Ergonomic Chair Tips

Ergonomics

The word ergonomics has become part of the office terminology.  Ergonomics refers to the study of designing objects, like chairs, office chairs,  keyboards, and workstations, to be adapted to the form of the human body. Ergonomics can be applicable in many work environments including, medical, industrial and laboratory but it's growing more important than ever in the office environment. 

The terms computer ergonomics and office ergonomics are often used to mean the same thing. They are usually referring to body-adapted ergonomic chairs,  office chairs, stools, desks, keyboards, mice, etc. It's often used when talking about working at the computer in a way that promotes good posture and body form.

Home and Office Ergonomics

Both home and office ergonomics are important because we spend a lot more hours both working at the office or home office and using the computer st home. Sitting at workstations that are not designed with ergonomics in mind can contribute to problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries. Incorrect ergonomics can cause back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and other medical issues.

Home and Office Ergonomic Chairs

Whenever people shop for chairs and desks for the home or office, they're not usually looking for something that is good for their bodies, but more about what looks good or is low cost, cheap or what's on sale. Everyone should pay more attention to ergonomics when shopping for or buying anything that we're going to be using daily. It's easy to spend thousands of dollars on new computers, then buy a  cheap chair from the office supply store. It's not likely you'll find a cheap ergonomic chair or cheap ergonomic office chair.

The best ergonomic chairs, like the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, start at about $500 or so.  You can sometimes get them used online or at office furniture consignment stores. It's important to remember that you spend a lot of hours on your computer and it's really a long term investment in your health.  If you can't afford the Aeron chair find an ergonomic chair or ergonomic office chair that is a true ergonomic chair, not the 'ergonomically designed' chair that is probably not ergonomic.