What to Look for in a Desk Chair
By Rachel Carver
Whether you work at an office or at home, you spend many hours at a desk if you have an administrative job. The wrong chair can cause shoulder, neck, and low back pain.
Some people sit too low, causing them to reach up to their keyboard. Others may sit too high, straining the hips and knees. Having to look down at your monitor also stresses the neck. Your neighborhood Joint Chiropractic clinic can treat the cause of your pain with a safe, natural, and drug-free spinal adjustment.
In addition to visiting The Joint, an ergonomic desk chair can keep you comfortable and reduce your pain. Here's what to look for in an office chair.
Adjustable Seat Height
This one is important. Find a chair that is easy to adjust. Many ergonomic chairs come with a pneumatic adjustment lever.
The seat height should be 16-21 inches from the floor. You want your feet resting flat on the floor and your thighs horizontal. Your arms should be even with your desk.
Seat Width and Depth
The seat should support you comfortably. The standard seat width is 17-20 inches.
The seat depth -- the distance from front to back -- should allow you to sit with your back against the back of the chair. Approximately 2-4 inches should be between the back of your knees and the chair seat. The chair back should be able to be adjusted.
Lumbar Support
The lumbar spine curves inward. Sitting too long without support for this curve can lead to slouching. This flattens the natural curve and can strain the lower spine. Look for a chair with a lumbar adjustment that feels comfortable and supports the inward curve of your lower back.
Back Rest
The chair back rest should be 12-19 inches wide. If it is a separate piece from the seat, the height and angle should be adjustable. The back rest should properly support the natural curve of the spine. If the back rest is connected to the seat, it should come with a locking mechanism that keeps it in place after you adjust it.
If you have a metal folding chair in your home office, invest in an ergonomic office chair. Your back and your joints will thank you. If you work in an office, ask your employer if a chair upgrade is possible. You can also ask them to help set up your ergonomic workspace.
Giver an ergonomic chair a try. And remember The Joint Chiropractic team is here to treat your pain or answer other questions about your back or joints.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pico Rivera, Calif.