Work in Complete Comfort with These Office Chairs

It is not unusual for people to spend their entire workday seated in front of a computer screen. If your chair is not designed to provide ample support for the lower back, the result can be a great deal of pain that never seems to go away. The answer to this problem is to purchase an office chair that is specifically designed to help relieve pressure on the spinal column and lower back area, while also promoting proper posture.

Generally referred to as ergonomic chairs, these simple but effective chairs can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining comfort and health or your back. Because the chairs are designed to prevent the development of back pain, they also can have a positive effect on your productivity. With less pain to distract you, it is easier to concentrate on the task at hand.

There are a number of different designs for ergonomic office chairs. Some are structured mainly for people whose job requires them to remain in front of a computer for the entire workday, such as a customer care representative or an order processor. Others are configured to offer solid support to those who spend a lot of time at a desk, but do get up from time to time for other tasks. In appearance, some of the chairs are very stylish and appropriate for an executive, while others are more utilitarian in design and focus more on support than looks.

In most offices, the simple multi-task office chair is a common sight. This plain but functional chair is normally employed by people who handle clerical duties such as data entry, client care, and order processing. Chairs of this type usually include a firm but comfortable seat that is augmented with an adjustable padded back. The contours of both the seat and the back are designed to offer firm support to the lumbar region. The simple arms of the multi-task chair are usually at a height that makes it easy to position the forearms to reach a keyboard while resting the elbows on the chair arms. When the chair is adjusted properly, it can help minimize pressure up and down the back, which in turn helps to prevent muscles from becoming tense and creating back pain.

Not all ergonomic office chairs have a solid back. Mesh backed office chairs offer the same level of support as any other ergonomic chair, but make use of a strong but open mesh to support the back. One of the advantages of this design is the easy flow of air through the back of the chair. Many people find that the mesh design makes the chair much more comfortable, especially in situations where the individual sits for several hours at a time.

One example of an ergonomic office chair that goes a few steps further than the mesh-backed chair is the air grid chair. A chair of this type provides not only steady airflow around the back, but also around the seat. At the same time, an air grid chair does not skimp on support. This design is often ideal for people who really do not care for a lot of padding, but do need firm support to prevent recurring back pain.

The task chair is also a simple ergonomic office chair that is popular in many office settings. Task chairs, just like a multi-task chair, features padded backs and seats that are contoured to office maximum support. Generally, the backs of these chairs are a little taller, making them ideal for providing upper back support as well as supporting the lower back. Chairs of this type are often a good option for administrative assistants and managers who often spend a good deal of the day at a desk.

No listing of ergonomic office chairs would be complete without mentioning the high back executive chair. This office chair usually bears the closest resemblance to the traditional desk chair. Often upholstered with leather or a strong synthetic material, the ergonomic executive chair tends to provide firm but comfortable seating, support for the lower and upper back, and even a padded headrest at the top area of the back. Unlike many other types of chairs designed for clerical work, the executive chair normally sports padded arms, or at least arms that are wider, making them the ideal resting place for the forearms during a business meeting. The executive chair tends to be the most expensive style available.

While designed for use in the workplace, all of these ergonomic chair designs work equally well in a home office. People who suffer with back pain may sometimes find that the ergonomic chairs help to relieve discomfort even when watching television or while relaxing around the house. Ergonomic chairs can be found at most office supply stores, as well as at a number of online retail outlets.

Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about decorating, often focusing on a particular item such as office chairs.