It was a crisp autumn morning when I found myself in my patient’s house. Preparing to visit one of my long-term patients, To keep her name a secret, I will give her an imaginary name: Mrs. Reynolds. As a therapist, I was accustomed to spending hours each day in consultation with clients, delving into the intricacies of their conditions to help them find peace and balance. Little did I know that this visit to Mrs. Reynolds would change my own perspective on something as seemingly mundane as a chair.
As I arrived at Mrs. Reynolds’ cozy cottage, I was greeted with her warm smile and a fragrant cup of herbal tea. We settled into her living room, and as our conversation delved into the usual topics of physical pain, I found myself growing increasingly uncomfortable in the chair I was sitting in and interviewing her. It was a plush, cushioned armchair that seemed inviting at first but offered little in the way of back support.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, attempting to find a position that would alleviate the growing strain in my lower back. Mrs. Reynolds noticed my discomfort and asked if I needed a cushion or a different chair. It was then that I realized the gravity of my predicament: here I was, a therapist promoting well-being and comfort to others, and I couldn’t even find a comfortable seat for myself.
The Decision to Share
As I left Mrs. Reynolds’ home that day, my discomfort lingered in my mind. It wasn’t just about that particular chair; it was about the broader issue of how we sit and the impact it has on our physical and mental well-being. I decided that it was time to share my revelation with the world and help others avoid the discomfort and potential health issues that can arise from improper seating.
let’s first delve into the details of how various chair-related factors can affect specific conditions and health issues:
- Round Back (Hyperkyphosis): Chairs with poor lumbar support can encourage a round back posture, especially when sitting for extended periods. Hyperkyphosis is an excessive curvature of the upper spine, and sitting in this posture can worsen the condition over time. Ergonomic chairs with proper lumbar support can help maintain a more neutral spinal position.
- Shallow Breath: Chairs that don’t encourage an open chest and upright posture can lead to shallow breathing. Shallow breath can result in less oxygen intake, reduced lung function, and increased stress. Chairs with backrests that support an open chest and good posture can help address this issue.
- Shoulder Impingement and Frozen Shoulder: Prolonged periods of sitting with forward-rounded shoulders can contribute to shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder. These conditions involve pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation of the shoulder joint. Proper chair ergonomics and posture correction exercises can be beneficial in preventing and managing these conditions.
- Forward Head Posture: Chairs that don’t support the natural curvature of the cervical spine can lead to forward head posture. This condition can result in neck pain, headaches, and reduced mobility. Chairs with headrests and a focus on maintaining neutral head position can help mitigate this issue.
- Upper Crossed Syndrome: Upper crossed syndrome is characterized by tight chest and neck muscles and weak upper back and neck muscles. Prolonged sitting in chairs that promote a slouched posture can exacerbate this condition. Ergonomic chairs and exercises to strengthen the upper back can help.
- Ribcage Immobility: Chairs that restrict movement and encourage a fixed sitting position can lead to ribcage immobility. This can affect breathing, spinal flexibility, and overall comfort. Regular breaks, chair exercises, and ergonomic seating can promote ribcage mobility.
- Low Back Pain: Poorly designed chairs that lack lumbar support or encourage slouching can contribute to low back pain. Maintaining proper lumbo-pelvic rhythm, which involves coordinated movement of the lumbar spine and pelvis, is essential for reducing the risk of low back pain.
- Pelvic Floor Issues: Prolonged sitting on chairs that don’t distribute pressure evenly can contribute to pelvic floor issues. Increased pressure on the pelvic floor can lead to conditions like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Ergonomically designed chairs and regular breaks can help alleviate this pressure.
- Poor Blood Circulation: Chairs that exert pressure on blood vessels in the buttocks and thighs can impede blood circulation. This can lead to discomfort, numbness, and even blood clots. Properly cushioned seats and changing positions frequently can prevent this problem.
- Negative Effects on Blood-Sucking Mechanism from the Legs: Prolonged sitting can impair the calf muscle pump, which aids in venous return by squeezing veins and pushing blood toward the heart. This can result in blood pooling in the legs and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Regular leg movement and proper chair ergonomics are crucial to prevent this.
- Negative Effects on Lymphatic Draining Impairment Mechanism: Prolonged sitting can also hinder the lymphatic system’s ability to drain excess fluid and toxins from tissues. This can lead to edema (swelling) and a compromised immune response. Lymphatic drainage exercises and frequent movement can help maintain this critical mechanism.
Why Chairs Are Used
Chairs have been an integral part of human civilization for centuries. They serve the fundamental purpose of providing a platform for us to sit comfortably and perform various tasks. Whether it’s dining, working, relaxing, or socializing, chairs play a significant role in our daily lives.
How Long Can We Use Them?
The duration for which you can comfortably use a chair depends on several factors, including the chair’s design, your posture, and your overall physical condition. Ideally, breaks should be taken every 30 minutes to an hour when working in a seated position to prevent discomfort and promote circulation.
