If you have a desk job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, chances are you've experienced some stiffness or pain at some point or other. That's not unusual, because unless you get the right kind of support from your chair, you can easily strain your back, shoulder, or neck muscles. This is precisely why I've been using ergonomic chairs for the past few years, and why I'll never go back to standard seating again!
Ergonomic chairs are specially designed to ensure that you sit in a position that relieves pressure from your lower back. This is accomplished by providing adjustable lumbar support to help make it easier for you to remain seated for extended periods. Lumbar support also helps you maintain good posture, which is another critical element for eliminating or reducing back pain.
So when shopping for ergonomic chairs, you'll definitely want to examine the type of lumbar support system that you'll be getting. But there are many other characteristics and features to consider as well before making your purchase. For instance, the seat depth is also a very important component of ergonomic chairs. The seat should be deep enough to allow you to sit against the backrest, but not so deep that you have to lean forward in order to reach your keyboard.
Other items to consider include adjustable seat height and arm rests and whether or not the chair can swivel.
Ergonomic chairs usually cost significantly more than regular office furniture, so you'll also want to be sure to evaluate the material that the chair is made from. Is it breathable and comfortable? Is it durable enough to hold up for several years of daily use? Is it easy to clean? No one wants to spend several hundred dollars on an office chair only to have it break down or develop rips and tears within a few months of buying it.
And finally, you do have to look at price and try to determine whether or not you're getting a good deal. Not all ergonomic chairs are created equal, so there will indeed be some discrepancy in pricing. But while you might be tempted to go with the cheapest product you can find, just remember that you often have to pay extra for quality. That $60 chair might look attractive today, but it won't do you much good if it doesn't relieve your back pain one iota!
I routinely spend 10-12 hours per day sitting at a computer hutch typing away on various projects. Prior to using ergonomic chairs, I suffered from severe back and shoulder pain every day, and was miserable because of it. Now that I've found some relief, I can focus on completing tasks in a timely manner instead of having to stop and massage my muscles every few minutes. Buy one for yourself and see how productive you can be when you're pain-free!
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