Do you work in an office? Do you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or in a desk chair? Many of us spend our work days sitting in an office chair and possibly sitting in front of a computer. Well, all that sitting can be rough on the body believe it or not so an ergonomic office chair may be just the thing you need.

So just what is an ergonomic chair and how do you find the one that is best for you? Well, first you might want to learn a little more about the different chairs that are out there. Then you can make the proper decision about which one is for you.

What is an Ergonomic Chair?

Sitting in a chair for long periods of time causes stress on the structure of the spine and can lead to back aches and other problems. An ergonomic chair is one that is designed with a shape that helps support the back and encourages better posture. These chairs help your body retain a healthy position that prevents strain on the back.

There are many different types of ergonomic chairs on the market today and one is not necessarily better than another but there are some basic features you will likely want from yours. In addition to that, you will want to look for features that make this chair right for you such as adjustability and possibly color or material.

What Features Should It Have?

There are several different features that a good ergonomic office chair should have. We will discuss those below and you should keep them all in mind when you are shopping for your chair.

• Proper height
• Proper width and depth
• Backrest
• Lumbar support
• Armrests
• Swivel feature

So why are these features important? Well it is important to have the proper height to support your back. A good ergonomic chair will have a feature to allow you to adjust it so that your feet can touch the floor and you can sit properly. Most people will use from 16 to 21 inches off the floor and this is what most ergonomic chairs allow for.

The width and depth is also important. They should be designed to fit any user comfortably. The width should allow you to sit comfortably in it without feeling cramped or unable to relax or move. The depth (area from front to back of seat) so allow the user to sit with their back straight against the chair but have a space of around 2 inches between the back of their knees and the chair.

Armrests are important because they help you remain comfortable and also in a proper position when working at your desk. Proper armrests will make it easier to retain proper posture. The swivel feature helps you reach different things on or around your desk without a lot of straining. All of these things can help you get the best ergonomic chair possible.