Ergonomic Desk Chairs – Reducing Physical Strain with Workstation Ergonomics Part 2
In part 1 of this series we discussed that importance of the workstation ergonomics and the usefulness of ergonomic desk chairs in enhancing spine health. Today, we shall share what makes proper sitting posture.
Sitting is more harmful than standing up, especially over extended long hours over time, the reason being that unlike standing, the pressure is less evenly distributed across the body and is mainly concentrated along the spine, affecting smooth blood circulation. The main cause of the back pain experienced by desk bound workers are often due to the fact that pressure is concentrated at the lumbar region of the spine, or otherwise known as the lower back. When this happens, the blood flow which brings along with it important nutrients are blocked thereby causing the lumbar region to harden. That is what the lay person deems as having a stiff back. And this is exactly what ergonomic desks chairs aim to resolve.
Besides getting the best ergonomic chair to correct your sitting posture, you need to relearn how to sit upright correctly to reduce the compounded damage that has occurred to your spine.
Here is the correct sitting posture. You need to sit up with your back straight, pull your shoulders back with buttocks touching the back of your chair. Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips, keeping knees at 90 degree angles, and slightly higher than your hips. Here is where you might need a foot stool if necessary and keep your feet flat on the floor.
You can easily have good sitting position if you follow this method. Simply sit at the end of your chair and lean backwards. Then bring yourself up, hold for a few minutes and unlock the position at about 10 to 15 degrees.
It is important to note that regardless of whether you are using conventional or the best ergonomic chair, if you wish to have good spine health, never sit in the same position for more than thirty minutes as being in a fixated position for long periods tend to affect blood flow and circulation about your body. Get up and move around, and do some light stretching exercises whenever possible.
Stay tuned for part 3 of this Ergonomic Desk Chairs Workstation Ergonomics series.