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Office Chairs That Help Improve Posture

Most people spend a lot of their time sitting, especially in the office. As a result, posture suffers, as the lower back and shoulders round and the head drops forward. This position puts pressure on the spinal nerves that exit between the vertebrae of the spine, causing pain, altered sensation and decreased muscle function. Several types of office chairs are available to help improve posture.

  1. Basic Ergonomic Chairs

    • Ergonomic office chairs all have certain components in common. The height on these chairs is adjustable, allowing a person to sit upright with knees bent to 90 degrees and shoulders relaxed. The chairs are usually on wheels and often swivel, allowing a person to turn the chair to prevent turning their neck for prolonged periods of time. The back of the chair is rounded at the base to provide lumbar support, bringing the lower back into alignment. The armrests on ergonomic chairs often have adjustable height as well, so arms can rest where they naturally bend.

    Kneeling Chairs

    • Kneeling chairs consist of a back-less seat and a leg pad for the shins to rest against. The seat tilts forward, tilting the pelvis forward andbringing the spine into proper alignment. Body weight is supported by the pelvis and lower legs. The disadvantage to this type of chair is the lack of back support; the spinal muscles must be able to keep the person from slouching when fatigued. In addition, the chairs do not have wheels and must be manually moved to change working positions.

    Exercise Ball Chairs

    • Exercise balls are commonly used in gyms and rehabilitation facilities to strengthen core and back muscles. The balls can also used as office chairs. They require the postural muscles to keep the spine upright and keep the person from falling off the ball. Research has shown that sitting on an exercise ball instead of a traditional office chair can reduce back pain as well. The ball can be used by itself as a chair or placed in a base designed to hold the ball in a stable position. The bases often have wheels to make them easy to move around.

    Saddle Chairs

    • Saddle chairs are named for their seat shape; they are designed like a horse's saddle. The seat is back-less with a pommel in the center that positions the pelvis at an angle that brings the spine upright. The saddle seat height is adjustable and can be used at work surfaces that would otherwise require standing. These chairs usually have wheels as well.

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