by Laraine Anne Barker
If you use a computer for much of your day you MUST take steps to prevent the crippling pain this can cause. The first thing to consider is the correct (ergonomic) set-up of your computer desk and chair.
Both the chair seat and its back should be adjustable. The chair back should have good lumbar support and you should be able to adjust it to fit neatly into your back while you're sitting in the chair. The seat should have gas lift to make adjusting its height easy and should slope down at the front so that the back of your thighs are not put under pressure. With your back against the chair back you should be able to sit up STRAIGHT--not slumped either backwards or forwards--and your feet should rest firmly on the floor. If you feel the need for a footstool, your chair height is definitely too high.
