If your office chair is too high, you may experience discomfort, pain, and health problems in your back, neck, shoulders, wrists, and legs. A proper office chair height is essential for maintaining good posture and ergonomics while working at a desk. In this article, we will explain why office chair height matters, how to adjust it correctly, and what are the benefits of doing so.
Office chair height is one of the most important factors that affect your comfort and productivity while working at a desk. If your office chair is too high, you may encounter several issues, such as:
Poor posture: A high office chair can cause you to lean forward, hunch your shoulders, or tilt your head down to reach your keyboard and mouse. This can strain your muscles, ligaments, and joints, and lead to poor posture over time.
Reduced blood circulation: A high office chair can also cut off the blood flow to your lower body, especially your legs and feet. This can cause numbness, tingling, swelling, or even varicose veins. Poor blood circulation can also affect your energy levels, mood, and concentration.
Increased pressure: A high office chair can put more pressure on your spine, hips, and pelvis, as well as your wrists and elbows. This can cause pain, inflammation, and injury to these areas. Increased pressure can also affect your digestion, breathing, and nervous system.
To avoid the problems caused by a high office chair, you need to adjust it to the right height for your body and your desk. Here are some steps to follow:
Sit on your office chair and place your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle, and your thighs should be parallel to the floor. If your feet are dangling or your knees are higher than your hips, your office chair is too high and you need to lower it.
Adjust the height of your office chair until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when resting on your desk. Your arms should be relaxed and your shoulders should be down and back. If your elbows are higher or lower than your desk, your office chair is not at the right height and you need to adjust it accordingly.
Check the distance between your eyes and your monitor. Your monitor should be at eye level or slightly below, and about an arm’s length away from you. If your monitor is too high or too low, you may need to raise or lower it, or use a monitor stand or riser. If your monitor is too far or too close, you may need to move it or change your seating position.
What Are the Benefits of Adjusting Office Chair Height
Adjusting your office chair height to the optimal level can bring you many benefits, such as:
Improved posture: A proper office chair height can help you maintain a neutral spine alignment, which can prevent or reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain. A good posture can also improve your breathing, digestion, and circulation, as well as your confidence and appearance.
Enhanced productivity: A comfortable office chair height can also boost your productivity and performance while working at a desk. You can work more efficiently and effectively, without being distracted by discomfort or fatigue. You can also avoid common work-related injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, that can affect your quality of work and life.
Increased well-being: A suitable office chair height can also improve your overall well-being and happiness. You can enjoy your work more, feel more relaxed and energized, and have a better mood and outlook. You can also prevent or manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, that can be caused or worsened by prolonged sitting.
Office chair height is a crucial factor that affects your comfort, health, and productivity while working at a desk. If your office chair is too high, you may experience various problems, such as poor posture, reduced blood circulation, and increased pressure. To avoid these issues, you need to adjust your office chair height to the right level for your body and your desk. By doing so, you can enjoy many benefits, such as improved posture, enhanced productivity, and increased well-being. We hope this article has helped you understand what happens if your office chair is too high, and how to fix it. Remember to check and adjust your office chair height regularly, and to take breaks and stretch often while working at a desk.
