Today, with heavy work demands and long hours spent at the office, your biggest enemy is probably your office chair. Suppose you spend long hours in an awkward position like hunching over your desk or incessantly using a computer for work. In that case, this can cause back pain, muscle aches, and fatigue. You are also at risk of developing some spinal issues for which you will need an experienced spine surgery specialist to be treated.

The Problem With Office Chairs

If you sit for more than three hours a day on an office chair, it's time to make some changes because your body may be struggling to cope with poor seating positions. The spine can become fixed into one position because you sit in the same place for too long. This will cause serious health problems if not addressed.

Many people who experience back pain rightly blame their office chair, but other factors that may cause spinal problems to include obesity, lack of exercise, and poor workstation ergonomics. Some high-end ergonomic chairs have a curved base that locks into place when you sit on them, but this feature does not guarantee that your posture will be perfect. The best way to make sure you keep proper spinal alignment and avoid back pain is to avoid sitting for too long and exercising regularly.

Signs Of A Bad Office Chair

If your chair does not adjust to accommodate your height, it can cause back and neck pain due to bad posture. If your legs cannot reach the floor or your chair does not have a footrest, you need an ergonomic office chair with adjustable height.

Can a bad office chair cause hip pain? The answer is shouldn't be. Another sign is when the cushion in your office chair becomes flat and doesn't offer any support for your lower back. An office chair should be comfortable and fully adjustable so that you don't need a pillow for proper spinal alignment.

If you find that you are getting up often to change position while working because your back hurts, it may be time to get a new one. If this happens more than once an hour, it's time for a new office chair because your chair can lead to serious health problems.

What To Look For In An Office Chair

If you work at a desk job, your office chair is not something to skimp on. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run. The best office chairs are made of breathable mesh material instead of polyester or leather to allow heat and moisture to escape, which makes them safe for your skin because you will feel comfortable. Many chairs have a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, so you can use it even if you are a little on the heavier side. You should look for an adjustable office chair that will support your lower back and help improve your posture. The modern ergonomic style of office chairs reclines fully so you can lean the seat back slightly while still sitting upright.

If you have a small frame, go for a smaller chair to reduce muscle tension in your upper body and neck area. If you are heavier, a large office chair with a comfortable cushion is the best option since it can help take pressure off your lower back and speed blood flow to prevent leg fatigue from sitting too long.

How To Find The Right Office Chair

When you go shopping for a new office chair, sit on chairs and test them out. Adjust the seat's height to ensure your feet can comfortably touch the ground while your upper body is straight up with good posture. Also, check if it has an adjustable backrest so that you can lean slightly backward without having to strain your arms and shoulders while also being upright or slouching forward.

If you have any back problems, make sure to get a chair with lumbar support. If you are overweight, you should get a high-end chair that is fully adjustable with a cushion that conforms to your body shape to help take the pressure off painful joints and muscles. This chair option is not limited to heavier people only. People who are not heavy can also take advantage of it too.