Improving your Workspace: Choosing an Ergonomic Office Chair for Back Pain

One of the common issues employees are facing in the workplace is experiencing conditions such as fatigue and back pain. Back pain can be caused by several factors and may affect the quality of work rendered to the company. Improving your workplace is essential to ensure that every member of the organization will be comfortable and safe while doing their job. Choosing an ergonomic office chair for back pain can be an effective way to start with.

Causes of Back Pain

Medical News Today mentioned in one of its articles, “What is Causing this Pain in my Back?”, that back pain is a common reason why employees take absence at work and seek medical treatment. The same article also stated,

“Lower back pain may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.“ 

Several factors and conditions can cause back pain. WebMD discussed the different causes of back pain, including the following:

#1 Accidents and injuries. Some individuals also experience back pain when involved in accidents and injuries such as falls, car accidents, strains, fractures, and muscle sprains.

#2 Spine-related problems. One of the most common causes of back pain are issues related to your spine. This is why you should also refer to your doctor to have you checked for herniated or slipped discs, degenerative disc diseases, and bulging discs. Our spine is a very sensitive part of our body, so we need to be cautious about how we move for an improper posture can cause this to have problems.

#3 Stress and emotions. Our emotions and feelings can also play a significant part in causing stress. As we all know, stress can lead to muscle tension in your back, anxiety, and depression.

#4 Lifestyle/Workstyle triggers. We often tend to live and work the way we thought is already fine. However, we often forget how important it is to have the proper posture when we sit, stand, or even sleep. Our lifestyles, especially now that most of our jobs require a demanding schedule become at risk of experiencing back pain and other posture-related problems. Poor lifestyles that lead to back pain include lifting heavy objects the wrong way, slouching on our desk, sitting for long hours, and choosing unhealthy foods to eat.

There are times when we seemed to be concentrated on the tasks that we neglect to avoid the sedentary lifestyle. We continue doing it, not knowing that we are actually putting our lives at risk. We may feel the pain in our back and neck, and when these are not given prompt attention, this will lead to bigger issues.       

#5 Other Medical Conditions. Other medical conditions can lead to back pain, such as scoliosis, osteoarthritis, tumours, kidney problems, and pregnancy. Depending on the cause of back pain, the treatment may include medications, surgery, or even lifestyle changes.

Effects of Back Pain in the Workplace

Back pain is reported to be one of the reasons why employees have absences at a lower level of productivity. A company must ensure that they are providing their employees with an ideal workplace that is safe and healthy to work. A good workspace will help employees to be free from health issues, including fatigue, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, strains, and of course, back pain.

How to Choose an Ergonomic Office Chair for Back Pain

Office-based workers spend most of their time sitting in a chair. Ergonomic experts and health professionals have advised people that prolonged sitting should be avoided because this can result in the risks of a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting is a position that can put stress on the spine and leads to back pain. This is why employees need to have an ergonomic office chair for back pain and promote proper posture when sitting. 

There are various types of ergonomic chairs that you can find nowadays. To find the best one, you should be aware first of the features that a good ergonomic chair should have. They are as follow:

#1 Lumbar support. A chair’s lower back support is imperative to consider. Remember that our lumbar spine has an inward curve, which can be adversely affected when poor posture when sitting is maintained. An ergonomic office chair for back pain should have a lumbar support that can also be adjusted. That way, the chair’s user will get the right fit to support the natural inward curve of the lower back, avoiding pressure or tension that causes pain.

#2 Adjustable seat height. Choose to use a chair that provides an adjustable seat height. Typically, a chair with a seat height of 16-21 inches off the floor will work for most people. However, since people’s heights range from different measures, the height of a chair to be used should also be adjustable.

#3 Adjustable armrests. A good office chair should also provide adjustable armrests. These will allow your arms and shoulders to keep relaxed and comfortable. Armrests are essential because they will support the lower arms and elbows while typing or working on other tasks.

#4 Backrest. A good office chair for back pain should have a backrest that measures 12-19 inches wide. The backrest should support the spine’s natural curve, as well as the lumbar region. A chair’s backrest can be separated or attached to the chair. If the backrest is attached to the chair, it should be adjustable in back and forward angles. On the other hand, if the backrest is separated from the chair’s seat, the angle and the height should be both adjustable, too.

#5 Seat material. Choose a chair with a comfortable seat material. Some people choose a chair with soft cloth fabric instead of a harder surface. The seat and back of the chair must have enough padding, so its use will feel comfortable even sitting for long hours.

#6 Seat depth and width. The chair should have a seat that offers enough depth and width to be able to support its user. Typically, the standard seat width is 17-20 inches. The depth, on the other hand, should allow the user to sit comfortably. Both the backward and forward seat tilt should be adjustable.

#7 Swivel. An ergonomic office chair should also be easy to rotate and move in various areas in the workplace. You can choose a chair with wheels so it will be easier to move and avoid too many strains.

Anthrodesk’s High-Back Ergonomic Chair

Anthrodesk’s ergonomic chair is an effective way to lessen the negative impacts that sitting can have on your health. This chair will provide you with the right balance of comfort and support. Its fully adjustable settings allow the chair to move the back, head and arm supports. The mesh backrest lets you stay cool, even if you sit for long hours.

Check the features of this office desk for back pain:

• ADJUSTABLE: High back swivel ergonomic chair with height & angle adjustable headrest and armrest
• SUSTAINABLE: Mesh back + nylon back frame
• COMFORTABLE: Fabric padded seat with injection foam inside + plastic bottom cover
• SAFE: BIFMA passed class 3 gas-lift + multi-functional mechanism with reclining & locking at four positions function

Anthrodesk’s Wobble Chair

Anthrodesk also offers another chair that can help you with your job. It’s an efficient and fun chair that can be used with a standing desk. This wobble chair promotes better metabolism and strengthens core muscles. It provides a wide variety of height adjustments, too. Start a healthier way of working with this wobble chair today.