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What is an Ergonomic Office Chair?

Ken Black
Ken Black

An ergonomic office chair is a chair that promotes good posture and is designed to reduce strain on a number of pressure points for those working in office environments. The ergonomic office chair has only been developed as a true tool for the workplace since the 1980s. This type of office chair has become not only a comfort item, but a necessity for many who suffer from workplace hazards.

While the office environment is not necessarily considered a dangerous workplace by many, it has its own set of hazards. Those hazards include sitting for long periods of time in positions that may not be the best for the body. Humans are not truly meant to sit for extended periods, such as the length required in office settings. Therefore, stress injuries can result.

An ergonomic office chair promotes good posture.
An ergonomic office chair promotes good posture.

An ergonomic office chair can help by promoting proper posture. This can be especially helpful to those with certain health conditions, such as bad backs and hips. Therefore, an ergonomic office chair can help increase efficiency by promoting better health among employees, more so than standard chairs.

The key to an ergonomic office chair is the lumbar support. Unlike other types of chairs, the ergonomic chair offers a strong support for the lower back. The lumbar support is a curve in the chair which supports the natural curve of the spine, thus helps prevent slouching and a straightening of the spine.

The key to an ergonomic office chair is lumbar support that will support the natural curve of the spine.
The key to an ergonomic office chair is lumbar support that will support the natural curve of the spine.

An ergonomic office chair will also have a number of other features designed to help the user perform office tasks without too much strain. The swivel in the chair will help users reach points on their desk and cubicle area without having to strain unduly. The seat may also be able to recline, which some may find to be a good way to relax during a hectic day.

It's essential to take ergonomics into account when buying office chairs and other workstation equipment.
It's essential to take ergonomics into account when buying office chairs and other workstation equipment.

If the ergonomic office chair has armrests, these should be at a level that is comfortable for the user as well. However, for those using armrests, it should be cautioned that the forearm should not be on the armrest while typing. This promotes bad typing posture which could lead to other injuries and conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

An ergonomic office chair should be expected to cost slightly more than a traditional office chair, but the benefits may include increased production and less employee down time. Therefore, many may find the few additional dollars spent on an ergonomic office chair is worth the expense. Employees who request an ergonomic chair are not being lazy or overly demanding, but may be expressing a medical need.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

Thanks for all of the advice! I've started searching for one of these chairs, and I think I will be able to get one at a sale price from an office supply company. It sounds like the type of office chair I need for my pain issues.

Ocelot60

@Heavanet- I also have back problems along with hip pain. I have found that using an ergonomic office chair helps ease both types of pain, especially when I have to sit and work for long periods of time.

Raynbow

@heavanet- I have an ergonomic office chair, and I love it. It benefits many parts of your body by helping you keep your posture correct and not putting pressure on areas that may lead to pain.

While it's not going to take your neck and back pain away, I think that you will find that after sitting in an ergonomic chair and working for hours, you will experience less discomfort than you did when you used a regular office chair.

Heavanet

Does anyone know if an ergonomic office chair helps to relieve neck and back pain? I am looking for a new office chair that helps to ease my pack problems while I'm working.

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    • An ergonomic office chair promotes good posture.
      By: Monkey Business
      An ergonomic office chair promotes good posture.
    • The key to an ergonomic office chair is lumbar support that will support the natural curve of the spine.
      By: amorphis
      The key to an ergonomic office chair is lumbar support that will support the natural curve of the spine.
    • It's essential to take ergonomics into account when buying office chairs and other workstation equipment.
      By: endostock
      It's essential to take ergonomics into account when buying office chairs and other workstation equipment.