How to Fix an Office Chair That Leans Forward
Most of us spend long hours in our office chairs. But if your chair tilts or leans, it can put undue stress on your back and joints. So, learn how to fix an office chair that leans forward for a pain-free workday.
Office Chair Ergonomics
Surprisingly, many workplace injuries occur in offices as a result of poor sitting posture. To improve your posture, take a few tips from the science of ergonomics and adjust your workstation accordingly.
According to ergonomics experts, you shouldn't perch on the edge of your chair. Instead, push your hips back, leaving about two inches between the edge of the seat and the backs of your knees. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle. Finally, you should recline you chair back to a 100 to 110-degree angle.
How to Fix an Office Chair That Leans Forward
If your office chair leans forward instead of being at a slight recline, you'll need to adjust it to ensure proper posture and blood flow.
How to fix an office chair that leans forward but isn't broken?
Occupational health experts recommend using a fully adjustable office chair. This means you should be able to adjust both the height and tilt of your chair, as well as the height of the armrests. If you're using a non-adjustable chair, check out our collection of office chairs -- you just might find one you love.
Assuming your chair is fully adjustable, how to fix an office chair that leans forward?
Locate the tilt adjustment knob located beneath the seat pan of your chair. The seat pan, if you are not familiar with the term, is the part of the chair you sit on.
Keep in mind that the preferred resting tilt for your seat pan is between zero and four degrees. You can visualize two parallel lines, one running along the bottom of your seat pan and another along the floor, to achieve a zero degree angle.
If the back of your chair leans forward, be sure to recline it. By sitting at a slight recline, you will distribute your weight more effectively and take a load off your spine.
How to fix an office chair that leans forward and is broken?
But what if your chair's levers aren't solving the problem? How to fix an office chair that leans forward because it is broken?
First, check the castors, or little wheels, on your chair. Sometimes these castors get loose or break. If the castors are loose, tighten the screws. However, you will need to replace any broken castors.
Another potential culprit is the metallic plate underneath your seat pan. This plate allows your chair to swivel, but the screws that hold it on to the seat pan can become loose with use. Tightening the screws in the swivel plate will often do the trick.
How to Fix an Office Chair that Leans Forward: Now You Know
In most cases, you can easily adjust or repair your leaning office chair. However, if you are unable to fix your office chair, you must replace it.
By ensuring your office chair fits you properly, you'll benefit from better health and increased productivity.
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