Did you know that 70% of the country’s workforce is sitting in an office? Most of them are working in front of a computer.
Unfortunately, 1.9 million Americans suffer from musculoskeletal disorders as a result.
The easy solution is proper ergonomics. Read on to learn how to choose the best ergonomic furniture to safeguard your health.
Adjustable Office Furniture
The best ergonomic furniture is the kind that allows you to adjust it to suit your body. For example, ergonomic chairs may have adjustable heights, depths, arms, and tilt.
One size does not fit every body correctly. It’s important to choose new office furniture that will adjust to your body shape and size.
Look for Good Back Support
When people start complaining of back pain, it is often caused by too much sitting. Sitting at a chair that has inadequate support makes the problem much worse.
Ergonomic furniture is designed to include a backrest that supports your lumbar region. The lumbar spine has an inward curve. When you sit for long stretches without the support for that curve, you tend to slouch.
Slouching strains the lower spine and wreaks havoc on your posture. Ergonomic chairs have depth adjustment as well as a curved backseat. When you sit, your body is fully supported to keep you in the ideal sitting position.
Before you buy a chair, look at the width of the backrest. The chair should be at least 12 inches wide.
Choose chairs that have lumbar support and have a noticeable curve in the design.
Neck and Head Support
Support your head and neck by buying a chair that includes a good headrest. This prevents neck and shoulder issues. The headrest should be an adjustable height.
Also, be sure that you set your monitor to be directly in front of you. If your work requires you to turn to the side, be sure that you buy an office chair that swivels to move with you. This helps you avoid strain as you reach for items as well.
Look at Armrests
People sometimes overlook the armrests of office furniture. Yet armrests are essential to support your arms which then support your shoulders and neck.
Look for chairs that have adjustable height armrests. Some even have an adjustable length so that your entire forearm is supported no matter your height.
Adjustable Desks
Ergonomic office furniture is not limited to chairs. Desks also need to be designed for optimal positioning of your body.
The best ergonomic furniture lets you raise or lower the height. Some desks can be used for sitting or standing. Check out Uncaged Ergonomics for a wide selection of office furniture.
Stability
One of the most important features of office furniture is stability.
You want to prevent tipping or injuries no matter what. Pay attention to the base of office furniture. Look at a chair’s wheelbase and castors. There should be 5 spokes and castors that easily glide.
Desks should have a sturdy base that resists tipping.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture can be functional and beautiful while still protecting your body from injury and pain. We hope this article has given you the insight you need to be able to shop for the right new furniture for your office.
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