What is an ergonomic chair, and why are they good for you? First, let’s start with what an ergonomic chair is. Office chairs are typically known as ergonomic chairs. It was created and designed to offer comfort and support. Standard features are lumbar support, adjustable armrest, headrest, seat height, comfortable swiveling, stable base, padded seat and back, adjustable tilt tension and lock, and high-quality nylon carpet casters (wheels) that glide over carpets and hard surfaces.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to improve the performance of users. They aim to reduce stress on the musculoskeletal structures, thus assisting with the management and prevention of symptoms and disorders that result from prolonged sitting. The World Health Organization says that musculoskeletal conditions comprise more than 150 diagnoses that affect the locomotor system; that is, muscles, bones, joints, and associated tissues such as tendons and ligaments, as listed in the International Classification of Diseases.
Now, as to why the ergonomic chair is right for you. To sum it up, ergonomic chairs help with the neck, back, and lumbar support. Proper lumbar support allows for ample support for the lower back so that your spine is in the right position for good posture. The lumbar supports the natural arch in the lower back and helps maintain better posture while seated. You should be able to sit back in the ergonomics chair (with lower back supported) with a 2-3 fingers gap between the edge of the seat and back of the knee crease. This is the depth of the seat and encourages optimal thigh support and prevents pressure behind the knees. The amount of depth required is dictated by the length of the femur (upper leg) bone. Short femurs require less seat depth. The ergonomics chair provides this and is adjustable for it. Also flexible is the back and neck area of the ergonomics chair.
The backrest should be height adjustable and tilt back at least 20 degrees. If you have back pain, then look for ones that recline and lock to 135 degrees. Poor posture is a leading cause of neck pain, and the ergonomics chair is adjustable so that it supports your neck. Ergonomics chair reduces tension in the upper back and shoulders, helping to relieve stress on the neck. The high back provides extra support to the upper back. Other physical health issues it helps improve is poor circulation, numbness, and nerve pain; also, other apparent issues are indigestion and slouching.
There are mental health benefits too. With less pain, a person using an ergonomic chair feels better. Reduced pain levels result in decreased depression and anxiety as happy people produce more serotonin and dopamine in their brains than depressed people do. Happy, healthy people lead to better productivity. Feeling better also leads to fewer sick days and better retention.
Ergonomic chairs also enhance your office space’s aesthetics if you are looking to improve your office image.