Chronic pain affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. In Australia alone, 20% of the entire population suffers from this debilitating condition.
Injury tops the list of the most common reason for pain. Other common causes are health problems like arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
What a lot of people don't know is that posture can also be the culprit behind their pain.
That's right. How you sit, stand, and lie down can be the reason for that neck, shoulder, or back pain you're suffering from.
The good news is, the best ergonomic office chairs can help put back that proper posture in you. The even better news is that we'll help you figure out how to find the best chair for you, your health, and productivity.
Keep reading as we'll give you insider info on the cream of the crop of ergonomic office chairs!
Why Care about Ergonomics at All?
On average, Australian adults sit at work for about 10 hours every week. Those with sedentary occupations spend twice as much sitting down. This is especially true for employees involved with admin tasks and clerical work.
Sitting isn't bad per se, but like everything else in life, it's only good for us in moderation. Scientific studies have found that too much time seated raises the risk of obesity. Scientists also link prolonged sitting to increased risk of heart diseases and diabetes.
The clincher? The government site Better Health Channel even went as far as saying sitting is the new smoking!
Add poor posture to the equation, and your risks for even more health issues aside from pain goes up! Chronic pain is bad enough, but you can also develop incontinence from bad posture. You're also at risk of acid reflux, slowed metabolism, and constipation.
These should be enough reasons for you to stop slouching and get your form back into shape. But because that's easier said than done, it's time you find yourself the best ergonomic chair.
What Makes for the Best Ergonomic Office Chairs?
The best office chair for your back, or your body in general, doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package. In short, a perfectly-fitting chair for your colleague may not suit you at all.
This said, the adjustment is one of the first ergonomic chair qualities to look for. You should be able to adjust its height based on your own height. The same holds true for the chair's armrests and back support.
The seat cushion should also have enough foam depth so that you won't end up slouching. High-quality foams don't impress right away upon sitting on them, so be sure to test this too.
Aside from adjustments, the back of the chair should also offer good lumbar support. This means that it should touch the entire length of your back, from top to bottom. Your lower back, in particular, should sit comfortably against the back support.
Don't forget to consider reclining features and of course, the cost of the chair. Granted, the best desk chairs cost more than the stiffer, traditional ones. But they're longer-lasting and healthier for you, so your money would be better spent on them.
Just think of the billions of dollars ($4.8 billion in 2013) lost due to back pain in Australia. That should be enough to make you sit up straighter.
Your Top Three Best Ergonomic Chair Options
We did mention that the best ergonomic chairs depend from person to person. However, the three chairs covered below have qualities that make them stand out from the rest. That makes them the best starting point for a more ergonomic workplace.
SitFit Chairs
SitFit chairs are the perfect example of an ultimate office chair for everyone.
First, because their seat sizes come in sizes ranging from small to extra-large. Their lumbar support is also available in varying heights and lengths. Furthermore, they have certifications both from GECA and AFRDI 6.
You'll also be happy to know that all SitFit chairs come with a 10-year warranty for parts and construction. A five-year warranty also covers the chairs' fabric materials.
To top everything off, you can have a free trial chair first! This'll let you discover for yourself how ergonomic these chairs are.
Plus, they're proven effective in reducing seat size imperfections. Users have reported fewer neck pains, back pains, and sciatica. Overall absenteeism in SitFit-using workplaces also had a drastic improvement.
Gregory Chairs
Gregory chairs, the iBack product line to be more specific, have a unique lumbar support. The top, shoulder area is wider, delivering increased chest support. This then narrows down a bit at the bottom, which helps provide greater lower back support.
Gregory iBack chairs also feature more space for the elbows. This increased elbow movement makes it easier to write or type away on your keyboard. Since it doesn't restrict your arms, it'll help you get into the proper working posture.
These ergonomic office chairs have also earned the recognition of medical professionals. The Ergonomist and Occupational Health applaud the iBack's Dual Density posture support system. They recommend it as one of the best productivity-boosting chairs out there.
Tempra Gel Chairs
Ever wondered what it feels like to be an astronaut? Well, sitting on a Tempra Gel chair can be the closest you can get! How so?
First, because it boasts the Visco Elastic heat sensitive foam that NASA developed. This is then paired up with a 3D Gel system that adjusts to its users' movements. The result is a seating system with utmost comfort, support, and ergonomics.
The seat cushion also features a temperature-regulating mechanism. This keeps heat from building up, which can be helpful for those who spend a lot of time seated. It also improves blood flow and circulation, helping you stay focused and productive.
Keep the Workplace High-Functioning and Healthy with these Ergonomic Chairs
The best ergonomic office chairs have features taking users' health in mind. They prevent pains and aches, improve blood flow, and contribute to better posture. All these leads not only to minimized productivity losses but happier workers too!
So, as early as now, start swapping your old and rickety office chairs with ergonomic ones.