If your typical day at the office leaves you fending off a stiff neck, tight shoulders and persistent lower back pain, you’re not alone.
There have been attempts in the past to mitigate some of the physical fallout of modern office life. But despite the emergence of so-called ergonomic chairs in the 1980s, reports of back pain and postural problems have not seen much decline since then, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational health and Safety (CCOHS).
Recently, however, manufacturers have been coming up with more creative solutions, producing radical new chair designs to counteract the damage done by our stationary work lives. Some new seating options, such as the saddle chair, kneeling chair, and forward sloping chair, may help reduce physical problems caused by sitting too long in a conventional chair.
There isn’t one type of solution that’s better than another, and selection often comes down to personal preference says Emma Nicolson, occupational health and safety specialist with the CCOHS. Nicolson says the key features to look for are adjustability, lumbar support, and the ability to work in a position that is close to the desk.
“We’re trying to fit the station to the worker, rather than making the worker fit the station,” Nicolson adds.
Here are three alternative office chairs to consider:
1. Saddle chair
Standing desks have become more commonplace in recent years, and saddle chairs offer the option to sit or stand if needed. Nicolson describes the saddle chair as similar to a perch, and says they are helpful in taking pressure off the lower back.
A saddle chair also works to reduce fatigue by decreasing muscular effort, and improve alignment of the spine.
An adjustable saddle chair, in combination with a tilted worktable, can also reduce stress on shoulders and neck, says the CCOHS.
2. Kneeling chair
The kneeling chair has a fixed seat that slopes forward at a thirty-degree angle, with padded support to rest your knees on.
The CCOHS says that a kneeling chair can encourage proper alignment of the spine and a significantly more comfortable sitting position for short periods of time.
However, users must be careful of extra pressure on their shins, a reduced range of motion, over-flexing of knees and ankles and potential difficulties getting in and out of the chair.
3. Forward sloping chair
Forward sloping chairs allow the user to tilt their seat forward; however, the tilt should not be greater than ten degrees.
“Make sure you’re not causing awkward postures and sustained force on any particular joint,” warns Nicolson. The sloping seat aims to decrease pressure on your lower back, minimizing any potential pain.
With your thighs also sloping downward, the chair has the added benefit of increasing activity in your lower leg muscles. The CCOHS says this can reduce the likelihood of contracting varicose veins.
The largest disadvantage is that you may feel as though you’re fighting gravity to avoid sliding off the seat.
This is the second part in a two-part series on ergonomic workstations.