

Lisa, director

Simon, Backcare and Seating www.backcare,com.au

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