You might not be willing to admit it, but at some point, you might have to face reality: your office chair is past its prime and needs replacing.
When you consider that some people work as much as 40-50 hours a week, or 2,500 hours a year, sitting in the same chair, having the right comfort fit is hugely important. If you need proof, here are five signs you need a new ergonomic chair at your office or home.
1. Soreness in the body
The most obvious sign that you need a new office chair is your body screaming at you in pain. In truth, our bodies were not designed to sit prone in the same position for long hours. Pain is the biggest indicator that your chair is not the right for you. If you feel pain in your back (upper and lower), shoulders or neck, it’s time to go shopping. The right chair will allow you to sit effortlessly and comfortably for extended periods of time without feeling any aches or pains.
2. Ragged looking chair
If your office chair is looking ragged, tilts to the side or the throttles don't work, it’s time to say ‘bye, bye!’. Your chairs balance and stability will directly impact your own. Did you know that even bumps in the padding and tears in the fabric can throw off your body’s natural posture? The primary indicators that you need a new ergonomic chair are as follows: worn materials, physical damage to the chair, lost or missing parts, wonky armrests, and persistent issues with posture alignment.
3. Lack of lumbar support
If your chair’s backrest is non-existent or doesn’t provide good lumbar support, it’s time to throw it out. Why? Because when there is no lumbar support and the back is bent forward, the muscles of the back force the lumbar region out of its natural curve, which results in reduced blood supply to the spinal tissues because of pressure on discs. The almost constant contraction of the spine leads to three terrible health problems: muscle fatigue, stressed discs and pinched nerves.
4. Good posture
According to leading chiropractors and doctors, good sitting posture includes:
• Keeping your feet on the floor (or a footrest if they don’t reach the floor)
• A small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat
• Your knees are at or below the level of your hips
• The adjustable backrest is supporting your low- and mid-back
If your current office chair is not helping you achieve the above, it’s time to move on.
5. Replace your office chair every five years
The last point is perhaps the most controversial of all. But experts recommend that your ergonomic chair should be replaced every five years. This point is perhaps the most important to head, especially when data shows that on average people use the same office chair for 15 years! Why is it so important to change your chair regularly? Well, a new chair will stop you slouching back into your chair, a common occurrence once the cushion and support on your old chair are kaput.