Sitting in an office chair for long periods can cause discomfort and back pain. For those with back problems, finding the right desk chair is essential for maintaining good health and alleviating pain. But what is the best desk chair for back pain?
In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose a comfortable and supportive desk chair to help relieve and prevent back pain, as well as give you some tips for improving your posture and seating position to help create a more comfortable sitting position for working in the office.
Let’s get into it!
How Does A Desk Chair Cause Back Pain?
Our backs were not designed to spend long periods sitting at desks – a common feature of many work environments. In an office, you may spend seven hours or more sitting stationary at a desk, and this can result in various aches and pains.
Poor posture is often the culprit for back pain caused by desk chairs. Sitting in a chair that forces your body into an unnatural position can cause strain on your muscles and joints, leading to discomfort and even long-term damage.
This can be due to inadequate support from the seat or armrests, too much reclining, or overly cushioned material. Even if it's comfortable at first, sitting in this way for extended periods can lead to serious health issues like neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, and poor circulation.
In addition to poor ergonomics, certain types of desk chairs may contribute to back pain as well. For instance, chairs with wheels allow you to move around easily but don't always provide any lumbar support, whereas swivel chairs offer more mobility than stationary models but don’t always support your spine properly.
It's important to find a comfortable office chair that fits your body type and provides adequate support to stay comfortable while working without putting unnecessary stress on your back.
How Do You Find The Correct Sitting Posture At A Desk?
Finding the correct sitting posture at your desk is essential for preventing back pain. It can also help improve concentration and productivity. Some tips for improving posture at your desk include:
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When in a working environment that requires a lot of desk and computer work, make sure your workstation equipment is ergonomically sound. Check that your desk, keyboard and computer screen are at the correct height and position.
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Ensure you have a comfortable chair that puts you in an ergonomically friendly position making sure your knees, hips and elbows are at the correct angle. A physiotherapist can assess this and advise you on the correct positioning.
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Make sure you take regular breaks to stand up, walk around and stretch at least every 30 minutes, keeping yourself well-hydrated with water. This helps to improve circulation and flex your muscles, keeping them active and preventing tightness that can lead to strain.
If you are experiencing serious issues with posture, a physiotherapist will be able to set you on the right path. However, you should try adjusting your workspace to make it more ergonomically friendly first – you might be surprised at how much difference a well-designed desk chair can make!
How Long Does It Take To Correct Posture?
When it comes to correcting posture, the amount of time it takes depends on a variety of factors.
Age is an important factor in how long it takes for corrective measures to take effect. Generally speaking, younger people can correct their posture faster than older individuals due to increased flexibility and less wear and tear from age-related degeneration in the body's postural muscles.
Additionally, lifestyle habits are key when determining how long correction may take. For instance, those who consistently practice good ergonomic techniques while sitting or standing at work may be able to improve their posture faster than someone who continues with poor habits such as slouching or hunching over a desk all day.
Other considerations include overall physical health and strength, existing medical conditions that impact movement, and any prior injuries which could hinder progress.
If you are worried about your posture, working closely with a healthcare professional will help assess these individual needs and determine the best course of action towards correcting your posture.
With proper guidance and dedication, most individuals should find relief from back pain within several weeks, if not sooner.
Can Poor Posture Cause Chest Pain?
Yes, in the same way that poor posture can lead to back pain, it can cause chest pain too. Poor posture often leads to a misalignment in the body which results in various physical discomforts and pains, including chest pain.
Sometimes when the muscles surrounding your chest become tightened from bad posture and a lack of movement, it can lead to pains in your chest.
Other external factors, such as stress from other pain in other parts of the body, can also cause chest pains, so it’s really important to look after your body to reduce any risk of further health issues.
What Is The Best Office Chair For Back Pain?
Finding the best office chair for back pain can be a difficult task. But with the right guidance, you can find a chair that fits your lifestyle and helps reduce or even eliminate your back pain.
Here are some of the most important features to look out for when selecting an ergonomic office chair:
Comfortability:
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Adjustable seat height
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Contoured seat cushion
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Lumbar support
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Armrests
Durability:
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Sturdy frame construction
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High-quality materials
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Good weight capacity rating
Mobility:
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Swivel base design
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Easy to roll casters
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Tilting mechanism to adjust the recline angle
It's also important to consider how much time each day you spend sitting at your desk. Knowing this information allows you to choose a chair that is comfortable enough to accommodate your extended working hours while still providing relief from any existing back pain.
Get Help Finding The Best Desk Chair For Back Pain
Taking all of the above into consideration, the best desk chair for back pain would be one that has been designed specifically for comfort and supports your body properly while providing ample cushioning.
With these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding a comfortable office chair that will help reduce or prevent any future back pain!
If you need help finding a desk chair that will help alleviate back pain in your office, contact Gazelle Office Furniture today. With both new and previously used options available, we provide various ergonomically designed chairs to help make your office comfortable for your employees.
Our advisors are always happy to help find a solution that works for you.