How Can Ergonomic Chairs Help You Avoid Back Pain?
When it comes to the modern office worker, we know that sitting for prolonged periods of time is unavoidable. However, we also know that unsupportive office chairs and prolonged time spent sedentary can cause a range of health problems from chronic back pain to persistent headaches and increased blood pressure. Ergonomic chairs can help alleviate many of these issues and improve your workplace productivity, as well. But what exactly is an ergonomic chair and how can they help you optimise your sitting position to avoid chronic back pain?
Ergonomic Chairs: The Basics
Ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to support your neck, back, buttocks and legs in a comfortable but, crucially, healthy position over extended periods of time. They offer more sophisticated construction than standard office chairs with a dedicated focus on lumbar spinal support and allow a greater range of individual adjustment for users. Increased comfort during the day and greater mitigation of health concerns and musculoskeletal injuries can improve symptoms of low mood, enhance job satisfaction, and improve workplace productivity.
So, what are the elements of ergonomic chairs worth investing in? There are several of them, but we will explore some of the main elements here and what to look out for ergonomic chairs if you are considering upgrading your office space.
The Key Elements of Ergonomic Chairs
One of the central elements of ergonomic chairs is the supportive backs, which are typically full length, extending from your shoulders to the seat. These lengthened backs of ergonomic chairs have a specific support section for the lower part of the back, known as the lumbar spine, that follows the natural curve of the body to offer full support and optimised comfort.
Ergonomic chairs worth investing in also often offer adjustable armrests that allow the elbow and forearms to sit comfortably and naturally as you sit and work, also reducing muscle fatigue and pinched nerves. Adjustable seat height in ergonomic chairs also enables workers to sit at the appropriate height for the individual with feet flat on the floor and hips and knees flexed to approximately ninety degrees, the optimised position for spinal health and minimised back pain.
High-quality seating material and construction is also essential for effective ergonomic chairs to help mitigate improper alignment of the hips and pelvis that can lead to lower back pain, aches, and strains. When seated in the optimum position, the pelvis should be level, with the lower back holding a slight arch in the lumbar spine. Seat and back cushions will likely be thicker than ordinary office chairs and may even be contoured to reflect optimum seated posture.
Effective Ergonomic Chairs Worth Investing In
Now you know the key elements of effective ergonomic chairs, we can take a look at some of the options available on the market today. The Flexi-Chair BackSupport Office Chair BS1B from Flexispot, for example, offers full adjustment for individual needs in the back height and seat depth, as well as the specific back support inclination. Height adjustment of the seat itself ranges between 44 and 53cm, whilst the header can be adjusted between 115cm to 124cm. The BS1B also offers integrated lumbar support and expert seat construction to minimise seat fatigue.
Meanwhile, the Flexi-Chair Ergonomic Office Chair BS8, also from Flexispot, offers an intuitive W-shaped seat paid to meet the natural contour of the body and reduce pressure on the buttocks and legs when seated. The seat itself is constructed with a combination of foam rubber and elastic to offer long-lasting and reliable support. The BS8 also offers a sophisticated swing function to allow optimised back posture for changes and adjustments in back support as needed throughout the day.
Banish Your Back Pain In 2023
It is clear there are a wealth of benefits to upgrading to an ergonomic chair in your office space, whether you work from home or in a bustling office space. If you have been struggling with headaches, general aches and pains, or chronic back pain – ergonomic chairs could make all the difference to your working life and broader wellness. Now you are equipped with what to look for when exploring the options for ergonomic chairs and have seen just a small sample of some of the options available, you can get ready to banish your back pain in 2023 with an investment in an ergonomic chair. Take a look at the full range of ergonomic chairs at Flexispot, and see what might work for you. We also have a wealth of height adjustable desks, office accessories and even ergonomic beds to help support your health and wellbeing this year – it is time to get stuck in!
