What Is the Relationship Between You and Your Office Chair?

Did you know that one of the biggest influences on your spine health is your office chair? The chair you use and the way that you choose to sit in it can have major implications for back pain, neck pain, and general spinal health. Is your office chair setting you up for back problems? Re-evaluate your office seating with these ideas in mind:

Lower Back Support

What is your usual position when you’re sitting in your desk chair? If you find that you’re hunched over your keyboard with your shoulders slumping and neck tilted upward, your lower back is at risk. Your office chair should have a cushioned back, and you should always sit with your hips and back pressed against that cushion. This cushioning offers support to your lumbar discs while helping to keep your posture correct, even as you get tired throughout the day.

Armrest Height

The armrests of your office chair should cause your shoulders to lift slightly when you place your forearms on the rest. Lifting the shoulders too high or letting them sag too low will cause neck pain. Armrests that are in the wrong position will also cause you to slouch forward, curving your lower back and leading to lower back pain.

Chair Height

When you sit in your office chair, your eyes should point at the center of your computer screen with your neck in a neutral position. If you have to move your eyes up or down to gaze at the center of the screen, you’re setting yourself up for neck pain. Adjust the height of your chair so that you see the center of your screen without straining. Sitting for long hours in front of the computer in any office chair can be a recipe for back pain and neck pain. If you’re experiencing these kinds of aches, call The Spine Institute of Nevada today. We offer a range of non-invasive and surgical interventions for back and neck pain and can offer advice to help you avoid spinal strain at work. Make an appointment by calling 702-239-3787.