I'm not convinced a new chair will solve your problems. Having been through this with a physio a few years back - in relation to work and back problems - I'm well advised that the right chair is only one of the relevant factors in promoting good posture. Basically, the physio taught me how to sit. I kinda thought I had that mastered, but maybe not!
- avoid chairs with arms on them - the chair has to be able to fit under the desk so you can get nice and close to the desk
- aim for a nice curve in the spine so it's S shaped. Stand up and roll your hips forwards and back to its limits, then choose the position in the middle, and "remember" that position. Sit down and feel the same position in your hips. That get's the right shape into the lower back area
- having a chair of a height where your hips are higher than your knees helps with this - or just a cushion - using a cushion can be better since you can put a forward slope under your bottom which helps too
- imagine a string coming right out the top of your head and pulling your head and torso upwards - this gets the right shape into your upper back
- you may have to develop some muscle tone to hold this, especially round the diaphram. I did pilates and the exercises the physio gave me - a bit girly, I know, but it works and I don't think you'll be troubled by that particular stigma!
- keep your feet flat on the floor
- with that posture, you can hold the position for ages without needing any back on the chair.
- adjust your desk/vice height so you're not inclined to hunch. For me, that means a few big books under each table leg. Mind you, it's not very stable, and I've a call out to my Old Man to supply me with four chunky bits of wood of an equal height!
- keep the vice right in front of you to avoid twisting to tie
- you can get fully adjustable office chairs that will support you in the right position, but the ones I've seen are hideously expensive.
Hope that helps.
Neil
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