How to Make an Ergonomic Office Chair

Examine and sit in your existing regular office chair to determine if it is acceptable for continued use before performing an ergonomic upgrade. If any part of the chair is bent out of shape, damaged or broken beyond repair, consider replacing it. Instead, obtain a new and inexpensive office chair from a local or online retail store. Also, used office chairs in good condition are commonly found at garage sales and used furniture outlets.

Take an ergonomic assessment of your regular office chair. The four most important elements of creating a safe and productive office chair are the following: backrest, seat, armrest and base (wheels and casters). Write these categories on separate lines on a sheet of paper. Under each section, write out the discomfort or pain you have while working and sitting for long periods of time. For example, if your lower spine is always in pain during and after sitting in regular office chair, you may need to upgrade the backrest support. Use these personalized details to determine which of the following four upgrades are necessary.

Obtain a backrest support that maintains the natural S shape of the spine. These are called lumbar support pillows. The composition material may include foam, rubber or a mesh-type netting. The cushion rests or attaches to the backrest, vertically, to support your back.

Acquire a footrest to compensate for seat limitations in a regular office chair. Many office chairs are adjustable, but only to a certain height. Use an adjustable footrest that raises the height of the knees. This relieves some pressure on the back of your legs when you are seated for long periods of time.

Procure armrest cushions or adjustable armrest supports to help your arms and shoulders relax while being seated for extended periods of time. If your regular office chair already has armrests, but the material is hard and abrasive, obtain foam or gel-like cushions that can cover up the existing armrest. Some office chairs are called task chairs and do not have arm rests at all. You can obtain attachable and adjustable armrests to add this ergonomic comfort to many regular office chairs.

Pick up a floor mat to ease the stress of moving the office chair over carpeted floors. Most regular chairs have wheels that makes moving and scooting over short distances at your desk possible. However, if your office has thick carpeting, this movement is restricted and puts strain your legs and body when trying to move against this force. The plastic or rubber floor mat makes it easier to wheel the chair around in a confined space.