What can happen if you set the office chair too low?

When is an ergonomic desk chair height working against you?
How do you know if your chair is too low?
What to do if your chair is too low?

Sitting in a low desk chair can feel comfortable at first, kind of like sinking into a couch. Many people don’t realize their chair has hidden adjustments, but if you sit too low for too long, it puts extra strain on your muscles and joints, and you might not notice the discomfort until it adds up.

When is an ergonomic desk chair height working against you?

Your body sends signals early. Watch for these signs to know when you sit on a chair that is too low.

Poor posture

When your seat is too low, your knees rise above your hips, and your pelvis tilts backward.

Spinal misalignment

If your chair is too low, it can force your spine out of its natural S-shape. This often causes your lower back to straighten, your upper back to round, and your neck to lean forward.

Lower back pain

Sitting too low, without enough support under your thighs, can cause your lower back to bear most of your body weight, especially if you sit for a long time. If you don’t know what can help your back feel better, find out what a lumbar support is.

Pressure on the hip joints

When you sit too low, your thighs angle down instead of staying level with the floor, putting extra pressure on your hip joints.

Chronic neck and shoulder tension

If your chair is too low, your screen ends up out of view. This can make your neck and shoulders feel stiff and sore by the end of the day.

Difficult to move

A low seat doesn’t hold your legs well, so you might slide forward. It also makes it harder to get up or move your weight while working.

Fatigue

When your chair is too low, your muscles must work harder just to keep you sitting up. This can make you more tired than the work itself. By the time you clock off, you've topped up your tea several times, but you're still feeling drained.

How do you know if your chair is too low?

Look at how you are sitting right now. Notice where your knees are, how your feet touch the floor, and if your lower back has good support.

If your knees are higher than your hips, your feet are pressing hard against the floor, your lower back is rounding, or your legs start to feel numb, your chair is probably too low. If you’re not sure what an ergonomic chair means, these signs are an important reason to find out.

The image above shows the difference side-by-side. On the left, you’ll see a posture that causes stress on your body over time, and on the right, what a well-supported sitting position really looks like.

What to do if your chair is too low?

Adjust the height until your feet rest flat on the floor, and your knees sit level with or just below your hips. Your elbows should be at about a 90-degree angle to your desk.
If adjustments don't fix the problem, the chair may just be worn out, past its best, or never met ergonomic standards. It may be time to look for a new one. Browse Desktronic ergonomic chairs and find one that supports your body through a full workday.

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SitOne ergonomic chair

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SitPro ergonomic chair

For maximum personalization and comfort

From Sale price $519 $749
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