Due to today’s technology, a large number of people spend most of their working hours behind a desk in an uncomfortable office chair. Due to this desk lifestyle, more and more people are becoming overweight, out of shape and developing other health problems.

Although a sedentary lifestyle causes health problems in and of itself, an uncomfortable office chair causes a whole new set of problems. Hours and hours in an uncomfortable chair causes back problems, neck pain and general body aches due to poor posture.

Below are guidelines that can help you select the right office chair and thereby reduce aches, stiffness, and body aches.

Buying an office chair is similar to buying a car. Would you buy a car without trying it out? The same applies to your chair selection, you need to sit and feel it. Again, just like your car, you want comfort; you will spend numerous hours in your car traveling, shopping and running errands. The same philosophy applies to your office furniture. You will be spending many hours in that chair, so choose wisely.

Below are guidelines on what to look for when shopping for your next office chair.

back support

Your new chair should provide adequate back support. The back of the chair should also be adjustable to fit your back properly. The back of the chair should stay the same as you move and recline in the chair. A good office chair with the proper back support will improve your posture and thus eliminate or reduce back pain and stiffness. Selecting an office chair without the proper back support can cause back problems that could stay with you all your life.

seating

Padding and seat design should be considered. The front of the seat should have a rounded edge. A straight horizontal front will cut off circulation at the back of the knees. A good tip is that you should be able to slide your fingers between the inside of the legs and the front edge of the seat.

Seat width and armrests

You have to fit in the chair. If you have to squeeze into the chair, then it won’t fit, no matter how comfortable it may seem once you’re seated. There should be space between the armrests and your body. Also, the armrests need to interact with the desk. A good office chair will have adjustable armrests. What good are armrests if they are not usable or uncomfortable to use. Quality armrests can help with tasks like reading and writing, and relieve pressure and tension on your neck and shoulders.

height adjustments

People are not all the same height; therefore, your office chair must have a height adjustment. The specifications for adjusting your office chair and promoting good posture are as follows: thighs should be horizontal to the ground while both feet are on the ground, and wrists should be straight while typing

If you can’t find an office chair height that allows for both, you may want to find a way to modify your keyboard height so you can keep your wrists straight while you type and your body is properly aligned with the chair and the floor. . .

Stability

Your chair must be stable. Your chair tipping over when you’re in it is not funny. Serious and permanent injuries can occur. Look for a chair with wheels that swivel and a five-point base that won’t tip over when you recline.

So take the time you are shopping for your new office furniture, take this item with you. Once you have chosen your new office chair, make sure it has all of the above features. As mentioned above, a good office chair will improve posture and eliminate aches and pains.