| Most would think it is common sense when talking | | | | sufficient depth in order to avoid pushing yourself up to |
| about the subject of how to sit in an office chair | | | | far that your upper legs are not properly supported. |
| considering most of us sit in one for hours on end | | | | While sitting in your chair, it is usually easier to lower |
| everyday. While office chairs certainly are easy to use | | | | the backrest than raise it. So begin with the back rest |
| with a little bit of knowledge, most of us are not familiar | | | | as high as it goes, then sit in your chair and gradually |
| with how to properly adjust and sit in our chairs in | | | | lower the backrest until it fits comfortably. |
| order to avoid pain and injury. When even starting to | | | | Another feature that is crucial for a good chair to have |
| consider purchasing an office chair it is important to | | | | is adjustable armrests. Most chairs that have |
| pick out a chair that will allow you to adjust your body | | | | adjustable armrests can easily be lowered or raised |
| and posture to conform ergonomically to you. An | | | | by pushing a button in and manually pulling the armrests |
| ergonomic chair will come with adjustable seat height, | | | | up or pushing them down. Armrests have to be at the |
| back/lumbar adjustments, armrest adjustments, and a | | | | right height for your body, if they are too high it will |
| tilt lock. While most are not familiar with chair | | | | force you to position your arms awkwardly. If |
| adjustments it is essential to learn about your chair and | | | | armrests are too long you might find yourself to be |
| become properly educated on how to use it before | | | | slouching or sitting in an awkward position which might |
| using it just as you would for say a car or bike. | | | | start to cause a back ache. While typing, your arms |
| However, an office chair will not take nearly as long to | | | | should be able to swing freely. Armrests should be |
| figure out as either of the aforementioned. | | | | positioned about half an inch below your elbows, with |
| When sitting in an office chair the first area of the | | | | your elbows hanging comfortably at your side. If your |
| chair to focus on is the part you sit on all day, the seat. | | | | arms are resting on the armrest while you are typing, |
| With your back against the backrest, the seat should | | | | you will be inhibiting the normal arm movement which |
| support most of the length of your thighs without | | | | will cause extra strain on your fingers and their |
| applying pressure to the back of your knees. Waterfall | | | | supporting structures. |
| seats (which most chairs now come with) are ideal for | | | | The backrest angle should be set so that you feel the |
| allowing you to sit comfortably and properly. Your seat | | | | backrest while you are in your preferred sitting position. |
| height should be set so that your thighs are | | | | You should not have to lean back to feel it, nor should |
| approximately parallel to the ground when your heels | | | | it force you farther forward when you are sitting. Your |
| are firmly planted on the ground. If it is not possible to | | | | back rest angle should allow, however, to move |
| have your feet flat on the ground because your work | | | | forward and backward with added pressure while still |
| station is too high and not adjustable, a footrest is a | | | | providing you with lumbar/back support. Usually, |
| good addition to keep your feet flat and body in proper | | | | underneath your chair there is a knob that allows you |
| posture. Movement throughout the day is encouraged, | | | | to adjust the backrest to the amount of pressure you |
| so do not feel as if you always need your feet to be | | | | want. After finding that perfect spot make sure to lock |
| planted on the ground. There is generally a lever on the | | | | your backrest angle to ensure it stays in place. Usually |
| right side if not the left that when pulled up allows you | | | | by pulling the lever up you can unlock the back angle |
| to move either up if your taller or down if you are of | | | | and pushing down locks it into place. |
| shorter stature. A tip for adjustment is to start with | | | | It is important to remember that not all chairs are built |
| your seat at its highest and lower it gradually until it is | | | | the same, meaning that some levers and knobs may |
| at a comfortable height. as you cannot usually raise | | | | be in different places or may be used differently |
| your seat while you are sitting in it. | | | | depending on the chair. Also, some chairs may not |
| The backrest of a chair is an important feature, | | | | come with all the features mentioned above and may |
| especially if you suffer from mild to severe back pain. | | | | only possess one or two. What is the key takeaway |
| A chair that comes with adjustable lumbar support is | | | | is take some time to get to know your chair and how |
| recommended for those that suffer from back pain. If | | | | to use it when purchasing a chair or even if you |
| your backrest does come with built-in lumbar support, | | | | already have an office chair you like. In the long run, it |
| its height should be such that you feel firm support | | | | can save you from hours, days, or years of suffering |
| over the lumbar curve of your lower back. Chairs that | | | | from common work related injuries that occur from |
| are S shaped also provide natural back support that | | | | not sitting properly. If you are not happy with your |
| will fit to the natural curvature of your spine. If your | | | | current chair and its features, look into a chair that has |
| chair lacks lumbar support, adding a lumbar cushion or | | | | all the adjustments mentioned in order to ensure that it |
| lumbar pillow can help aid your back. Lumbar support | | | | is ergonomically correct. |
| products should only be added if your seat has | | | | |