Choosing The Right Ergonimic Office Chair

Whether you work from home or an office it is important that you have the right office chair if you wish to avoid suffering from any kind of problems to your back later on. All of us who spend large amounts of time sat a desk in front of a computer are placing strain on the spine and without the right kind of support for it can actually lead to health complications later on. However if you want you can now get ergonomic office chairs which provide the right type of support for the spine and lower back as well as helping to main a good posture position.

This article has been written to provide you with some advice on what you need to look for when considering buying an ergonomic office chair. It is important that you keep these in mind and don't just take what the sales person or manufacturer says at face value. Remember it is you who will be spending your time in the chair and you need one that you will feel comfortable in all day long.

1. Seat Height - This should not only be easily adjustable, but it is best if the chair comes with a pneumatic lever that will allow you to adjust the height of the seat that you are comfortable with. At all times once you are sat in your chair your feet should be placed flat on the floor and your thighs should be horizontal with the floor also. Plus it should allow for your arms to be level with the height of the desk.

2. Seat Depth and Width - The seat should be between 17 to 20 inches wide and so be able to support the person sitting in it comfortably. Whilst for the depth of the chair you should be looking for one that you to sit with your back comfortably against the back rest yet still leaving you with between 2 and 4 inches of space between the back of your knees and the seat front.

3. Support for your Lower Back - Look for an office chair that comes with a good lumbar rest which allows you to adjust both its height and depth to ensure that support is provided for the lower part of the back. Ideally the lumbar rest should be in a position on the back part of the chair which will place it in line with the part of your spine where it begins to curve inwards.

4. Backrest - A good backrest on an ergonomic office chair should be between 12 and 19 inches in width. Also if the one that you are looking at comes with a backrest that is separate from the seat of the chair then controls (levers) should have been provided so that you are able to adjust both the angle and height of it. But for those that are all in one then they should have a mechanism that allows you to move it backwards and forwards to varying angles. This mechanism then should lock in place once you have found the ideal seating position for you.

5. Armrests - If you are looking for a chair with armrests again this must be able to adjust and will allow you to rest your arms comfortably, which in turn allows your shoulders to be placed in a much more relaxed position. At all times your elbows and the lower part of your arms should be resting lightly on them whilst your forearm should be off them when you are typing.

When it comes to buying an ergonomic office chair if you keep the points we have mentioned above in mind you should soon be able to find one that suits you perfectly. Although you can get them much cheaper online it may be advisable to go to your local office supplier first and try out a few they have before you actually spend your hard earned money. A good ergonomic office chair is a very sound investment as it will ensure that you back is well supported and you maintain the right kind of posture whilst sat at your desk.