Sitting, unlike lying down or standing up, is not a natural position for the human body. It seems strange to think it given how much time we spend slouched in front of the TV, computer or games console, but it’s a position which is inherently uncomfortable for the humanoid form. The current rise in incidents of back pain and spinal injuries has as much to do with improper seating as it does with the increased amount of time people are spending sitting down. Ergonomically designed office furniture and office seating reduces much of the stresses and strains placed on the body by extended periods spent seated. They provide support where it is necessary and hold your body in the correct position to avoid cramps and aches.
Apart from the obvious health risks associated with our increasingly sedentary lifestyle (e.g. obesity due to lack of exercise), sitting for extended periods can place strain on your back. Sitting with your back rounded (as most of us do when sat in a chair) forces the vertebrae of your back out. Over time, this can lead to a spinal disc herniation (better known “slipped disc”). In the shorter term, the discs can place pressure on surrounding nerves, causing the shooting pains commonly associated with back pain. Many seats have a concave back rest. Although this can appear to be more comfortable at first - the wider edges and indented centre give the impression of holding you in place - in reality it is very bad for you, leaving as it does little option but for you to round your back in order to fit into them.
Ergonomic office seating comes with convex back rests which force your spine into a more comfortable S-shape; chest out, shoulders and pelvis in. This replicates the way we hold our backs when standing upright, better distributing our weight down through our bodies and placing minimal outward pressure on our vertebrae. To get the most out of such chairs, remember to lean back into them. Not only does this feel more comfortable than hunching forwards over your desk, it makes the most of the ergonomic design offered by the office furniture and preserves the small inward curve in your back that is the sign of good posture.
Poor posture also limits blood flow and oxygen intake. If your pelvis is turned at the wrong angle, then blood will not flow properly to your legs. Combined with a lack of movement, this can in some extreme cases lead to deep vein thrombosis; the same, dangerous illness suffered by some long haul passengers. Slumping forwards also restricts the lungs, limiting the amount of oxygen that you can take in and thus adversely affecting your concentration. By using office furniture which encourages good posture, you increase the blood flow and oxygen intake, improving concentration and work rate.
Office furniture is, by its very nature, designed for the masses. This is not a good thing. We are not all built the same; we are different heights, sizes and builds. For that reason, it doesn’t make much sense that we would all need support in the same places. Ergonomic office furniture is now available with adjustable systems which allow you to set the rests and supports at the correct heights for your build, giving you a bespoke fitting that is suited for your back.
Replacing your existing office furniture with more ergonomic designs improves health and work rate. Whether it’s a consideration you are making for yourself or your whole company, just think of the savings that could be made - from both your back and your money.
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