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Office Chairs for a Bad Back
BrainPaint
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Hey folks!
So I spend a large amount of time in front of a screen like many, but for the past few months it's really been doing a number on my back. I've used Aeron chairs at my job, but I don't have a nice chair at home. I technically have the cash available to buy an Aeron for my place, but if there is a cheaper alternative that is equally supportive or a good source for refurbished or used ones I would love to hear about them. That being said, if Aeron really is worth it then I will get one since it's important to take care of myself ergonomically if this is to be my career. What do you think?
So I spend a large amount of time in front of a screen like many, but for the past few months it's really been doing a number on my back. I've used Aeron chairs at my job, but I don't have a nice chair at home. I technically have the cash available to buy an Aeron for my place, but if there is a cheaper alternative that is equally supportive or a good source for refurbished or used ones I would love to hear about them. That being said, if Aeron really is worth it then I will get one since it's important to take care of myself ergonomically if this is to be my career. What do you think?
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I do have a bit of a bias towards the Leap because I own one, but it's some of the best money I've ever spent and one of the most comfortable things I have ever sat in. I love how the seat pan and back move together so my back is always fully supported no matter how I sit or slouch in the chair.
This Wirecutter article is a good read http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-office-chair-is-the-steelcase-leap/
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-standing-desks/
Getting a chair that allows you to sit comfortably at a standing desk will also solve this problem. I've had a drafting table/chair set up for ten years, but only just raised the desk to a height at which I can work comfortably standing. Seeing as I have this awful tendency to rest all my weight on my left leg, I'm currently only capable for standing for about 3 hours without getting horrifically sore. Having the chair to fall back on has helped a lot.
It keeps me from slouching, it supports me better, it feels more comfortable on my hindquarters, and it forces me to get up more often (no casters on a ball - you can't "scoot" around your workstation on a ball, so you have to get up!).
After using one 8-10 hours a day for almost a year now, I can say it has helped my lower back a lot. I don't have the "kinks" and cramps in my erectors and QLs like I used to.
They're also inexpensive, and develop your core muscles to boot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_ball
So I bought the Aeron. The pricetag still hurt a little, but if I don't start taking care of my back now then it will be a lot more expensive down the road through surgeries and such. I had thought about the fitball, but my current apartment is in an old chopped up row house in Baltimore and my floor is crooked so I would constantly be rolling back. Now with the chair on a rug strip I am secure in place with very little movement.
BUUUUUUT
I got the cheapest version possible right? Im fine with the non-leather arm pads. Im fine without the adjustable arm height and forward seat tilt. But I want just a little more support for my back and Im trying to decide if I want the lumbar pad or the posturefit kit. I've read a few reviews about the differences between them but it is still kind of a grey area in terms of which one is better for me. Any more thoughts?
Thanks for the help folks!
I rock the lumbar pad, but don't really need it that much. If you're in need of serious support, my guess is that the posturefit is better, since it look like a more comprehensive solution. The lumbar pad is just a semi-rigid pad you can slide up and down.