The Impact of Office Chairs on Posture and Health

Office chairs are essential when it comes to the modern work environment. So many people are spending up to eight hours a day seated at their desks so you have to consider the functionality of the chair and how it affects your posture and overall health.

When it comes to choosing a good office chair

You have to consider whether it supports the natural curve of your spine. Some of the features you need to look for are adjustable seat height, armrests lumbar support and a stable base. When you select an ergonomically designed chair, it will align correctly with your body and distribute weight evenly so that the stress on your joints and spine is reduced. When the seat height is adjustable, you can make sure that your feet can rest flat on the floor with your thighs being parallel to the ground. Your arms have to be even with the height of the table. This alignment can help maintain a neutral spine position so that there is no strain on your lower back. The lumbar area of your spine will curve inwards naturally and when you have good lumbar support, this gap can be filled so that you will not slouch in the chair. Slouching can lead to chronic lower back pain.

With adjustable armrests

You can relieve the strain on your neck and shoulders. The arms will be supported at an optimal height so that the risk of upper body tension is reduced. You have to check whether the chair has a stable base. Check whether this has a five pointed star design so that the chair will be stable and not tip. You can also look for comfortable materials like mesh and leather office chairs. When you choose a chair without any ergonomic features, it can lead to many health issues. When you use a poorly designed chair for a long time, it can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as neck pain, chronic back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions are due to long term poor posture. This will happen when the spine and joints are not supported sufficiently. When you sit for an extended time in a poorly designed chair, your circulation can be impeded and this will impact your lower extremities more leading to swelling and varicose veins. In some severe cases, it can lead to deep vein thrombosis.

You will experience increased muscle fatigue

When sitting on a chair without the right ergonomics. Your body will be continuously trying to find a comfortable position in the chair and this can expend more energy. You will feel tired quicker and it will affect your productivity. There are some psychological effects of poor quality office chairs as well. Your mood will be improved when you are sitting in a comfortable sitting position and this will lower stress. But when you are distracted by discomfort, you will not be able to have a positive attitude towards your work. Focus and efficiency are improved by ergonomic chairs as you will be able to maintain your concentration for a longer time without being distracted by physical discomfort.