Ergonomic StoolsThink about how you’re sitting right now. Are you straight backed, typing at a ninety-degree angle? Maybe you’re leaning back and typing at one hundred degrees or more? Maybe you are somewhere between? The correct way to sit and type is reclining slightly and typing at exactly one-hundred degrees. Any more and you pose the risk of lower back pain. Any less, and it’s the upper muscles of the back that will suffer. It’s easy when sitting in a comfortable chair to position ourselves in an unhealthy way. For this reason, many computer users are turning to ergonomic stools to help. Ergonomic stools come in many designs, though most are backless and have knee and foot rests. When sitting in an ergonomic stool, a person will rest their feet in the specifically designed area and find that in doing so they are not only sitting comfortably, but at a healthier position than normal. Some new purchasers of ergonomic stools have even reported feeling their backs cracking as they shifted back into a healthier shape. Ergonomic stools can be purchased most places where office supplies are sold. The cloth on an ergonomic stool should be permeable allowing for the backs of the legs to breathe. Also, the knees should extend at least four finger spaces from the edge of an ergonomic stool so circulation is not cut off. Ergonomic stools come in all price ranges, from simple designs at around twenty dollars to more complex designs that can reach into the thousands. An ergonomic stool should also be easy adjusted for height and weight. Many ergonomic stools have rollers. If the stool you purchase has rollers, it’s important to make sure there’s a wheel lock to prevent accidents on the job. Do not purchase an ergonomic stool unless it includes arm rests if you are going to be seated for more than an hour or so at a time. Arm rests are important in providing muscle support when seated and typing for a long period of time. Without an arm rest, our arms must hold themselves up, which can lead to upper arm and back pain. Most find that with one small purchase of an ergonomic stool most of their back pain and headaches will subside. It’s important, though, that if the pain does not get better within the first few weeks of purchasing your stool that you seek medical attention, as the problem could be something more serious than poor posture. |