News Taffy

This Christmas my husband surprised me with an ergonomic chair. I sit several hours each day in front of the computer writing or paying bills (or goofing off) and not infrequently I experience back or neck pain. Sitting for long periods whether while watching TV, working at a desk job or driving a vehicle can result in stress to the structures in the spine and greatly increases your risk for a number of health problems like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers and even early death. Prolonged sitting can lead to poor circulation in the legs, varicose veins and blood clots. Poor posture contributes to the problem but uncomfortable, unsupportive furniture also makes it worse. Studies have shown that even daily exercise does not completely compensate for resting on our rears too much.

But since we can’t completely eliminate sitting from our lives, it is a good idea to invest in quality furniture such as an ergonomic chair for desk work. A good ergonomic chair with a head rest correctly fits the natural curve of your spine and is high enough to support the entire back and head. It should support your hips and buttocks with a good amount of cushioning to relieve pressure on your hips.

When shopping for an ergonomic chair, look for the following features.
-An easily adjustable seat height that allows your feet to be flat on the floor, with legs at 90 degrees. This will allow proper circulation to the legs.
-The seat should be wide and deep enough so that the user can sit with his or her back against the backrest while leaving 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat.
-Adjustable arm rests so that your arms are level with the desk top allowing the user’s arms to rest comfortably with the shoulders relaxed.
-The seat should have enough padding so it is comfortable to sit in for long periods. Cloth that breathes is usually more comfortable than a hard surface or leather.
-The chair should swivel so the user can reach things without straining. -Lumbar support is very important; without it we tend to slouch in our chairs. A good chair should be adjustable so each user can place the lumbar support exactly where he or she needs it.
-If you are like me, you need a chair that allows room for a cat to sit in your lap while still allowing you room to type.

Some ergonomic chairs some allow you to recline and rest your spine and neck while still typing or doing other tasks. This can help reduce the risk of neck problems as sitting for a long time causes you to develop a stiff neck and shoulders. Ergonomic chairs come in many price points so make sure the chair you buy has enough adjustable features so that you are completely comfortable. Consider the chair to be an investment in your good health.

Even if you find a better chair, find ways to sit less and move more throughout the day. Try standing while talking on the phone or eating lunch, get a standing desk or even put your computer screen on a treadmill or walk laps during meetings when the weather is nice.