With hours of your day spent at your desk, plopped in front in of your monitor, it is important that your chair permits you to have a full range of movement while still getting the support where your body needs it. Getting support will help in the reduction of developing disorders of the muscles and skeleton. The chair should be shaped to help maintain a healthy 'S' curve on your back, and to allow for the most appropriate posture for the task at hand.

Read our 6 tips on how to choose a suitable chair for your main office needs. If you work for a company, you should have a word with your department administrator in getting the chair that suits you.

One word of caution - the chair itself may not be the cause of any discomfort you may be feeling. You may need to adjust other elements of your work environment - such as monitor or foot rest.

Adjust your Seat Height
The is the first correction that should be made, and when it is correctly done, your hands should be allowed to float just above the keyboard, with your forearms laying parallel to the floor. If you can get close enough to your desk, your elbows should be in a vertical line with your shoulders.

Seat Depth
The depth of the seat should support your thighs so you do not strain your legs. You should be able to put 2 fingers in to the gap between the front edge of the seat, and the back of your knees.

Backrest Height Adjustment
You need to be sure that your back rest is able to be adjusted to such a degree as to provide lumbar support. The height of your lumbar region from the base of your spine differs from person to person, so you should be able to adjust this appropriately.

Backrest Reclining Adjustment
Although you ideally should have much of a recline on your seat when doing your normal day-to-day work, it can offer a pleasant respite if you are on the telephone or taking a break. Set the angle to a comfortable angle so it reduces back strain, yet will still maintain the lumbar curve.

Foot Rest
If you are of a dainty proportion, and when your seat height has been appropriately adjusted and your feet do not rest flat on the floor - you may need a foot rest. The rest should enable you to sit with your knees and your hips at right angles.

Adjustable Armrest Height
If you prefer a chair with arm rest, please consider these 3 points:
The are fully height adjustable within the restrictive height of your desk
Your arms do not rest on them while you are performing your task at your desk
Your shoulders do not 'hunch'