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How can a chair save your spine?
For many of us, work typically involves a lot of sitting
in an office chair in front of a computer. Sitting down
actually puts more stress on your spine that sitting
down! An ergonomically designed office chair can help
you to avoid developing a lower back problem.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the term given to especially designed
equipment for the workplace. By reducing fatigue and
discomfort it is intended to increase productivity. An
ergonomic chair can help you to maintain good posture
and also support your lower back.
How do I identify my ideal ergonomic
office chair?
 As individuals are built differently, so are ergonomic
chairs. It is important that you find a chair that can
be easily adjusted. Make sure that the chairs height,
armrests and back inclination can all be customised to
your body.
There are many different types of office chairs; use
these simple tips to help you choose your perfect chair.
This will help you to avoid some of the biggest mistakes
people make when choosing a new chair. If you are unsure
and need some help finding the right chair, give us a
call at Central City Health Professionals to book an
appointment.
Five key factors for choosing
an ergonomic office chair
Seat height: Make sure the seat height
is adjustable. Depending on your height, you should be
sitting between 40 to 60 centimetres from the floor.
Your feet should be sitting flat on the ground and your
thighs horizontal to the floor.
Seat width and depth: The depth of your
chair should be enough that you can sit with your back
against the backrest with about 5 to 10 centimetres
between the back of your knees and the seat of the
chair. The standard chair width is 43 to 50 centimetres.
Be sure that you can tilt the seat forwards and backwards,
getting this right will reduce the strain on your lower
back.
Backrest: Your backrest should support
the natural curve of your spine and be 30 to 50 centimetres
wide. The more time we spend sitting down, the more
we tend to slouch in our chair. It is very important
that the lumbar support provided by your chair supports
your spine correctly.
Armrests: Ensure that the armrests are
adjustable; this allows your arms to rest comfortably
and your shoulders to be relaxed. Make sure that the
armrests are not too high or too low, your lower arms
and elbows should rest lightly.
Swivel: The chair should rotate easily
so that you can reach all areas of your desk without
putting strain your spine.
The right chair will help you avoid lower back or neck
pain that is often associated with desk jobs. If you
spend too much time on your computer or many hours on
the phone each day it can cause problems. To learn more
about Ergonomics Perth, give us a call here at Central
City Health Professionals.
Chair tips to help you live pain-free
Here are some helpful tips on ways to protect your spine
while sitting on a chair:
 The backrest should provide good lower back support
and fit to the natural curve of your spine.
Make sure that your feet are sitting flat on the floor
or on your footrest. It is also important that you feel
comfortable.
The armrests should be soft, allowing your elbows to
sit close to your body and your shoulders to relax.
To allow you to move easily across the floor your chair
should have a five-leg base with wheels.
Take regular breaks when sitting for long periods of
time. For every 50 minutes of sitting, you should take
a 10 minute break. When you take a break, walk around
and do a few simple stretches. This is great for your
muscles, if you are unsure we can help work out the best
stretches for you.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your current chair,
take precautions to prevent a serious injury. Call us
now and one of our Ergonomics trained professionals can
come to visit you in your workplace.
The following symptoms result
from extensive computer use or prolonged sitting and
should not be ignored:
 Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands, wrist or
arms
Lower back pain
Headaches
Numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs
Shoulder pain
Neck pain
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, talk
to your doctor. Contact us today and we can show you
ergonomically designed seating that will protect your
spine. The right chair can save your spine, prevention
is better than a cure.
Your health and wellbeing is
most important.
Call Central City Health Professionals
Today on 08 9421 1733 today and let us show how we
can help you.
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