Neck Pain

Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

Ergonomics is the science of making designs with maximum achievement of human comfort. Poor workplace environment is the cause of most of the injuries. Workplace can be improved by proper use of ergonomics. Ergonomics reduces strain, fatigue and discomfort. Hence it helps in achievement of maximum productivity.

Ergonomic sitting:

One of the most important considerations in ergonomics is way of sitting. Bad posture can cause backache. Continuous sitting in the chair causes pain in the back, shoulders and neck. More than half of the working people in the world suffer from back problems. To prevent this, one should go for ergonomic sitting. What is ergonomic sitting? Straight sitting with back touching the back of the chair is considered as ergonomic. Moreover elbows are required at 90 degrees while doing continuous work like typing (otherwise it will lead to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome). But it is impossible to sit with this posture without training. For training, many doctors and ergonomics propose ergonomic kneeling chair. It makes the person sitting it to sit in an upright posture. It brings head, shoulders and back in correct alignment. Ergonomic kneeling chair   It was found that ninety degrees angled chairs because more strain in the back. Solution was given by discovery of kneeling chair in Norway in 1970s. It was the result of efforts by Hans Christian Mengshoel with experiments on chair with some support on the shins. Kneeling chair strengthens the lumbar (the lower back) to improve spinal alignment and nourish active muscles. While sitting in ergonomic kneeling chair thighs remain at 60 to 70 degrees to the ground. This increases the angle between thigh and the spine to reduce stress. Tilting of the hips in the forward direction relieves the pressure on the lower back. Design of the leg supporting part ensures that weight comes on the shins and not on the knees. So we call it sitting position and not a kneeling one. Some new designs of kneeling chair are also available with adjustable lumbar support. Ergonomic kneeling chair is recommended for various back diseases and backbone injuries.