Health tips: Get rid of backaches!

Your job has you bent over your keyboard for about ten hours a day. Then you come home and just can't resist chatting with your sister in America till the wee hours of the morning. Yes, more than half your day is probably spent at the computer. And very often you wonder, why you bothered heeding your mom's "Sit straight, don't slouch!" warnings.

But all you really need is the right chair to set your posture poker straight.

Get Back Up

No matter how hard you try to sit erect, there is always pressure on your lower back (lumbar region). So, your only hope is a good backrest.

Make sure to get a chair with moulded foam as they are shaped to support the S-shaped curve of your back. You could also opt for a chair with high-density foam, as it does not form depressions and warp the seat from constant use.

Firm footing

Remember, your feet must always rest flat on the ground when you sit. So it is always better to buy a chair with an adjustable seat height.

Also, look for one with a waterfall edge (a gentle slope at the edge of the seat), so your thighs and feet rest comfortably.

On the move

If your job has you shuttling between team mates, then you should consider a swivel or revolving chair. One with castors would also be a good idea to get all your work done, while glued to your seat.

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Armed, not dangerous

A proper support for your elbows is just as important. Choose a chair with adjustable arm rests. This will let you higher, lower, widen or narrow down the armrests according to your comfort level.

Size matters

Besides your nature of work, the chair you choose your body type matters as well. Feel free to try out a chair before you decide on one. The width of your shoulders, lower back and hips are what you need to keep in mind. If you are on the thinner side, then get a chair with a narrow back rest and vice versa.

A good quality, ergonomic chair is priced anywhere from Rs.4000 to Rs.1,25,000 (approx) depending on the features as well as aesthetics.

Godrej & Boyce, Herman Miller, Durian and Featherlite are some furniture brands that deal with ergonomic chairs.

An ergonomically sound chair may be expensive but your back certainly deserves the few extra bucks. Also, in the long run, you can save on doctor's bills!