| Lower back pains can be caused or made worse | | | | are at a 90 degree angle to your lower legs, and |
| by an uncomfortable sitting posture, especially if | | | | rest your feet firmly on the floor or on a |
| you spend a lot of time working at a desk or at | | | | footrest. |
| a computer. To reduce pain to your lower back, | | | | - The padded 'waterfall' front of your chair's seat |
| we recommend sitting properly in your work | | | | should prevent the chair from digging into the |
| chair, and investing in a more comfortable chair if | | | | back of your knees. |
| the one you currently use is not right for you. A | | | | - And the padded contoured backrest should |
| few hundred pounds invested in the right chair | | | | follow the natural curves of your back. |
| can save you from hours of discomfort and from | | | | - Alternatively 'lock' and release your chair's |
| expensive treatment. | | | | backrest 'tilt' function so that you can change |
| The Right Office Chair | | | | between sitting upright and rocking gently in the |
| The right desk chair or computer chair should | | | | chair. |
| allow you to move and adjust your seated | | | | - And finally, do not stay seated for too long - |
| position freely as you work. Use a chair that: | | | | get up and walk around occasionally: schedule |
| - glides effortlessly on 5 sets of castor wheels, | | | | meetings away from your desk, make a cup of |
| - swivels smoothly, and | | | | tea, and take on other activities that will |
| - has a well-padded seat and backrest. | | | | encourage you to get up and stretch your legs |
| Also ensure that your chair has an adjustable | | | | from time to time. |
| seat-height and an adjustable backrest tilt. | | | | Buying The Right Office Chair |
| If you already suffer from bad lower back pains, | | | | Talk to a chiropractor, physiotherapist or other |
| invest in an 'ergonomic' chair with: | | | | back-care specialist if you feel that your work |
| - a posture-shaped backrest, | | | | chair may be contributing to your back problems |
| - an adjustable seat-tilt and | | | | or if you feel that your chair is not helping your |
| - an adjustable lower-back support (lumbar | | | | back to get better. They will be happy to look at |
| support). | | | | the problem and help you find the right solution. |
| Seek advice, and try the chair before you buy. | | | | There may be several office supplies companies |
| Sitting Comfortably | | | | located near you if you determine that you need |
| Having the right chair in your office is not in itself | | | | to invest in a new chair. Many office supplies |
| enough to prevent lower back pain: you also have | | | | companies sell office chairs and computer chairs |
| to make sure that you use your chair properly. | | | | as well as other office supplies such as desks and |
| Avoid slouching by sitting back into your chair and | | | | stationery etc. You will also find office chair |
| resting your back into the backrest. Similarly, | | | | companies on the internet, including those that |
| avoid leaning forwards into your computer as you | | | | specialise in ergonomic back-care seating. |
| work - maintain contact between your back and | | | | Find a supplier that will take the time to discuss |
| the chair's backrest. Computer chairs with tilting | | | | your specific needs and find the right chair for |
| seats are particularly good for encouraging you to | | | | you based upon an assessment that your |
| sit upright while you work at a desk or computer. | | | | chiropractor or physiotherapist has carried out into |
| - Set the height of your seat so that your thighs | | | | your back problem. |