The Best Position of Each Category
Different types of chairs serve different purposes, and understanding the ideal sitting position for each is crucial for comfort and health.
- Office Chairs: Ergonomically designed office chairs are best for desk work. They should provide lumbar support, adjustable height, and armrests. The ideal position includes having your feet flat on the floor, knees at a 90-degree angle, and your computer monitor at eye level.
- Dining Chairs: Dining chairs should support an upright posture, with your feet flat on the floor and your back against the chair’s backrest.
- Lounge Chairs: Lounge chairs are designed for relaxation, so they often have a reclined backrest. Use them for shorter periods and avoid extended lounging to prevent strain.
Hands, Feet, and Head Position while Using Different Chairs
- Keep your hands relaxed and your elbows close to your body while typing or using a computer mouse.
- Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest to distribute your weight evenly.
- Maintain a neutral head position, with your ears aligned with your shoulders.
Job Force and Chair Types
Different professions demand different types of chairs to ensure the comfort and productivity of employees, for instance:
- Office Workers: Office chairs with ergonomic features are essential for those who spend long hours at a desk. They provide the necessary support to reduce the risk of back pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Healthcare Professionals: Healthcare practitioners, such as nurses and doctors, require chairs that are easy to clean and maneuverable. Medical stools and ergonomic chairs designed for healthcare settings are ideal.
- Retail Employees: Retail workers often stand for extended periods, so anti-fatigue mats and stools with adjustable height can be beneficial for taking short breaks.
- Artists and Designers: Creatives benefit from chairs that allow for movement and flexibility. Drafting chairs and stools with adjustable heights are suitable for artists and designers.
Chair Positioning
The Best Distance between a Working Table and a Chair
The ideal distance between a working table and a chair is critical for achieving an ergonomic sitting position. It can vary based on individual factors like height, arm length, and the type of work being performed. However, a general guideline is to have about 2-4 inches of space between the front edge of the chair and the back of the knees to prevent pressure on the thighs. The height of the chair and the table should be adjustable to accommodate different users.
Why Healthcare Professionals Need to Follow Instructions for Chair Selection:
- Task-Specific Needs: Different healthcare tasks require different seating solutions. Healthcare professionals must follow guidelines to select chairs that best suit their specific roles and work environments. Making the wrong choice can lead to discomfort, inefficiency, and potential safety hazards.
- Patient Care Quality: The right chair choice can directly impact the quality of patient care. For example, a nurse with a rolling chair can respond more quickly to patients’ needs, improving the overall patient experience.
- Workplace Safety: Following instructions for chair selection ensures workplace safety. In environments like surgery rooms, adhering to guidelines regarding stationary chairs is crucial to prevent accidents during delicate procedures.
- Ergonomic Considerations: Healthcare professionals often work long hours, making ergonomic considerations essential. Properly chosen chairs, whether stationary or rolling, can help prevent musculoskeletal issues and promote overall well-being.
- Efficiency: Healthcare facilities aim to operate efficiently, and the choice of chairs can affect staff productivity. By selecting the right chairs, healthcare professionals can work more comfortably and efficiently, ultimately benefiting the organization and patients.
Yet as therapist we also face chairs without back support part. What should be done in this regard?
Sitting without back support can have both benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to understand the implications of this posture for your health and well-being.
Benefits of Sitting Without Back Support:
- Improved Core Strength: When you sit without back support, you engage your core muscles to maintain an upright posture. Over time, this can help strengthen your abdominal and lower back muscles, contributing to better core stability.
- Enhanced Posture Awareness: Sitting without back support encourages you to be more mindful of your posture. You become more aware of how you’re sitting, which can lead to better overall posture habits in different situations.
- Flexibility: Without the constraints of a backrest, you have more freedom to shift and move around. This can reduce the risk of stiffness and encourage flexibility in your spine and hips.
- Increased Circulation: Sitting without back support often allows for better circulation, as there’s less pressure on the lower back and blood flow to the legs may be less restricted.
Drawbacks of Sitting Without Back Support:
- Risk of Poor Posture: While it can enhance posture awareness, sitting without back support can also lead to poor posture habits if you’re not diligent. Slouching or leaning forward for extended periods can strain your back and neck.
- Back Discomfort: Without back support, you may experience discomfort or even pain in your lower back, especially during prolonged periods of sitting. This discomfort can lead to reduced productivity and focus.
- Fatigue: Maintaining an unsupported upright posture can be tiring, as it places a continuous demand on your core muscles. This fatigue can impact your ability to concentrate and remain comfortable.
- Potential for Muscular Imbalances: Over time, sitting without back support can create muscular imbalances, with some muscles becoming overused while others weaken. This can contribute to issues like lower back pain and postural problems.
- Risk of Injury: In situations where you’re concentrating intensely on a task while sitting without back support, you might forget to take breaks and shift positions. This can increase the risk of strain or injury.
