Headache, backache, wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, low productivity, lack of concentration; any of these sound familiar around your office? Probably, unless the whole place is already converted to ergonomic office furniture. If it isn’t, it’s worth considering a changeover to ergonomics.

Ergonomic office chairs can significantly increase concentration and productivity, and massively reduce low back pain, shoulder tension, headache, wrist aches and a host of other bodily discomforts associated with poor posture and seating arrangements.

They are designed to make your workplace comfortable and safe; reducing weariness and discomfort for people who spend long hours sitting at a desk or at a computer. By allowing you to make adjustments and variations to your seating throughout the day, ergonomic chairs permit you to sit and work more comfortably.

There are five main types of ergonomic chair designs, and many variations within those types. The first two are variations on standard chair design and are by far the most popular ergonomic chairs on the market. The other three are less popular although no less effective at improving posture and providing all the multiple benefits of ergonomics.

Office and Reclining Chairs
These are quite similar at first glance, and in fact the only real difference between them is the reclining part. Good ones should include a variety of easily adjustable options for your comfort.
· Seat Height – lowers or raises the chair seat
· Seat Angle/Tilt – reduces stress on thighs and lower back
· Back Angle – reduces stress on thighs and back
· Backrest Height – supports upper and lower back
· Backrest Depth – for longer or shorter leg lengths
· Lumber Pump – supports the natural curve of lower back
· Armrest Height – supports arms during varying tasks and adjusts to suit varying work heights
· Armrest Width – adjusts to suit shoulder span
· Headrest Height – adjusts to fit head in contoured headrest
· Headrest Depth – supports head at the proper angle

In addition, reclining chairs tilt back further and offer foot rests. These chairs are particularly suitable for people with degenerative disc disease who prefer to sit in a reclined position.

Kneeling Chairs
There’s no cheating allowed with kneeling chairs. With no back rest there can be no slouching. These chairs place the sitter in a semi kneeling position with the pelvis tilted well forward. This position allows the spine to adopt a completely natural S curve and maintains the sitter in a posturally correct position with virtually no effort. This position distributes the weight evenly over the pelvic region and reduces stress on the lower back and legs.

Saddle Chairs
As the name implies, these chairs are fashioned after a horse’s saddle. This shape allows the sitter to maintain a position between a sit and a stand, with the legs hanging down quite naturally. They also encourage a wide base of support which is healthier and more stable than many other positions. People suffering from low back pain often find these chairs comfortable.

Ball Chairs
The ball chair is the perfect chair for some and the worst thing imaginable for others. Definitely a matter of personal preference. At its simplest, this chair is nothing more than an ordinary large exercise ball. It encourages correct posture and the subtle but constant movements needed to keep the sitter stable reduce stress and fatigue while promoting excellent circulation throughout the body. These same aspects also enhance alertness in the user.

Ball chairs do have a downside, and this is primarily what divides opinions so widely on them. They’re balls; balls roll. There is always the risk that an unskilled user, or one deep in concentration on something other than his balance, may fall off his chair or send it scooting off across the office and into another worker. While the resulting images of office mayhem are fun to consider, the actuality could lead to problems. For this reason they are probably more suited to younger workers. Even then, it would be wise to take some time getting used to the effort required to control the ball.

Some manufacturers have addressed this problem by providing the ball with a frame, legs and even a backrest. While this obviously will reduce the risks associated with runaway office furniture, it also defeats many of the advantages of the ball.

Whatever type of ergonomic office chair you decide on, it is important to try it out yourself. Different chairs, even of the same type, work for different people. If you are going to invest the considerable money these chairs cost you would be well served to also invest the time it takes to find just the right one for you.

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