Do I need armrests on my chair? – Addressing The Myth

Is it necessary to have armrests on your chair?

One of the most frequently asked questions during consultations is whether chairs should have armrests.

Explore more at JE Group.

For many years, physiotherapists and ergonomists advised against the use of armrests on office chairs. This recommendation stemmed from the fact that most office chairs feature armrests that are either non-adjustable or improperly positioned, often too far forward on the seat.

This design flaw means that to sit close to your desk, you either need to:

1. Remove the armrests, or
2. Adjust them to be lower or higher than the desk.

Sitting close to your desk helps ensure that you can comfortably reach your keyboard and mouse without straining your arms or leaning away from the backrest.

The implications of typing without arm support

Interestingly, our arms can feel quite heavy when we are seated at a desk. Without proper armrests, pressure can build in the shoulders and neck, leading individuals to lean on the desk for additional support, often resulting in poor posture.

For detailed options, you can discover Meeting chairs with armrests.

Additionally, without armrests to provide support, it can be challenging to maintain alignment between your arms and the desk. Proper alignment is crucial to keep your wrists relaxed while typing and using the mouse.

Improper positioning heightens the chance of developing RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) due to stress on the wrists and pressure on the nerves.

Choosing the right armrests

To counteract these issues, Corrigo ergonomic work chairs come equipped with adjustable armrests in height, width, and depth. These armrests are strategically positioned at the back of the seat, allowing you to recline comfortably against the backrest while keeping your arms supported along your sides in line with the desk height. This practice helps to:

1. Prevent upper and lower back pain caused by slouching away from the backrest toward the desk.
2. Minimize shoulder and neck discomfort due to the pressure from unsupported arms, which can lead to conditions like frozen shoulder.
3. Reduce the risk of RSI resulting from poor hand, wrist, and arm positioning while typing.

Important considerations

Always choose a chair with adjustable armrests. Ensure that you sit close to the desk with your arms well-supported beside you, aligning with the desk height. Performing this simple check can greatly reduce the risk of RSI, frozen shoulder, upper and lower back pain, and foster a healthier upright posture.

If you’re curious about our Modern design auditorium chair, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert consultation!