| Webster defines the word "ergonomic" as "an applied | | | | angle work together to support your body. If all those |
| science concerned with designing and arranging things | | | | features and terms have your head spinning, I'd |
| people use so that the people and things interact most | | | | suggest that you focus on ride height and back |
| efficiently and safely." Basically, this means that | | | | support at your primary focus. Having an adjustable |
| ergonomically designed item are specifically designed | | | | ride height allows you to set the chair height to your |
| for comfort and efficiency. Ergonomic chairs are no | | | | personal preferences. The height that you choose will |
| different. | | | | also affect angle of your lower back so it's important |
| They differ from standard office chairs as ergonomic | | | | to try different heights. Back support plays a critical |
| chairs are designed for maximum comfort and | | | | role in your long term comfort. Look for a chair with |
| productivity. Standard office chairs may not have | | | | adjustable back support, which is also commonly called |
| some ergonomic functions like armrests, adjustable | | | | "lumbar" support in reference to the lumber area of |
| height, lower back support, etc. In a nutshell, ergonomic | | | | your spine. You can also use the tilt function on your |
| chairs are going to have a higher level of adjustability | | | | chair to recline yourself slightly, which takes additional |
| versus a standard office chair. | | | | pressure off your spine. |
| Why are ergonomic chairs important? Well, when you | | | | Armrests are another ergonomic advancement that |
| sit down and add up how much time you may be | | | | can make a significant improvement in overall comfort. |
| seated in the chair, it becomes very important. | | | | Due to varying desk heights, chairs with armrests may |
| According to OHSA, the average office based | | | | not always fit under low or small desks. OHSA has |
| employee, working a 40 hour week, will spend 25-30 | | | | also noted that armrests can reduce your risk of |
| hours in a seated position. Over a twelve month period, | | | | developing carpal tunnel syndrome. I know that all |
| that's over 1500 hours in a seated position at work. | | | | these features can be confusing when it actually |
| That much time in a seated position puts quite a bit of | | | | comes down to making a decision, so it's worth your |
| stress on the lumber area of your spine. | | | | time to understand what ergonomic features are really |
| There are a number of different ergonomic features | | | | important. Your level of comfort and health will play a |
| that improve the fit and comfort of a chair. Features | | | | direct role in your productivity and overall success, so |
| like back support, arm rests, chair height, and chair | | | | take the time to review your options. |