Back pain is a pervasive problem faced by people of different age groups. Recent data suggest that one in six Australians suffer from backache, with four in five people complaining about lower back pain at least once. The pain in the back can accompany stiffness and soreness. The sharpness of the pain can vary from acute to dull. Interestingly, back pain can be independent of any specific medical condition. Non-specific backache cases are more prevalent, as about eight in ten people face this without any underlying health factor. The most afflicted age groups include 35-55.
The reason for office goers dealing with back pain is often linked with improper workstation setup. When you are in the office, you sit on your desk for a large part of the day. You also become vulnerable to low back pain if the chair lacks comfort and support. How do you eliminate the risk?
- Things to avoid or look for in office chairs
Finding an office chair for back support is easy, especially when you understand the requirements and features. The spine is a curved structure. Hence, a chair without a curve will fail to support it, leading to poor posture and back pain. Many office chairs, including ergonomics, offer well-curated back support. Users can tilt the backrest backward, forward, or both depending on their physical comfort. Remember, chairs with a high number of features cost slightly extra. If you want to play within your budget and keep up with back support and posture, buy quality chairs with fundamental must-haves, such as appropriate height, size, depth, back support, armrest, etc. You can purchase chairs with headrests, plush padding, and others later.
- Ways to make your office chair comfortable
Buying a quality chair for your workstation is just the beginning of creating an amicable environment for your back health. You can elevate your chair’s efficiency by practising a few habits. For instance, your back should always get full support from the chair, so sit back correctly. It will allow you to keep your spine upright as well. The height of the seat must suit your body frame. The shoulders and arms should be at ease. When you fold your arms at the elbow, the forearms must align with the desk. Likewise, you may have seen how much seat depth is emphasised; you can keep your feet firmly on the ground while supporting your back so the chair does not bash your legs. Otherwise, you will be on the seat’s edge, arching or slouching forward. It’s not good for your lower back.
Another thing to consider is the gap between your knees’ back and the seat edge. Ideally, the distance between the two should be around two to three fingers. The edge must not dig into your knee area. Suppose everything is perfect, but your feet need to reach the floor. In that case, you can use a footrest to compensate for missing elements. Sites like valueofficefurniture offer desirable features in their office chair range. You can pick something from there to reduce your stress.
- A few additional factors
While a comfortable chair with little additions improves and supports your back health, paying attention to some more factors can quickly enhance your overall sedentary work style. Ensure the computer or laptop screen is level with your eyes so you don’t strain your head and neck. When you sit, the knees should bend at the right angle with feet flat on the floor. Elbows should have adequate support from armrests so you can keep your arms and shoulders at ease.
Back pain can impact your lifestyle adversely. Ongoing stress related to spine health causes depression, difficult working conditions, reduced mobility, etc. Hence, it’s essential to care for it. Apart from adjusting chair height and creating a favourable atmosphere, daily exercises that promote good posture and muscle support will be helpful. It’s necessary for a flexible and strong back. Go for walking, swimming, and lightweight exercises in your free time. If you sit in a place long, get up and move around a little. Stretch your body so your muscles and back feel easy. If you are a heavy smoker, check on this behaviour. Indulge in mindfulness techniques to regulate muscle tension and stress.
Office chairs can be a furniture piece, but they surpass other fixtures and features in utility. Unlike other items, office chairs serve you the most. Your back health greatly depends on its comfort and how you use it. Whether you need them for your employees or personal use, buy these products only from a reputable store that adheres to the industry’s best standards. Such sellers often provide options approved by higher authorities prioritising human health over other things. Since options are galore, you can easily pick a design fit for your needs and budget. Typically, a good chair comes with a decent lifespan.
