A Little more Spend for Less Back Pain
16% of workers in the United States are employed in office roles, meaning that more than one in 10 of us sit for at least seven hours every day.
Despite growth in the office work sector, many of us haven’t properly considered the long-term impacts of being seated for so much of our lives.
We’ve been too busy working to explore how seating patterns affect our health, and many of us have neglected the thought entirely. Fortunately, the furniture industry has had our well-being in mind designing these chairs. The question is - what is an ergonomic chair, and why should we buy one?
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the practice of designing spaces that are safe to use; this includes professional and home environments. While most design practices focus on aesthetics above all else, ergonomics is concerned with people and how they can efficiently use and move through spaces.
It’s the responsibility of employers to make workspaces ergo-friendly. Traditionally, office spaces have contained stiff and uncomfortable furniture. The study of ergonomics explores how an ergonomic office can create safer spaces that meet the health needs of people.
Ergonomics isn’t just for the workplace. It’s now an important discipline for our home lives too. The number of people primarily working from home tripled between 2019 and 2021. This increase means creating ergonomic home office spaces is more important than ever.
What is an Ergonomic Chair?
An ergonomic office chair is designed for better posture. Unlike a traditional desk chairs, they have more features - which can adapt for comfort and safety.
Ergonomic chair features include adjustable arms, an adjustable back, lumbar support, an adjustable headrest, and adjustable height.
The best ergonomic chair sits under an adjustable desk, allowing for safe sitting and standing during work hours.
Different Types of Ergonomic Office Chairs
With work from home still available for many companies, you'll want to find yourself a great ergonomic office chair that will fit your back needs. Here are some great options:
- Aeron Chair: On the pricier side, but will save you plenty of back troubles. The fabric will keep you cool and comfortable, and adjustable chair sizes is perfect for different types of people.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair: A cheaper option but with great ergonomic support. There are eight points of adjustment for bodies of all shapes and sizes.
- Sytas Home Office Ergonomic Chair: The desk office chair has ergonomic backrest and Lumbar support fit the natural curve of the lower back and take the pain of spinal away from your body. Can bring ergonomic support for a low price.
Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair
1. Pain Reduction
A computer chair without ergonomic features can cause neck, hip, and back pain. 29% of adults with back problems blame stress, but many would be surprised how effectively the right chair can prevent or reduce back pain. Decades spent sitting in a chair that isn’t meeting your health needs could be to blame.
An ergonomic chair's adjustable arms, headrest, and back alleviate pain. This chair’s features support the spine and ensure you don’t sit in unnatural positions.
2. Increased Productivity
Workers experiencing discomfort or pain are less effective at completing their professional tasks. Sitting in a non-ergonomic chair can cause pain, tiredness, and discomfort - which contribute to the malaise. These feelings make it difficult for you to do your job effectively and efficiently.
These chairs reduce feelings of fatigue by seating you in a healthy position - meaning you can get back to being your best work self.
3. Money-Saving
An ergonomic office chair can save you thousands of dollars; this may seem unbelievable at first glance - with ergonomic chairs costing anywhere between $100 and $2,000.
How can an expensive item of furniture save you money? By reducing the risk of developing back, neck, and hip problems, ergonomic chairs prevent future trips to medical appointments and costly treatments or surgery.
Americans spent $134 billion in twenty years from 1996 to 2016 on treatments for neck and lower back pain - more than they spent on diabetes or heart disease.
Avoid being part of this statistic by buying, or encouraging your employer to invest in, an ergonomic chair.
4. Improved Emotional Wellbeing
Our jobs are challenging enough without the added weight of anxiety. Worrying about future health problems from using an uncomfortable chair affects your positivity, participation, and productivity - which impacts your ability to succeed.
Creating an ergonomic office will help to reduce feelings of stress.
5. More Comfort
Feeling uncomfortable is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. If you’re experiencing discomfort when sitting at work, chances are that your chair lacks ergonomic features.
With an ergonomic chair that adapts to your unique body and needs, the discomfort will become a thing of the past.
Should I Buy an Ergonomic Chair?
It can be tempting to continue with old habits by buying a traditional office chair. Sourcing a non-ergonomic chair isn’t a good investment. Putting low prices ahead of good posture will be costly.
Ergonomic chairs acknowledge that the curve in your spine needs better support and are designed with this in mind. Adjustable features support your health - reducing pain and anxiety.
With an ergonomic chair, you’ll be back working at full capacity in no time.