Posted on 9th Jun 2011 @ 12:21 AM

 If you're a golfer, you know the cold, hard truth. You could buy the most expensive, custom-made, technologically-advanced golf clubs available on the market, but if you don't know how to use them properly, you will still slice off the tee, hook your ball into the woods, land in the bunker, or miss that par putt.

 The same holds true for ergonomic chairs for your office. You could purchase (or have your company acquire) the most space-age, attractive, multi-adjustable chair for your desk or cube, but if you don't have the chair positioned properly at your workstation, you are still susceptible to muscle discomfort or back pain.

 To reap the benefits of an ergonomic chair, you must begin by making sure that it is set at the right height for your body and work area. So how do you go about doing that?

 Start by raising the seat up as high as it can go. Then gradually lower the seat until your legs feel comfortable while you are sitting at your workstation. Your feet should be flat on the floor (if you have shorter legs, a raised footrest may be needed for your feet) with your knees slightly above the level of your seat. Scoot your feet forward so that the angle of your each leg is greater than 90 degrees.

 Also, make sure that the lumbar support function is providing the appropriate comfort for your lower back. You may need to adjust the back of the seat up or down in order to achieve this. If your ergonomic chair has a reclining back, set the tension mechanism to allow you to lean back slightly and provide support even while you rock back and forth.

 You can help your ergonomic chair do its job by positioning the items on your desk properly. Your keyboard should be placed so that your arms have a bend of more than 90 degrees when you type. If possible, attach a keyboard tray to your desk to allow for greater flexibility of positioning. Make sure your mouse is close to the keyboard within easy reach.

 The placement of your monitor is also important. If you look at it constantly, it should be directly in front of you; but if you only glance at it occasionally (or must interact with customers who sit across your desk from you), then it can be off to the side. Ideally, the monitor should be an arm's length away when you lean back in your ergonomic chair, and the top of the screen should be on the same plane as your eyes.

 Ergonomic chairs can help you avoid pain, soreness, and stiffness, but they can't work miracles. They must be set at the right height, too, in order for you to maintain a comfortable and productive work environment.