Ergonomic Computer Chair Alternative
So you're at the point where you are seriously considering the purchase of an ergonomic computer chair. Your back hurts, your body aches, and you've had enough. The best thing you can do is go out and buy the most expensive chair you can afford, right? You should be surprised to know that this is not always the case.
Before you go to the store and buy a chair you need to do a little self-assessment. A quick analysis of your personal behavior will help determine which ergonomic seating devices are most logical and will be the most beneficial. The main consideration is how active you are on a daily basis. Lets face it, if you happen to be someone who works out or plays a sport four or more days a week you are probably in better shape and have stronger muscles than someone who has little physical activity other than being seated. If you are an active person and have fairly strong core muscles (back muscles and abs) you are probably best with a high-end ergonomic chair that has an advanced adjustment mechanism and plush material. So go read up on VIA, Humanscale, and Herman Miller chairs and pick your favorite.
Now if you are someone who is not very active and does not have very strong core body muscles that expensive ergonomic chair is not your best choice. The following advice is not just a random thought, it is actually recommended by chiropractors for many people. Believe it or not, an exercise ball makes a fantastic chair, and will relieve back pain faster than an expensive chair in some scenarios. This is the type of exercise ball that is usually available in 55", 65" and 75" sizes and in a variety of colors. They are normally used for exercise routines but they in fact make great chairs for people who need to strengthen their core muscles or those with frequent back pain. What is does is it makes you sit up straight because if you slouch you will start to roll off of the ball. This sitting up straight posture makes your abs and back muscles work and will over time strengthen your mid body.
Using an exercise ball as a chair also has the health benefit of being an "active sitting" alternative. It is considered active because while you are seated you can gently pivot your hips left and right, and front to back to relieve tension in your spine and give your muscles a light stretch. Some people just cant get used to sitting on an exercise ball at the computer but if you are someone who experiences back pain while sitting it cant hurt you any more to give this a try. An exercise ball will cost you about $20 while most ergonomic chairs range from $200-$1000.
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