Prevent and Reduce Back Pain with an Ergonomic Chair

by george 19. January 2009 09:59

Today’s desk jobs are putting many people at risk of developing lower back pain because they’re seated for so much of the day. If you’re already experiencing problems, they will only get worse. Pain and discomfort in the arms, shoulders, neck and back is often a result of sustained periods of sitting. As well, pressure is placed on the spinal column.

People who sit in an office chair at length have a tendency to slump. This posture stretches the spinal ligaments and strains the spinal discs.If this goes on for too long, it can lead to major damage to the lower back.

Fortunately, there’s a way you can minimize the strain to your body that arises from this situation. Get yourself the best ergonomic chair you can afford, and use it properly. This type of chair provides maximum support for your back and encourages good posture while sitting.

However, there’s more to it than just setting it up out of the box. It’s essential that ergonomic office chairs be adjusted to suit your body structure.

You should adjust the backrest so that it supports the lumbar area of your lower back. Adjust the height of the chair so that your feet are able to rest comfortably on the floor, with your thighs horizontal. Otherwise, you’ll need a footrest.

Your feet should not be dangling while you’re seated. This position puts pressure on the tissues of your knees and thighs and can cause discomfort in your lower legs.

There should be a space about the size of your fist between the front of the chair and the back of your knees. If there isn’t, lower the chair slightly. If possible, tilt the seat slightly forward to further relieve any pressure.

An ergonomic chair is designed to reduce back pain. However, moving around throughout the day is also a necessary component of managing the problem. No matter how comfortable you might feel in your ergonomic chair, prolonged seating is hard on your back.

Therefore, you should make a point of getting out of your chair frequently throughout the day. Get up out of your chair, do some stretches, or go for a walk.Even just a few minutes of activity will get your blood circulating.

Basic desk chairs won’t cost you as much as a good ergonomic chair. However, they’re of little use for the prevention of back pain. Using an ergonomically designed chair is the best way to get rid of any back problems.

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