How to Find the Office Chair of Your Dreams
By Sara Butler
If you spend a lot of time sitting when you’re at work during the week, then for the sake of your back and your chiropractor’s sanity, get a good chair! If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a little breakdown of the most important things to look for in an office chair so you can feel as if you’re sitting on a cloud, nestled between cherubs, in comfort all day long.
The Shape and Comfort of the Seat
The technical term for the place you sit your bootie is the seat pan, and there are some seat pan standards you should be reaching for. For starters, the seat pan should be a minimum of one inch wider than your thighs and hips on either side. That means if you’re sitting, your hips or thighs should not be touching the edge of the chair.
You do not want to choose a chair with a seat pan that is too long for you, either. If it’s too long, then you won’t be able to utilize the lumbar support of the chair very well. Many chairs that are ergonomically designed will prevent this from happening through the shape of the front of the seat, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about this with a high-quality chair.
You Have to Adjust It
Your chair needs to have a pneumatic adjustment so you can adjust the height of the seat to fit you better. This is important so you can make sure your knees are not higher than your hips. They should be slightly lower or at the same height as your hips and your feet should easily be able to sit firmly on the ground.
Don’t Forget Lumbar Support!
A lot of pressure is put on your lower back when you’re sitting, so it could use a little support. There are many chairs out there that have a cushioned area of support for your lower back that can be easily adjusted to best fit you. If you’re the only person using the chair, you may not need the feature of an adjustable support. But it’s important to make sure a fixed lumbar support is going to give you what you need.
A chair may not seem like a big deal, but it is when it comes to the health of your spine. If you need more guidance or have any questions about it, you should discuss it with your chiropractor during your next visit to The Joint!