The right office chair is a crucial piece of equipment for any desk jockey. You may not realize it, but most days, many office workers will spend more time at their computer than they do sleeping. With that much time spent sitting, you have to be a little bit worried about the effects it can have on the body. This makes having an ergonomic office chair all the more important.
A bad chair can cause back strain, soreness in the shoulders and neck, and restrict blood flow in the legs. So, if you want to avoid all of this, invest in a good office chair. But what makes one chair better than another? This guide will cover all you need to know to pick out a comfortable office chair.
Key Features of a Great Office Chair
When it comes to decorating a room or shopping for clothes, we mostly look for things that match our taste and style. While an office chair might be considered part of the office décor, you have to look past the aesthetics. Instead, make sure your chair has these key features.
- Lumbar Support: Lower back support is a must for any office chair. One with adjustable lumbar support is best, but not always necessary. Lumbar support will help prevent back strain from developing into sciatica, a serious and debilitating condition.
- Tall Back Rest: In addition to good lumber support, the back of your chair should come up past your shoulder blades. This will help you avoid slouching and promote an upright posture.
- Adjustability: The more adjustability a chair has the better. Being able to adjust the height of the seat and armrests will help you maintain good posture while sitting. It’s also important to be able to adjust the arm width and back angle.
- A Good Wheelbase: Wheelbases are pretty much standard for office chairs, but the quality of the swivel and wheels can differ. Having a chair with a smooth roll and swivel can be a big help when reaching for things around your work area.
- Fabric: You want your chair to have breathable fabric to prevent it from becoming too hot. It should also have a soft seat so that you can’t feel the base of the chair through the cushion.
If your current office chair doesn’t have the five key features listed here, then you may want to consider getting a new one. Maintaining good back health is incredibly important, especially as you get into your later years. So, while you may not want to spend the money on a new office chair right now, just remember all the future problems it’s helping you avoid.
