According to research, pain in the lower back and neck has accounted for a staggering $87.6bn of the American healthcare system's spending in recent years.
This high cost will come as no surprise to anybody who has suffered with back or neck discomfort: it can be absolutely unbearable. You'll struggle to find a comfortable position, even if you're lying down, and painkillers will be required to help ease the discomfort.
Poor posture is one cause of lower back and neck pain, as sitting for long periods puts considerable pressure on the spine’s discs and joints. However, trying to avoid this is easier said than done: as you sit at your desk, staring at your monitor, hours just slip away; before you realize, you may have been in the same position for the better part of a day.
If you have to take time off from work with back pain, or need to consult doctors and physical therapists for treatment, you may well incur significant medical costs.
Investing in the right chair can leave you more comfortable and reduce the risk of debilitating pain, saving yourself and your business money.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide exceptional comfort, enabling you to adjust their setup however you prefer. In order to get the very best out of the seat, you must pay attention to your most common sitting position; you need to find the right posture for be as comfortable as possible.
Sit as close to your desk as you can without making yourself uncomfortable; put your upper arms parallel with your spine, and place your hands on the top of the desk. You need your elbows at a 90-degree angle – if they aren't, adjust the height.
You should also be able to put your fingers under your thigh; if you can’t, use a footrest to elevate your legs. If you’re too tall to do so, you need to lift the desk itself to give yourself room. Though this might demand a little more effort, the benefits far outweigh the exertion.
Now, for perhaps the most important aspect: your lower back. Push your rear end against the chair’s back, holding with a cushion in place to keep your lower back slightly arched. You shouldn’t slouch or slump – you should feel as if you’re properly supported.
Keep your eyes focused on the middle of your monitor, and if your eyeline is above or below this point, lower or elevate your chair to minimize strain on your upper spine.
With a designer ergonomic chair configured for their height and build, your employees will enjoy greater comfort during the working day. This is ideal for aiding concentration, reducing the danger of low back pain or neck pain, and preventing costly time away from the office.
Crossford Furniture’s designer ergonomic chairs combine superior aesthetics and comfort for the modern workplace.