How is an ergonomic chair different from a normal chair? - Purpleark

How is an ergonomic chair different from a normal chair?

There is a huge debate between using a normal chair and an ergonomic chair for work. A lot has been written and spoken about it. Normal chairs are okay to use until you start to develop different types of body pains. When you sit in a chair for long periods you cannot avoid back pain, especially for those who work in a traditional office environment. 

If you have a sedentary lifestyle, it will pose a risk to your health, and using the wrong chair can aggravate some health problems. It is common for people to experience chronic back and neck pain due to an uncomfortable chair that does not provide enough support. This is where an ergonomic chair makes all the difference. It will provide comfort and support from the neck down and it has become a must-have in the office or home office. If you want to understand the difference between an ergonomic chair and a normal chair, read ahead. 

Difference between a normal chair and an ergonomic chair

If you are out shopping for a chair, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. It will help understand the difference between the two main types of chairs available in the market and will also help make the right decision. There are some features that give an ergonomic chair advantage over the traditional office chair and you must understand them before buying one. These unique features will make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing in the long term. 

Seat height 

When you look at a normal chair, you will notice that it does not have an adjustable seat height. On the other hand, an ergonomic chair will have a height that can be adjusted using the pneumatic lever. The height of the seat will be around 16 to 21 inches from the floor but you will also find chairs that are ideally designed for short and petite individuals, with a height that begins at 14 inches. When you have a height-adjustable chair, you can comfortably place your feet flat on the floor while maintaining an optimal posture. 

Seat depth and width 

An ergonomic chair will come with an adjustable seat depth which will add more comfort to your lower back. You can easily fit in a normal and ergonomic chair. Both the chairs are designed with regular measurements that include an appropriate width and depth. But you can also find chairs that offer the right measurement for short and tall people. An ergonomic chair will allow the user to tilt the seat of the chair forward or backward to promote the right posture. Normal chairs do not have this feature.

Backrest

The chair must have an appropriate backrest. Its width should be anywhere from 12 inches to 19 inches and a normal chair can have the same measurement for the backrest. But the ergonomic chair will provide a chance to adjust the backrest for complete support and comfort. It has a backrest that will separate the seat and allow for height and backrest angle adjustment. Using an ergonomic chair enables you to adjust the backrest forward and backward so you can lean comfortably. It also comes with a locking mechanism so the chair does not go far backward. 

Lumbar support

Your regular office chair and ergonomic chair will have lumbar support but only an ergonomic chair will allow you to adjust it according to your body. It will help ensure there is less back pain from sitting all day. The traditional office chair will come with a lumbar spine that will curve inward and it can lead to slouching, thus, putting a strain on the spine. However, an ergonomic chair will not have this problem. The chair will come with lumbar adjustment in depth and height and will ensure proper support and fit for your back. 

Armrest

If there is efficient height adjustability of the armrest, it will reduce muscle strain. When using a normal chair, you will notice that the armrests are fixed but with an ergonomic chair, the armrests are adjustable and will allow you to rest your arms comfortably while keeping the shoulders relaxed. Whenever you are typing, your forearms will be off the armrests and you will feel no discomfort.

Material

A normal chair and an ergonomic chair will come with padding but the ergonomic chair will have ample padding on the backrest and seat. This will ensure comfortable sitting even for longer hours. You will not feel pain or discomfort even if you sit through the day. The ergonomic chair usually comes with leather upholstery while the regular office chair may have a cloth fabric. 

Swivel

Ergonomic chairs come with swivel features that allow you to move the chair with convenience and comfort. The normal chair may or may not have a swivel feature but it is important to consider when you buy the chair. You may think that the swivel is not important in the chair but it can make a lot of difference if you spend long hours at the desk. It is worth paying a little extra for the swivel feature in the chair. 

It helps to understand the difference between a traditional office chair and an ergonomic chair before you make the buying decision. An ergonomic chair has several benefits over a normal chair and will make you feel comfortable even if you remain seated for long hours. No matter the chair your choose, it is not recommended to sit in the same position throughout the day as it can cause neck and back pain in addition to obesity and diabetes. You must remember to sit on the desk and stand up for some time. Take a quick walk or do some stretches to avoid the pain. You must remain active and the blood circulation should be constant. If you do not move, you will end up with a lot of health problems in the long term.

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