Our lifestyles have become a lot more sedentary than we think. Physical inactivity, use of passive transport, using smartphones for almost everything, and above all, sitting for hours on end slouched in front of PCs for work all day long have contributed to this sedentary lifestyle. But humans aren't sedentary creatures; neither are we built to sit in front of laptops for extended periods.
Our Health Suffers From Sitting for Long Periods
Sitting in offices for long periods can have disastrous effects on your posture and can lead to obesity and a chain of metabolic disorders. The most popular complaints from office workers usually include neck and back pain due to bad sitting posture, which often leads to upper back hunching, shortening of muscles, and irregularities in your posture when you stand.
That being said, there are plenty of ways you can combat these changes; you could work out more and move around every few hours, but a better solution would be to make sure you have the correct posture when seated.
But we aren’t always paying close attention to our posture, are we? This is where an ergonomic chair can help you out!
What Is An Ergonomic Chair?
An ergonomic chair is designed specifically to help you sit comfortably for extended periods at work and offices. It takes into account your posture, comfort, health, and support. Not only does it reduce the strain on your spine that leads to posture abnormalities, but it also prevents harmful positions such as slouching or tilting your head forward. An ergonomic chair also assists in lower back support and alleviating back pain.
Ergonomic chairs are adjustable, so you won't get a one-size-fits-all type chair with these; they can be adjusted to fit your frame and posture. But they do come at a price, which may be a bit costlier than your standard chairs. But what’s more costly than your health?
Moreover, the benefits of using an ergonomic chair aren’t so immediately apparent; they take time to show results. It's due to this reason that people may be dismissive of them, but ergonomic chairs are well worth the investment.
Ergonomic Chairs vs. Conventional Chairs
Ergonomic chairs can work wonders in correcting your posture and reducing stress on your body. They differ from conventional chairs in many ways.
Posture Support
For one, conventional chairs lack posture support and increase the risk of spinal cord injuries, whereas ergonomic chairs come with support considerations. You can easily adjust the height of your ergonomic chair to fit your working area, so you sit in the correct position (neither slouching forward nor straining upward).
Back Support
Conventional chairs don't do much to bear the curvature of your spine, whereas an ergonomic chair will come paired with a backrest designed to support the natural curvature of your spine.
Armrest support
Ergonomic chairs will include armrests positioned to help in typing and reduce the strain on your arms as you type. Studies also show that armrests can help reduce shoulder and elbow loads and reduce the risk of developing neck and back injuries. This function is usually absent in conventional chairs.
Seat Depth
Since most of your weight is held by your hips when seated, they are prone to strain. Ergonomic chairs come with suitable seat depth that supports your hips and, in this way, reduces hip pressure. Once again, traditional chairs don't come with this feature.
Adjustability
One of the most significant differing factors between ergonomic chairs and conventional chairs is their "adjustability." Office chairs need to be adjustable to meet the needs of all workers; the same goes for chairs you would use at home for remote work. Ergonomic chairs allow for adjustments in height, seat depth, armrests, and recline as required and are meant to accommodate all types of bodies.
Are Ergonomic Chairs Worth It?
You know the differences, but people still ask if ergonomic chairs are worth it.
Prevent Wrong Postures and Pain
Ergonomic chairs can help get rid of harmful positions such as slouching or extending your head forward and reduce the strain on your body, which will reduce the chances of developing neck and back pain. In short, it is the best office chair for back pain.
Changes to your posture aren't abrupt; they happen over time. But with ergonomic chairs, you can combat this change and restore correct posture. While this change may take time, you will eventually notice that you are no longer experiencing the same stress and pain in your neck and back (especially your lower back).
Boosts Productivity
The more comfortable a worker is during his work hours, the more productive they can be. You may not think that bad posture and uncomfortable chairs could have a massive impact on your productivity, but they do!
Physical pain, aches, discomfort, and having to constantly readjust your position as you work can affect your work. You won't be as focused, and neither will you be able to think as clearly, but with an ergonomic chair to reduce those strains, you will be able to give your complete attention to the task at hand.
Especially Good for Middle-Aged and Individual with Back and Joint Issues
Going long-term, individuals who suffer from back pain and joint pain may find it difficult to work regularly; some even end up taking days off from work. With an ergonomic chair, you reduce such chances.
The best bit, ergonomic chairs are usually built using quality materials and won't wear down as easily; you won't be replacing them anytime sooner, so consider them a long-term investment. In the long run, you will find improvements in your health, posture, and lifestyle.
Wrapping Up
In short, yes! Ergonomic chairs are well worth the money. While they may be pricier than conventional chairs, they will save you from a whole lot of discomfort and a series of health conditions. If you work for extended periods or work remotely from home, these chairs are worth looking into. These chairs are also recommended for individuals who have pre-existing back pain and posture issues and those who are seated in front of their PCs for long periods.
