Health benefits of choosing the right office chair

When it comes to choosing the right office chair there’s more to it than simply picking the cheapest or the colour that matches the decor.

Whether it’s a home study or an office at work, if you choose a chair that really doesn’t suit your body it can become a serious health problem.

Manual work is carried out less in the UK than in previous generations. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found middle-aged people spend more time sitting than the over-75s.

The study surveyed more than 14,000 people and it found those aged 25 to 54 sit for around 6 hours a day! A more recent study shows that has increased to around 9 hours since Covid lockdowns.

While it might be necessary to sit at a device for your work, the study highlights that more people are sitting for longer times. And that means your office chair should be seen as an investment for your health and well-being.

According to the University of Edinburgh’s Dr Claire Fitzsimons, “People with higher levels of sedentary time across their day are at increased risk of poor physical (for example, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers) and mental health.”

Sitting for prolonged periods

Your health is important. But, says Dr Fitzsimon, choosing or needing to sit for prolonged periods really isn’t best for your mind or body.

But one of the very latest studies (from the University of Leicester’s Sedentary Behaviour Research – LSBR) reports that since Covid-19 people are sitting for longer. While Teams and Zoom meetings are not as popular as their height in 2020, there are more remote meetings than in 2019.

Our work may demand we sit more but we must beware of the risks. According the Leicester University’s findings, spending a large amount of time sitting costs the NHS around £700m a year! They found standing from time to time not only improves your physical health, it also boosts productivity.

So, the importance of choosing the best office chair along with standing more often is paramount for all of us who need to sit to work.

Health benefits of choosing the right office chair

The biggest issue from sitting for long periods is that it impacts your musculoskeletal system. According to international chiropractor Dr Rodney Lefler, an ergonomic office chair is the only type to provide adequate support to the musculoskeletal system.

Buying the cheapest chair may seem sensible to the pocket, but it won’t feel that way if you’re struggling with aches and pains. And if you really don’t choose the correct chair for you, it could mean more problems that can’t be fixed with a painkiller.

Your office chair must support your spine and be height adjustable so that your feet rest flat on the floor. A footrest can also help.

If you want to know more about how to choose the best ergonomic chair, such as the best lumbar support and the importance of the seat pan, get in touch for a free consultation.

We know that finding the right chair can feel overwhelming, our team can help make this process easy and enjoyable, contact us to see how we can help.