5 Key Signs you are Sitting in your Office Chair Incorrectly

Sitting correctly in your office chair will keep you productive and efficient in the workplace. On the flip side, poor posture habits can cause health problems and a lot of pain.

In this article I'll address 5 key signs that signal it's time for a sit switch. In addition, I'll provide tips and remedies for all of the bad habits discussed to have you back at your best in no time.

1. Pain

Are you dealing with aches and pains when sitting at your desk? This can very likely be caused by poor posture and sitting for too long at a time. Take the time to meet with a healthcare professional to discuss your personal areas of discomfort in the workplace. They'll provide tips and helpful advice to solve your current crisis.

You can also contact ergonomic seating specialists directly. If you have an office chair showroom in your area, give it a visit. Show the pros how you sit naturally and they'll likely have some words of wisdom to get you back ahead of the curve. You should never settle for pain in your office chair. If you're dealing with discomfort, take the initiative and make the changes necessary to remain healthy in the workplace.

Common Office Chair Related Pain Issues:

• Lower Back Pain – Typically due to a lack of lumbar support.
• Knee Pain – Typically related to sitting too low in your office chair.
• Upper Back & Neck Pain – Typically related to not keeping the back and head in contact with the chair while working.
• Wrist Pain – Typically caused from not having the chair arms adjusted correctly.

2. Perching

Are you using the base of your ergonomic desk chair as a foot rest when sitting? This common habit is a big time no-no. As you sit with your feet perched on the base of your chair, blood flow is restricted and your muscles pay the price. A lack of circulation will have your knees and legs aching throughout the work day. The remedy is to keep your feet planted flat on the ground and facing forward at all times when sitting.

3. Hunching Forward

All too often, we become overly engaged in our work to the point where we are leaning far away from the back of the office chair to compute at our desks. Each time we fall victim to this bad habit, our spine suffers. To obtain optimal support, you have to keep your back in contact with the chair at all times.

This may require adjusting angle of your computer chair regularly throughout the work day. If you're not hunching forward and still find yourself fighting back pain, considering making the switch to an ergonomic office chair with adjustable lumbar support to better accommodate your needs.

4. Looking down at Computer Screen

Here's yet another bad sitting habit that has a super quick and easy fix! When sitting naturally in your chair, if your eyes are looking down at the computer screen, the chair height needs to be adjusted. Having your computer chair and monitors synchronized will keep your neck properly aligned and supported throughout those long days at the office.

If raising or lowering your chair to the correct operating height causes your feet positioning to suffer as mentioned above, consider raising or lowering the monitors themselves as an alternative remedy. The pros will recommend an articulating computer screen mount that provides limitless adjustment capabilities.

They cost around $200.00. That said, if funds are tight a stack of books or a cardboard box should get the job done in the mean time. Remember; It doesn't have to look good to work good. The important thing is that you've recognized a sitting issue and have taken the necessary steps to solve it effectively.

5. Not Taking Breaks

Part of sitting correctly in your office chair means not sitting at all! If you sit for more than a couple of hours at a time, the odds are your posture is suffering. To be at your best, you need to take short breaks. About once every hour, stand up from your chair. Shake out those aching bones and stretch. Walk around the office and grab a drink to stay hydrated. Upon return to your chair you'll be energized and ready to tackle your tasks in comfort.

About the Author

Phillip Swindle is a furniture and design specialist with Office Furniture Deals. His passions are grounded in creating innovative work environments built for productivity and healthy operating.