Technology Solutions > Seating and positioning

Proper seating is crucial for avoiding postural pains. Seating also has a direct effect on the position of your forearms and hands while operating a computer keyboard or mouse. Poor seating can contribute to wrist and other arm pain and discomfort.

Avoid postural and other pain and discomfort through proper positioning and the application of ergonomic seating principles. There are many websites that explain the ergonomic principles of seating and it is not the purpose of this site to repeat them. However, the following is a summary of the key points to bear in mind:

• Take frequent breaks (a minimum of 5 minutes per hour away from your workstation). This is good for your wrists and arms, neck and back, and also your eyes.
• Have your feet resting flat on the floor. If you cannot do this, use a footrest.
• Sit with your thighs roughly parallel to the floor. Avoid perching on the edge or slouching back into your chair.
• Make sure your back is supported by the chair’s backrest.
• Adjust the armrests so that you do not have to shrug your shoulders (too high) or lean (too low) to rest your arms.
• The overall height of the chair and its relation to the keyboard should allow you to move your hands over the keyboard without too much wrist extension (back of wrist bent up).
• Throughout your workday make minor adjustments to your chair to make subtle changes to your postural stresses.

The following list includes some accommodations for postural dicomfort:

• Back or neck pain while sitting
• Cannot sit
• Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Need to change position (between sitting and standing)
• Obesity
• Shoulder pain or discomfort

For details on chair anatomy and chair adjustments click here.