According to the latest federal research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 25% of Americans spend more than 8 hours a day sitting. The kind of system we have today doesn’t make it any better, as people are more likely to work behind a desk at their workplace, sit in long hours of transit, or even while pressing their phones- most times with a slouched spine. However, apart from the sedentary lifestyle that is gradually growing on most people, poor sitting positions are also a major concern.

A study from PubMed Central shows how low back pain (LBP) is common among office workers and is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years of age. Another study also investigated the relationship between back pain and occupational sitting habits in 64 call-center employees. Seventy-five percent of the participants complained of acute and chronic low back pain; those with chronic pain tend to have more static sitting behavior compared to those without the pain. These studies only prove that your pattern of sitting at work can be detrimental to your health, starting from the common low back pain.

To reduce the health risks that may arise due to your sitting behavior, you need to start by getting the most comfortable office chair, after which you can practice sitting appropriately to maintain a good posture.

Why Do You Need a High-tech Chair?

1. For Comfort and Improved Posture

One of the major reasons most people pay attention to chairs is the level of comfort they can get from it. High-tech furnitures have sensors that determine and adjust to your optimal comfort position. These chairs are made to keep you seated comfortably for long hours and help you do your work effectively without worrying about any form of discomfort or pain. An important advantage of using a comfortable chair is that it helps correct your posture. A good ergonomic chair would keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, with your knees directly below the level of your hips. The adjustable backrest would help lower your back and align your spine. With a chair like this, your posture would be corrected over time and you won’t have to fall into a slouched position unconsciously all the time.

2. To Improve Your Health and Productivity

How comfortable you feel while seated can determine your level of productivity. With the right high-tech chair, you will be able to sit for long hours and be productive during that period. This will help you get things done faster than being on an uncomfortable chair that causes your back to ache all the time. In addition, you reduce your risk of certain illnesses when you constantly use a quality chair that keeps your body in the correct posture. Some of these illnesses include back, neck, or shoulder pain, poor circulation, poor digestion, impaired lung function, and misaligned spine, among others.

3. For Lumbar Support

High-tech ergonomic chairs are designed to offer lumbar support to avoid you bending your spine forward. This also prevents the risk of low back pain and fatigue that might result from restricted blood flow to the spine tissue. With a comfortable chair, there is improved circulation in the spine and throughout the body.

4. They Have Multiple Functionalities

In addition to sitting comfortably, these chairs could also provide other benefits such as massages, charging ports, and auto adjust functionalities. The features are numerous and often depend on the kind of high-tech chair you opt for.

What to Look Out For in a High-tech Office Chair

Before you choose your office chair, there are certain features to look out for, some of which are highlighted below:

1. Unique Tech Features

High-tech chairs have features that single them out from other ergonomic chairs, some of which include USB ports, adjustable headrests, touch lighting, AC outlets, cord management, light-up cup holders, powerlift recliner remotes, and more. Check out these features while choosing your preferred chair and opt for one that has your preferred tech features to make your work easier than ever.

2. Highly Adjustable

Look for a chair that is highly adjustable to suit your preference. The best office chairs have about five to fourteen adjustments; while most of these chairs have adjustable height and arm, you should also look out for other adjustable features. This includes the lumbar support,  backrest, armrests, arm width and height, seat back width and height, seat and back angle, and the seat pan. You might not get all these features in one chair, as it also depends on your budget but ensure you can adjust it to be as comfortable as you want it.

3. Lumbar Support

While ergonomic high-tech chairs come with a variety of features, one important thing to focus on is the lumbar support, as it helps keep your spine properly aligned and provides support for your lower back. A chair with lumbar support, a reclining option, and a backrest will provide adequate support for your back, which is what you want. Some advanced chairs would allow you to fit the chair to your lower back, which helps prevent back strain that could lead to a condition known as Sciatica.

4. The Materials Used

Beyond aesthetics, the materials used for office chairs play a huge role in how comfortable they are, so you also have to check the kind of materials used. Opt for a chair with breathable fabric to prevent it from becoming uncomfortably warm after long hours of use. Ensure it is smooth, soft, and not itchy to help you have a great experience while being productive even during summer.

5. Wheel Base

Most office chairs have wheels but before you make a purchase, you should consider the condition of your office floor. Is it tiled or is there a carpet on it? This determines the kind of wheelbase to look out for. If your floor is carpeted, you should get a chair with wheels made for carpet. Getting a chair without wheels should be out of the options, as it would make you uncomfortable and could cause back strain while you constantly try to retrieve items that are out of reach.

Should You Invest Money into High-tech Chairs?

High-tech chairs might seem a little pricey and it’s easy to think of alternatives to save costs. However, these chairs are beyond aesthetics, as they have far more features to help improve your health and productivity. A review of 40 studies of office workers published in 2008 in the Journal of Safety Research shows improved productivity by an average 17% due to the addition of ergonomic office chairs and other technological equipment.

If you are looking to have productive work hours while looking out for your health, then you should consider investing in good chairs. The amount you would spend is nothing compared to the benefits of using a comfortable chair all year long. While you choose your chair, ensure you choose the right one to get maximum benefits.