5. I work in an office full time, and am wondering what the ideal chair would be for me to use?

The bad news is there is not a definitive answer to finding an ideal chair. The good news is that many shops now specialise in selling ergonomic chairs and desks so it will usually come down to a personal choice of comfort and cost. Details regarding some chairs designed by physiotherapists, such as the ‘Gregory Chair’ and the ‘Orthopod’, that you may like to consider can be found at www.gregorychairs.com.au/showroom.htm and members.ozemail.com.au/~scottpo/therapod/therapod_office.htm.

The main thing is that if you are at your computer for hours, a gas-lift swivel chair is a must. Ideally, it should have a good back support and adjustments for height, and forward and backwards tilt of the chair.

If you cannot afford an ideal typist chair or there is not one available where you work, roll up a small towel or use a small pillow against the lower back when you are sitting.

Chairs that place you in a kneeling position may suit some individuals. These chairs certainly encourage a very straight back and therefore put less pressure on the neck, but this type of chair can aggravate your knees. If your back aches when you sit in a normal chair it is best to switch between the kneeling chair and the standard chair. It is also best to buy a chair that you can adjust for the length of your legs to avoid stress on the hips and back.

An alternative to using a chair is sitting on a very large ‘gym’ ball while you are working. We use AOK balls (www.aokhealth.com.au), in our clinic and highly recommend these. They are also great for teenagers to help with their posture. The idea of the ball is to keep the smaller balance or stability muscles of the neck and back working, thereby not letting all the dynamic or fast twitch muscles, which fatigue more quickly, do all the work.