There is a big [But] here, are those the only chairs that therapists might face?
Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and other medical staff, have unique demands of their chairs and seating arrangements. The nature of their work often involves long shifts, continuous patient care, and a variety of tasks that require different postures. Here are some chair options tailored to healthcare professionals and why it’s crucial for this population to follow ergonomic seating guidelines:
Chair Options for Healthcare
Professionals:
1. Ergonomic Task Chairs: Healthcare professionals need chairs that
provide adequate lumbar support and are highly adjustable. Ergonomic task
chairs with features like adjustable seat height, backrest recline, and
armrests allow them to customize their seating position to fit the task at
hand.
2. Stools with Mobility: Medical stools are commonly used in
healthcare settings, especially in surgery, dentistry, and patient examination.
Stools should have a swivel feature for easy movement and footrests to reduce
leg fatigue.
3. Saddle Chairs: Saddle chairs, which resemble a horse’s saddle,
encourage an open hip angle and better spinal alignment. They are particularly
useful for tasks that require leaning forward, such as dental work or surgical
procedures.
4. Anti-Fatigue Mats: In areas where healthcare professionals stand
for long periods, anti-fatigue mats can reduce the strain on their legs and lower
back. These mats provide cushioning and promote better blood circulation.
Why Healthcare Professionals Need Proper Chairs and Seating Guidelines:
1. Long Shifts: Healthcare professionals often work long shifts, sometimes exceeding 12 hours. Prolonged sitting or standing in uncomfortable positions can lead to fatigue, musculoskeletal issues, and reduced concentration, which can affect patient care.
2. Patient Interaction: Healthcare providers engage in various patient-care activities, from bedside care to documentation. Having ergonomic chairs and stools allows them to adjust their positions, ensuring they can interact with patients comfortably and maintain a professional demeanor.
3. Patient Safety: In surgical and critical care settings, where precision and attention to detail are paramount, the comfort and focus of healthcare professionals are critical for patient safety. Discomfort or fatigue could lead to errors.
4. Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders: The physical demands of healthcare work can lead to musculoskeletal disorders if not addressed properly. Ergonomic chairs and seating guidelines help minimize the risk of conditions like lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck strain.
5. Improved Productivity: Comfortable seating allows healthcare professionals to concentrate better and be more productive. When they don’t have to worry about discomfort or poor posture, they can focus more on their patients’ needs.
6. Retaining Talent: Providing ergonomic chairs and a comfortable work environment can help healthcare facilities attract and retain talented professionals. When staff members feel that their well-being is a priority, they are more likely to stay in their roles and provide high-quality care.
7. Cost Savings: Preventing musculoskeletal injuries through ergonomic seating can lead to significant cost savings for healthcare facilities. Fewer injuries mean fewer worker’s compensation claims and reduced employee turnover.
Healthcare professionals, often have specific needs when it comes to the choice between chairs with or without wheels. The decision between the two options depends on various factors, and it’s essential for this population to follow specific guidelines to ensure the right choice for their specific tasks and environments.
Chairs with Wheels (Rolling Chairs):
1. Mobility: Chairs with wheels provide
healthcare professionals with the ability to move quickly and efficiently
throughout the healthcare facility. This mobility is crucial in dynamic
settings like hospitals and clinics where rapid response and accessibility are
essential.
2. Patient Care: In clinical settings,
rolling chairs enable healthcare professionals to easily navigate around
patient beds, examination tables, and medical equipment. This is particularly
important when performing tasks such as patient assessments, administering
medication, or changing dressings.
3. Adjustable Height: Many rolling chairs
come with adjustable seat height features, which allow healthcare providers to
match the chair’s height to their working surface, whether it’s a desk,
countertop, or patient’s bed. This adaptability reduces strain and discomfort
during various tasks.
4. Efficiency: For tasks like charting,
documentation, and consultations, rolling chairs allow healthcare professionals
to move between workstations quickly, increasing their efficiency and
minimizing downtime.
5. Ergonomic Design: High-quality rolling
chairs are designed with ergonomic features, such as lumbar support and
adjustable armrests. This ergonomic support helps healthcare professionals
maintain good posture during extended periods of sitting.
Chairs without Wheels (Stationary Chairs):
1. Stability: Stationary chairs are more
stable and secure compared to rolling chairs. In situations where healthcare
professionals need to perform precise tasks or procedures, such as surgery,
stability is critical to avoid accidents or errors.
2. Specialized Use: Certain healthcare
roles require chairs without wheels due to the nature of the work. For example,
surgeons often use stationary chairs in the operating room to maintain a stable
and controlled position during surgery.
3. Safety: In areas where the risk of
tripping or rolling into delicate equipment is a concern, stationary chairs may
be preferred. For instance, in imaging or laboratory settings, stationary chairs
reduce the risk of accidents.
