Much of
today’s work is done in offices, where people spend more time sitting than ever
before. Sitting is known for taking a toll on the back, but it can also lead to
insufficient blood flow, headaches, neck pain and loss of feeling in the
extremities.
The kind
of chair you sit in matters. But you don’t need to spend a fortune on an
ergonomic chair. Even pre owned office
chairs can do the trick. Here are a few
things to keep in mind as you shop for the right one.
Adjustable Everything
The best
office seating will allow you to adjust its height and headrest position.
Office employees with back pain often hold unnatural positions for hours at a
time without realizing it. If your chair requires you to stretch forward, lean
sideways onto the armrest or has you slumping over, then it’s time to
reconsider your options. Adjusting your chair to fit your height, weight and
posture is critically important in reducing back pain at work.
Padding and Support
While you
might not want to get too comfortable in your office chair,
having adequate padding will cushion your upper body and the weight it places
on your legs, reducing tightness in your hips and lower back. Padding along
your back will also promote better posture and support the natural curves of
your spine. As your posture improves, your circulation will improve as well,
limiting the tingles and numbness you may experience in your hands and toes.
Don’t Forget the Arms
One
overlooked office chair feature is adjustable armrests. If your forearms and
wrists sit too high, blood will not flow properly to your hands and fingers and
you may find yourself shrugging to compensate, which can cause stiffness in
your neck and shoulders. In order to keep your wrists at the optimal height,
make sure to scope out an office chair with adjustable armrests.
If you’re going to spend more than 40 hours a week in
your office chair, why not opt for the best option? Your neck, back, shoulders
and wrists will thank you.
