When it comes to repetitive strain injuries, poor posture is one of the three major contributing factors. Posture issues can be relieved by buying an office chair that supports the spine over a long period of time. This reduces strain to the muscles and tendons, allowing them to relax while sitting for a long time at a workstation.
What is Good Ergonomic Posture?
When seated in front of a computer desk, there should be as little strain as possible on the muscles and tendons supporting the body. Qualities of good posture from the bottom up include:
- the feet flat on the floor;
- the knees at right angles, a few inches away from each other, and directly over the feet;
- the pelvis cradled forward with the hips in line with or higher than the knees;
- the lower back arched inward with the upper back resting at its natural curve;
- relaxed arms and shoulders; and
- the neck supported by the spine at its natural arch and holding no tension.
The most important way to achieve good posture is to be sure the spine is straight and well-supported because the rest of the limbs are aligned starting with the spine at the base of the body.
Choosing the Best Ergonomic Desk Chairs
When selecting an office chair, pick one with a firm seat over a bucket seat. Bucket seats allow the pelvis to roll back and the goal of ergonomic seating should be to support the pelvis upright, so the spine is straight. With the proper seat, neck rests should not be necessary because a supported pelvis provides an anchor for the rest of the body.
Also be sure the seat is firm, but not so firm that it causes pain in a short time span. Wheels should not cause the chair to move around too much, interrupting stability.
Though no executive chair is going to match any one person's body exactly, for best results, buy office chairs that are fully adjustable in the following areas:
- seat height;
- seat angle;
- backrest height;
- backrest angle;
- movable armrests (up and down); and
- movable seat (forward and backward).
After a chair arrives, test its adjustability settings for one week to make sure it's the right fit. Though ergonomic office chairs can be expensive, they can last up to 20 years and the best ergonomic office chairs are well worth their expense in the long run. Often, employers will provide ergonomic chairs to employees who request them.
Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries
RSI can take years to develop, which also means it can take years to undo the damaging effects and eliminate the pain. Though it might be nearly impossible to extract typing and other repetitive motions from daily workplace culture, finding the right ergonomic office chair can help symptoms diminish over time--without the need to quit the computer cold turkey.
Related article:
Identifying Repetitive Strain Injuries
Source:
Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer Users Guide, Dr. Emil Pascarelli and Deborah Quilter, 1994.
 |
