How To Reduce Neck Pain By Using An Office Chair The Right Way

Neck pain is surprisingly common, affecting most adults at one point or another during their lives. This is particularly true for people who spend a large portion of their day sitting down. Activities like leaning over a desk or sitting at a computer can strain your neck muscles, particularly if you aren’t sitting in the right position.

How To Reduce Neck Pain By Using An Office Chair The Right Way

Investing in a high-quality office chair is a good first step if you are trying to reduce neck pain. Above and beyond that, though, you also need to set the chair up correctly so that your body stays properly aligned. Here are some tips on how to use an office chair the right way to minimize strain on your neck:

1. Adjust the height of the chair so that your feet are resting flat on the floor, footrest, or ground.

When buying an office chair, look for one with an adjustable height. When seated in the chair, your feet should sit flat on the ground with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. This helps distribute your weight more evenly, promoting better posture in your upper body.

2. Make sure your monitor is the right height.

If you spend a large portion of your day working on a computer, set your workstation up so that your monitor is directly in front of you at eye level. You shouldn’t have to tilt your head up or down to see the screen. Instead, your goal should be to set your monitor at a height that allows you to keep your chin level when you are looking at it. If necessary, use a monitor stand to raise your monitor to the right height.

3. Look for a chair with built-in lumbar support.

Chairs like these support your lower back, making it easier to maintain good posture throughout the day. When your upper body is properly aligned, your head is less likely to jut or lean forward. Instead, it stays properly positioned above your shoulders, which can dramatically reduce neck strain.

4. Consider choosing an office chair with arms.

Having a place to rest your arms can take some of the strain off of your shoulders. Depending on the cause of your neck pain, this may provide a measure of relief. Adjustable armrests are the best option. When setting them up, put them at a height that allows your arms to bend at 90 degrees at the elbow without having to hunch your shoulders up.

5. Try using the tilt adjustment if your chair has one.

High-end office chairs have additional controls that allow you to adjust the tilt or angle of the chair. Play around with this option to see what angle is the most comfortable for your neck.

Learning to use an office chair the right way is one of the most effective ways to reduce neck pain. When shopping for a chair, look for a fully-adjustable office chair. That way, you can customize it for your body, helping to ensure that you keep your neck and back properly aligned.