One of the major plus points of ergonomic chairs is the support that they give to the spine. People who work in office jobs are often susceptible to back pain and this is often linked to poor posture. Chairs that are specifically designed to be supportive of the back and spine can make a real difference and help to reduce stress on this sensitive area of the body.
Varied Chair Designs But Similar Outcomes
There are many different types and designs of ergonomic chairs and they all have in common the fact that they are designed with spinal support in mind. They are typically the full length of your back and will offer support to your lower back (the lumbar region) as well as the higher areas of your spine. Sitting ergonomically is thought to improve the "neck hump" that many people get when they slump over a laptop or a desktop computer screen for too long.
The problems that are exhibited with a "neck hump" can feed into more serious spinal complaints. The neck hump can cause the head to feel heavier and heavier, the more you bend over and can make for some serious health problems down the road if it isn't tackled at source.
The respected medical website WebMD refers to the "neck hump" in the following terms: "Kyphosis is the medical term for a dowager's hump. This is a rounded hunch that occurs at the base of your neck. It's usually caused by chronic forward-leaning posture." and goes on to explain that "Over time, a habit of poor posture can cause you to develop an abnormal curve of your upper vertebrae."
What we call a "neck hump" is often referred to as a "dowager's hump" although it can affect any gender or age. It is largely caused by poor posture and this is something that ergonomic chairs can play a key role in helping to remedy. This is a condition that is made worse by constantly leaning forward as we would do when bending toward a computer screen. Fatty deposits in the neck can build up and solidify causing a somewhat hunch-backed appearance, if we are not careful. In advanced cases it can lead to impaired lung capacity as well as headaches and extreme fatigue.
Reducing Muscle Tension and Fatigue
Another benefit of ergonomic chairs is they are able to reduce muscle tension and fatigue. Sitting on a non-ergonomic chair can lead to increased muscle fatigue in the neck, shoulders, and back. By providing the proper support to these areas, ergonomic chairs can reduce this tension and fatigue and this helps to improve productivity by preventing the common type of musculoskeletal disorders that can result from continuous use of non-ergonomic chairs.
Ergonomic chairs can help to improve the quality of your work and your overall wellness. When you're comfortable, you tend to be more productive and focused on your work tasks. An ergonomic chair allows you to sit in a healthy position without the added difficulty of being distracted by discomfort. The result of this is that you will feel much better and less irritable, which can only serve to improve your overall well-being, as well as how you are able to relate to others at work.
Essential for Spinal Health
Investing in an ergonomic chair is a small, yet essential step to move toward improved spinal health. Ergonomic chairs have been proven to improve circulation while at the same time acting to reduce muscle tension and fatigue, as well as boosting productivity. Office workers who choose to use an ergonomic chair are more likely to see healthy spinal alignment that promotes overall health.
Because of this, it is worth the investment to make a significant impact on your health, including reducing back pain, especially if you sit for long hours at work. It is important to do what you can in order to take care of your spine and to get the best ergonomic chair that you are able to afford or get your employer to provide.
Research the Features of Your Ergonomic Chair
It is important to remember that the best ergonomic chairs are not always the most expensive, so it is important to do some research in order to identify the features that you would like to have included in yours. Take the time to compare popular brands and to read the reviews about what constitutes a chair that will protect your spine.
Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews in order to gain an understanding of the features that most users are praising and which they consider to be a waste of money. By doing this, you will arm yourself with the information that you need in order to make the best decision possible when it comes to actually choosing your chair.
