With so many people working from home these days, we’ve noticed more and more patients asking us about what kind of chair they should have in their home office.

Sadly, we also see a lot of people coming in because they haven’t chosen the right chair. The reality is that the chair they spend hours in each day is causing them great harm.

We know that standing desks are great. Most people know about the health benefits of standing desks. But let's be honest: Who can stand for eight hours a day?

What does your sitting situation looking like these days? Does your chair help improve your posture or is it hurting you?

For you to sit properly and align your spine all day, you need an ergonomically correct chair.

It's a mouthful to say 'Ergonomically Correct.' It also appears to be costly. The good news is that it isn't the case. However, we must state that your spine is well worth the investment, regardless of the cost.

An ergonomic chair is designed for maximum support of the spine, weight, and posture of a person. You want maximum comfort and minimal back pain or long-term injury.

The right chair is essential for the remote worker with a home office or the 9-to-5 worker who spends most of their office hours sitting.

Ergonomic chairs are designed with general specifications in mind that ought to support the person sitting on them. One just has to find one tailored to their specific needs.

How Are You Sitting?

You likely haven't thought about that much. Most people don't have time to think about how they are sitting. 

In this article, we'll show you how to choose the best ergonomic chair for your home office. So, before you go out and buy the trendy egg chair with the velvet blanket draped over it, think about these factors to determine what you really need in a chair.

Here's an image about how to sit correctly at your workstation.

Does your current setup allow this?

To get the right setup at home, you need the right ergonomic chair. Here are 3 major things to consider when making your decision:

1. Watch for the right lumbar support.

Stretching after a long day of work feels satisfying. Unfortunately, that satisfying crackle is your spine revolting against the discomfort of the day. The spine is curved inward and sitting for too long results in slouching, which slumps the spine even more.

An ergonomic chair must have lumbar adjustment so it fits your lower back – curves and all. This also translates to the backrest.

A backrest that is about 12 to 19 inches wide will suffice. It must support the curve of the spine and be adjustable.

2. Consider the seat dimensions.

This is another very important aspect of picking out an ergonomic chair. You can’t just give the seat a once-over with your mind’s eye to determine whether or not it would be right for you. Get the specific details before making a choice.

On that note, here’s what you must consider:

Seat height

Find an ergonomic chair that helps you to sit with your feet planted on the floor. Your thighs should also not be elevated or angled. It should be mounted horizontally on the chairs. Your arms should be at the same height as the desk surface while you're sitting.

A height of 16 to 21 inches usually satisfies these criteria for most people. Of course, it must be adjustable. A quick and easy way to adjust the seats to the specified height range is with an Adjustment Lever. Be on the lookout for a chair with this feature.

Seat width 

An ergonomic office chair should be wide enough and have the correct depth (the distance from the front of the seat to the back) to support the user comfortably. A width of 17 to 20 inches works great.

There should always be a space of about 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat when you sit with your back against the backrest.

An adjustable chair improves your chances of getting that. Simply adjust the forward or backward tilt of the chair until will you get the proper setting.

3. Find one that is comfortable for you.

No matter what the reviews say, you need a chair that you like personally. You may need to go out and try a few for yourself.

You don't want to be stuck with a chair that you don't like. Sitting for long periods of time isn't as relaxing as you would think. Even  the most sluggish cat could not stand it. Aside from getting up sometimes, choosing a chair that meets all of your comfort needs is a perfect way to ensure you stay comfortable for as long as possible.

The Best Ergonomic Chair Checklist

1. Adjustable Armrests

The elbows and arms should have a place to rest while you type away at your computer. This also ensures your shoulders are relaxed.

Pro-tip: Avoid keeping your forearm on the armrest while typing.

2. A Swivel

Beyond being lots of fun for the kids when they visit your office, a chair that rotates or rolls around easily saves you the stress of straining unnecessarily when you need to retrieve something from different areas of your desk.

3. Comfortable Padding

When you're at work, you shouldn't feel as though you're sitting on a rock. Even when you are sitting you'r e probably still under a lot of strain. Memory cushions, gel cushions, and other choices abound. It should be dense and comfortable.

Also, fabric matters. Go for breathable material. Avoid something that will make you sweat or slide from your seats.

An Ergonomic Chair Matters

Here are some of the most important reasons why you need a chair that works for your back and helps your long-term health.

The right chair:

  1. Prevents back pain.
  2. Reduces discomfort and fatigue at work.
  3. Adds to your productivity levels, thereby, promoting a more positive work experience.

Just like our mothers always told us: We need to sit up straight. It matters more than ever when you’re spending long hours in your chair at home.

Let the above guide you in choosing your office chair. Your back and the rest of your body will thank you.