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

Settling into a desk chair can feel rather cosy at first, a bit like sinking into your bed after a long day. Many people don't realise their chair has hidden adjustments, but if you stay too low for too long, it can put extra strain on your muscles and joints, and you might not notice the discomfort until it builds.

When is an ergonomic desk chair height working against you? 

Your body gives early signs. Watch for these hints to tell when your chair seat is too low. 

Poor posture 

When your seat is too low, your knees are higher than your hips, and your pelvis tilts backwards. 

Spinal misalignment 

A chair that is too low can change the natural curve of your spine. This often causes your lower back to flatten, your upper back to hunch, and your neck to lean forwards. 

Lower back pain 

If the seat is too low, you don’t support your thighs enough, your lower back has to carry most of your body weight, especially when sitting for a long time. If you want to know how to reduce this pressure, read about what the lumbar support is.

Pressure on the hip joints 

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

Chronic neck and shoulder tension 

When your seat is too low, your screen sits above eye level, causing your body to compensate and your neck and shoulders to tense. 

Difficult to move 

A low seat doesn’t support your legs well, so you might find yourself sliding forwards. It also makes it harder to stand up or change position when you’re trying to concentrate on work. 

Fatigue 

If you set your chair too low, your muscles have to work harder just to keep you sitting up. You might feel tired before you even begin your real work. By 5 o’clock, you’ve refilled your coffee mug several times, but you still feel worn out. 

How to know if your chair is too low?  

Look at how you are sitting right now. Notice where your knees are, how your feet rest on the floor, and if your lower back feels supported. 

Your chair is probably too low if your knees are higher than your hips, your feet push hard against the floor, your lower back curves forwards, or your legs start to feel numb. If you don't really know what an ergonomic chair means, these signs are a great reason to learn more. 

Look at the image above. The person on the left is slouching, which can cause discomfort and pain. On the right, you can see what proper support looks like. Can you notice the difference? Your body certainly will. 

What to do if your chair is too low? 

• Raise the chair to a height where your feet are flat on the floor, and your knees are even with or just below your hips. Your elbows should be bent at about a 90-degree angle when you work at your desk. 
• If adjustments don't fix the problem, the chair may be worn out 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.