Ergonomic Chair: Say Goodbye to Back Pain at Work
As Singapore economy enter into knowledge based one, we have
to spend a lot of our day time at office. After long 8 to 12 hours sitting, your
waist, hips, and legs would suffer if we don’t have a good comfortable chair.
Prolonged sitting combined with poor sitting posture is one of the main
culprits behind muscle strain, herniated discs, and neck or shoulder pain.
That’s is reason ergonomic office chair from linear furnishings, designed according to ergonomic principles, has become a must-have “savior" for those who sit for long hours.
What is Ergonomics?
According to the World Health Organization, around 30% of workers in developed countries and 50-70% in developing countries face poor working conditions related to ergonomics, leading to musculoskeletal injuries and conditions that seriously affect their quality of life. Applying ergonomic principles can significantly improve this.
How to Choose the Right Ergonomic Chair
1. Seat Design
- Height: The seat height should allow your feet to rest flat on the ground comfortably. The ideal height is about 40-45cm for most Southeast Asia people.
- Too low: Knees are raised, concentrating weight on the hips, leading to discomfort over time.
- Too high: Legs dangle, restricting blood flow, causing numbness and pain.
- Depth: The depth should support the thighs while leaving some space behind the knees. An ideal seat depth is 38-42 cm.
- Too deep: Hard to rest your back on the backrest, and the front edge may press against the knees.
- Too shallow: Causes the thighs to hang, concentrating weight on the calves.
- Width: The seat should be wide enough to support the hips and provide some room for movement, ideally 40-45 cm. For chairs with armrests, 46 cm or more may be needed.
- Tilt Angle: A slight backward tilt of 1°-5° shifts some weight to the back and reduces pressure on the hips, improving comfort.
2. Armrest Height
- Armrests allow the arms to rest naturally and support the body when sitting, standing, or adjusting posture.
- If too high, they force the shoulders upward, causing tension. If too low, they require you to bend forward.
- Ideal height: 20-25 cm from the seat surface, with a slightly elevated front edge for better arm support.
3. Backrest Design
- The spine has a natural "S" curve when standing, but sitting often flattens the lower back, leading to strain and back pain.
- A well-designed backrest supports the lumbar spine, keeping it in its natural shape.
- Ideal backrest angle: Around 110°, which minimizes spinal pressure and ensures comfort.
- Additional lumbar pillows or cushions can further enhance support and overall comfort.
4. Material
- Breathability: Materials like mesh are ideal as they provide ventilation and prevent heat buildup.
- Firmness: Balanced firmness is key—overly hard seats (e.g., wood or plastic) cause pressure points, while overly soft ones (e.g., thick foam) encourage slouching and poor posture.
- Mesh Fabric: Offers the right balance of support, breathability, and posture maintenance.
Why Choose Ergonomics?
Poor sitting posture and improper chairs contribute to musculoskeletal injuries for 30-70% of workers globally. A good ergonomic chair can reduce pain, improve posture, and enhance overall work efficiency.
With the right chair, you can work smarter and feel healthier—no more back pain or discomfort after long hours at your desk!