Selecting The Right Ergonomic Computer Chair
It is extremely important that you choose the right ergonomic computer chair since
the wrong choice could result in back pain and even repetitive strain injury (RSI). Whether you sit at your computer desk all day or just occasionally, it is important for your muscles, tendons and posture that you select the chair best for you.
As computers become more popular, we are tending to spend more time sitting in front of them! That's no surprise to you, but what might be a surprise are the consequences of not having the right type of chair to sit on. Comfy and cozy doesn't come into it - you need to choose an ergonomic computer chair that gives support to your back and prevents you from sitting hunched up or overstretching.
Here are a few tips on how to choose an ergonomic computer chair properly, so that you give yourself the least chance of developing back pain:
Seat Height
The height should be adjustable, preferably using a pneumatic lever since then you can adjust it to the optimum height while sitting on it. The height should be adjusted so that your thighs are horizontal when your feet are flat on the floor without you having to stretch. Any arms on your chair should sit level with the keyboard height.
Seat Width and Depth
The width of the seat should fit you without squeezing, and the depth should be enough so that your back rests against the back of the chair and the back of your knees are away from its edge. There is nothing more annoying than sitting with the front of the chair chaffing the back of your legs. Although the back should be able to tilt, it is better straight up than fixed and permanently tilted.
Back Support
The support offered to your back is very important in an ergonomic chair. The part of your back that is most associated with pain when you are not sitting properly is the lumbar region, from just below your ribs down to the coccyx. This part of your spine curves inward, and if it is not properly supported while you are sitting it tends to be forced into a straight position that causes a great deal of pain. An ergonomic computer chair should offer you support for your curved lower back that can be adjusted to suit the natural shape of your spine.
The back should also be able to be adjusted up and down - it's pretty obvious that if your seat can be moved up and down, then the back should likewise because we are not all the same size and taller people will need more distance between the seat and the back than smaller people. If it is also adjustable with respect to the angle of the back, then all the better, particularly if the back is separate from the seat.
Arm Support
You should also be able to adjust the arm supports. As you adjust the height of the seat, the arms would otherwise also move up and down, so arm adjustment is essential for a true ergonomic computer chair. Your forearm should be just above the armrest when typing, with your elbows resting on it.
Head Support
Many people don't like head-rests, but they should be available and adjustable so that you can support your head while typing. This can help prevent neck pain.
Rotation or Swivel
Any good office chair can swivel these days, so that you can reach anywhere on your desk without stretching. Castors may also be an advantage in reaching various parts of your desk, but not so easily moved so that you are continually moving or straining your feet to keep still.
Leather or Fabric?
Although you might believe a leather covering to be the best for your computer chair it actually isn't. A fabric that can breathe is better than an impervious surface that causes you to sweat. If you have to use a cushion for comfort, then your computer chair is not set up properly for you.
A lot depends on how much you are prepared to spend, because every adjustment on an ergonomic computer chair can cost a bit more. For example, are you better purchasing a cheap chair that offers all of these or an expensive make that offers only a few? It is not an easy decision to make, but you should generally be OK with an average model - not too cheap but not too dear - that provides as many features as possible within your budget.
When buying the best make, you are also paying for the name, and if you purchase a cheap unknown then it is likely to last just a day over the warranty and then break down, meaning that the adjustments will stop adjusting and the fabric or vinyl will rip. If you must choose, then at least make sure you have height and back adjustment, since these have the greatest impact on preventing back pain.
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing an ergonomic computer chair, but if you keep all of the above in mind when selecting yours, you should find the computer chair that best conforms to your dimensions and the way you sit when typing or using a keyboard.
by: Peter Nisbet
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