Sitting in an office chair for lengthy periods might induce low back discomfort or aggravate an existing back condition. The fundamental reason for this is that sitting, whether in an office chair or in general, is a static posture that increases tension in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs, and can put a lot of pressure on the back muscles and spinal discs in particular.
To avoid developing or exacerbating back problems, it’s critical to have the best office chair that supports the lower back and promotes proper posture.
How Do I Choose a Back Pain-Relieving Office Chair?
In this part, we’ll go over a few things to consider while selecting an office chair to help you with your back discomfort. Make sure to read over each of these carefully to make an informed decision about the type of office chair that will best suit your needs.
- Adjustability
“Adjustability is essential, and a seat, arms, and back should all be adjustable. The more height and angle adjustability a chair has, the more it can be personalized to your body,” Gold suggests.
- Height of the seat
The seat height of an office chair should be freely adjustable. The simplest method is to use a pneumatic adjustment lever. Most people should be able to sit comfortably at a seat height of 16 to 21 inches off the ground. This enables the user to best office chair with his or her feet flat on the floor, thighs horizontal, and arms at desk height.
- Design
This may seem like the most apparent factor to consider when selecting an office chair for back discomfort, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. Take a close look at the design of the chair you’re considering and read the brand’s description of it. Is the backrest made of sturdy materials that provide support? Is it well-designed enough to fit the contour of your spin?
By design, we don’t mean you should go for the most attractive chair you can find, as these are typically the most uncomfortable for lengthy periods. Instead, choose a chair with a design that allows it to conform to the contour of your back. These types of chairs are the most comfortable and are more likely to relieve back discomfort or pressure.
- Rolling is simple.
Even if you’re shopping for an office chair online or for an office partition, you can always check product reviews to see if a chair can roll easily, which is one of Gold’s critical features for a back pain office chair. “The chair should be able to roll effortlessly so that someone may go as near to their work surface as necessary for comfort, vision, and ergonomics,” she explains. Examine the casters’ construction and fit for the sort of flooring you have.”
- Support for the lower back
Your bottom should be placed against the back of your chair, and there should be a cushion that forces your lower back to arch slightly so that you don’t droop forward or slouch down when you get tired. This office chair’s low back support is critical for reducing the load (strain) on your back. This office chair’s low back support is critical for reducing the load (strain) on your back. In the office chair, never stoop or slouch forward, as this puts extra strain on the structures in the low back, particularly the lumbar discs.
- Swivel and armrests
Armrests and office partition on office chairs should be adjustable. They should let the user rest their arms comfortably and relax their shoulders. While typing, the elbows and lower arms should be lightly rested, and the forearm should not be resting on the armrest. Any traditional or ergonomic chair should be able to rotate freely so that the user can reach various parts of his or her desk without straining.
In the End
Extended static posture is bad for the back and is a common contributor to back problems and muscle tension, no matter how comfortable one is in an office chair.
Remember to stand, stretch, and move for at least a minute or two every half hour to avoid keeping your back in one posture for a long time. Even a quick stretch or some light exercise – like strolling to the water cooler – will help.