| and more of us spend long hours at work or at | | | | The most important thing to remember is that |
| home sitting in computer chairs. Unfortunately, the | | | | there is no “one size fits all” |
| human body wasn’t designed to sit still for | | | | computer chair. What works well for your friend |
| long stretches. Many workers and ardent | | | | might not be so comfortable for you. For |
| computer gamers suffer from all kinds of | | | | instance, your co-worker might enjoy one of the |
| ailments, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and | | | | “kneeling” type computer chairs, |
| back pain. If you’re in pain at the end of | | | | but your knees might not appreciate the pressure. |
| each day, your computer chair might be the | | | | Therefore, it’s important to shop around |
| culprit. | | | | and try out the different ergonomic chairs to find |
| Office furniture should do more than just hold | | | | one you can live with day after day. |
| your papers and offer space to rest your laptop | | | | For a good basic design, look for computer chairs |
| on. After years of grumbles from stiff-necked | | | | with high backs that curve slightly inward in the |
| workers, furniture designers started coming up | | | | lower lumbar region. Arm rests should be flat, |
| with ideas that were more ergonomic. | | | | comfortable, and at a good proportional height to |
| Today’s office furniture conforms more | | | | allow you to type without straining your wrists. A |
| closely to the natural shape of the human body | | | | well-cushioned seat is also important; nobody |
| and puts less stress on the back and shoulders. | | | | wants to sit on a hard chair for hours. Look for |
| Still, there are some pretty bad computer chairs | | | | chairs that offer plenty of support in the seat and |
| out there. To find out if your computer chair is | | | | back. |
| the best choice for your comfort, ask yourself | | | | Adjustable chairs are a good choice for people |
| these questions: | | | | who get stiff or sore after sitting for long periods |
| • Does my lower back hurt when I stand | | | | of time. They’re also the best choice for |
| up from the chair? | | | | workstations used by people of various heights. A |
| • Do I often have tension knots in my | | | | reclining mechanism allows the worker to lean |
| back and shoulders? | | | | back and ease the strain on their spine during |
| • Is it easy to adjust my chair into | | | | breaks. Rollers may or may not be a good idea; |
| different positions as needed? | | | | it’s advisable to get up and move around |
| • Have I suffered from Carpal Tunnel | | | | every half hour or so, but rollers make it a little |
| Syndrome or other repeated stress injuries? | | | | too convenient to retrieve objects without getting |
| Poor posture can lead to any of these ailments, | | | | out of the chair. |
| so always practice proper typing and sitting | | | | The most important component of ergonomic |
| positions. But if posture alone isn’t helping, | | | | office furniture is the user. No chair can make up |
| your computer chair could be hindering you. | | | | for constant bad posture. Sit straight while you |
| Fortunately, ergonomics experts have some tips | | | | work, and stand up frequently to stretch. Your |
| on what to look for in computer chairs. | | | | joints will appreciate it. |