Sitting in an office for long periods of time can put unnecessary pressure on your spine that can lead to bad posture and health problems. So what should you look for in an ergonomic office chair?
How an Office Chair Helps Posture
Assuming a static position for a long period of time will result in the overstretching of the spinal ligaments and put pressure on the discs. This can lead to back pain and damage to the discs, resulting in ruptured, slipped or perforated discs. Such injuries may require surgical attention in order to correct, which is much more expensive than purchasing a good office chair in Melbourne to correct the problem.
What an ergonomic office chair does is to place your spine in the correct position and provide cushioning support to the base of the spine in order to alleviate as much pain and damage to the spine as possible.
When you purchase your new chair, it's important that it is adjusted properly in order to fit your specific body type and height. Everyone is different, so the factory settings are not necessarily going to be fitting to your measurements. Have the time and patience to adjust the office chair to your specifications until you are comfortable.
Adjusting Your Office Chair
In order to get the most out of your office chair, adjust the chair to the height of the desk being used. It should be at a height that allows you to comfortably rest your arms on the surface without much strain. It should also be at a height that allows you to have your feet flat on the floor; too high and unnecessary strain is placed on the spine in trying to compensate for the lack of support for the weight.
The width and the depth of the seat should also be able to hold your weight comfortably. It should be able to hold your weight and support you at the right height, but not too be too padded that makes it hard for you to remain seated in one place; 17-20 inches is the typical width. Sit with your back against the backrest to see if it fully supports the curve of your spine. It's the inner curve to the lumbar section of your spine that's the most important, as that's where most of the support is needed.