Sitting in an uncomfortable chair may not only cause you to end the day with lower back pain and aches, but it may also be causing lasting damage. Finding the right chair with the right ergonomic benefits and adjustable features will make you both more comfortable and more productive.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at a misunderstood ergonomic feature of task chairs – the forward tilt mechanism. We’ll review how it works and determine what does forward tilt do. We’ll answer the question why use forward tilt? You’ll learn how it can relieve those aches and pains and improve blood flow to your legs and back.
What is a Forward Tilt Mechanism?
A forward tilt mechanism adjusts the angle of the seat. The front of the seat can be tilted up or down. This reduces the pressure on the lower back, ensures proper posture, and alleviates blood flow to the legs and feet.
The Features and Benefits of Forward Tilt
Task chairs today are built with a focus on ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of combining comfort, safety, and efficiency to help you work better. Ergonomics emphasizes the relationship between people and the tools they use on the job – like the typical task chair. By designing a better chair, one that improves focus and comfort, you can be more productive.
There are many benefits to correctly using the forward tilt mechanism. These features include:
Forward Tilt and Posture
Good posture isn’t just developed when we stand, but when we sit as well. A forward tilt can help enforce good posture. Using a chair with forward tilt can help with posture even after the work day is done.
Sitting on a task chair can lead to tight muscles, which can decrease your range of motion. It can also weaken the core muscles in the back and side. This can lead to slumping and poor balance, as well as poor posture, which can cause chronic pain and injuries.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, is typically caused by problems surrounding the lower spine. An injury or a sprain to the muscles and ligaments in the back, which can often occur after prolonged sitting in a task chair, can cause stress on spinal discs and muscles.
With lumbago, you may experience pain in the back, hip, or legs. Numbness, like pins and needles in the legs, can make it painful to move and walk. Muscle spasms can also occur, as well as lower back pain.
A forward tilt feature on your task chair can alleviate pressure on the muscles in your back. It can prevent stress on your spine. When used correctly, you can prevent lower back pain even after sitting almost all day long.
Reduced Blood Flow to the Legs
A task chair that isn’t adjusted to your body type or sitting habits can lead to poor blood flow to the legs. Poor circulation can cause tingling and numbness in the legs, as well as throbbing pain. Cramped and stiff muscles are common symptoms of reduced blood flow.
With the forward tilt, you can better distribute any pressure on your legs, and ensure your feet are firmly planted on the floor as you work. This increases circulation in the legs and a more comfortable work experience.
Getting the Benefits from a Forward Tilt
Anyone struggling with a sore back or aches and pains will find benefits from a forward tilt mechanism. Just as it is crucial to find the right size chair, a forward tilt mechanism will provide almost immediate benefits to some users struggling with lower back pain.
Take the time to select an office chair that not only looks good but feels good as well. With forward tilt and a full array of other ergonomic features on your task chairs, you’ll find workers are more productive and happier in the office.
Want to know more, or see how ergonomic office furniture can lead to a happier and more productive team? Check out the section of our site dedicated to answering your questions about office ergonomics!
Cory Porteous
Director of Marketing & Inbound Business Development
Office Interiors
