Do I Need Armrests On Office Chair – Is It Really Worth It?

Reviewed By Chiropractic Specialist

Armrests on an office chair may be the solution if you suffer from neck and back aches from prolonged sitting.

These contraptions can assist relieve pressure on the spine while keeping your posture in check by giving extra support for your arms and shoulders.

It allows them to rest at a comfortable angle, not only protecting you from discomfort but also preventing slouching or hunching over.

However, whether it is worthwhile to invest in this modification is totally dependent on individual circumstances – is an armrest-equipped office chair sufficient?

What are the armrests on office chairs?

An armrest unlike components, can be tilted or repositioned. In this way, they can be identified from arms.

Swivel armrests allow you to rest your legs on an office chair while sitting, improving posture and minimizing leg tiredness. This lowers leg strain and its associated problems.

Armrests are helpful features that can enhance the comfort of any office chair.

They can be created from various materials, including fabrics, plastic, and metal, to provide the best fit for your ergonomic needs.

Because they adhere to the natural curves of the hands and arms, contoured armrests can increase and improve support during computer use or meetings.’

Pros of armrests on office chairs

There are many benefits to having armrests on your office chair, including:

Preventing shoulder and back strain – Having armrests on your office chair can help to prevent shoulder and back strain by taking some of the pressure off your shoulders and spine.

Preventing posture issues – Using armrests on your office chair can help to prevent posture issues such as slouching or hunching over. Having the right armrest height can also prevent you from putting your arms in the wrong position.

Soothing tired hands – Having armrests on your office chair can help to soothe tired hands. If you spend a lot of time typing, for example, the constant pressure on your hands can lead to pain and discomfort.

Helping to stay focused – Having armrests on your office chair can help you to stay focused. This is because you don’t have to keep moving around to adjust your position and can stay still while working.

Cons of armrests on office chairs

Unfortunately, there are also a few disadvantages of having armrests on your office chair, including:

Sliding forward – Due to the fact that most office chairs feature casters, the armrests can sometimes slide forward. This can lead to the armrests on your office chair impeding your ability to work efficiently.

Limiting leg movement – Having armrests on your office chair can sometimes limit leg movement. While most office chairs allow you to lift and lower the seat, if your office chair features armrests you may not be able to move freely from sitting to standing.

Limiting desk space – If you have armrests on your office chair, you may find that you’re impeding your own desk space. This is something to keep in mind if you need to work with papers on your desk

Factors to consider when deciding if armrests are necessary

When deciding if you would benefit from having armrests on your office chair, you should consider a few factors including:

Your posture – If you are a person who slouches or frequently hunchs over, having armrests on your office chair can help to prevent this and lead to a healthier and more productive workday.
Your work area – If you regularly have papers or documents you need to work with on your desk, you should consider if you need armrests on your office chair. If you do, you should ensure that the armrests are not impeding your desk space. Your desk height – If you have an adjustable height desk, you may find that you are constantly having to move your chair up and down. If so, having armrests on your office chair can help to prevent this.
Your work type – If you regularly work with your hands, for example doing crafts or DIY projects, having armrests on your office chair can help to reduce strain and pain in your hands and wrists.

Types of armrests available

Height-adjustable armrests

Comfort is key when it comes to armrests! Invest in height-adjustable ones so you can always be at ease as they conveniently adjust to just the right level for your comfort.

Fixed armrests

You can choose fixed armrests if you don’t want to modify your armrests. This is a fantastic option if you want stationary armrests on your office chair.

Lumbar support

For those suffering with back pain, investing in armrests featuring lumbar support may offer much-needed relief. These specially designed rests are constructed to provide extra comfort and help prevent muscle strain.

Tips for using armrests on office chairs

You should always sit up straight and maintain excellent posture when using an office chair, even if it has armrests.
If your workplace chair has leg rests, ensure your legs are positioned correctly. Your feet should rest below the knee in a neutral position.
Sit at your desk with your feet resting on a footrest if necessary.
Set your chair height so that your elbows and hands are at 90-degree angles if you have an adjustable height desk.

Alternatives to armrests on office chairs

Make sure you’re getting the best possible comfort while working – use footrests and/or a footstool.
Footrests are perfect for those who don’t want armrests on their office chair, as they can assist to reduce back pain from long periods of sitting.
Alternatively, the right-sized footstool placed beneath a desk allows your feet some restful respite!
If standing is more your style then look into knee and leg supports; essential for warding off fatigue when using a standup desk setup.

FAQS

Does an office chair need armrests?

Sitting at a desk all day can take its toll on your body, which is why an ergonomic office chair with adjustable armrests is key. Not only do these arms provide crucial support for the back and neck to reduce strain, but they also help promote good posture while making it easier to get in and out of the seat!

Do I really need an armrest?

Armrests provide an immense level of comfort and support-both physically and emotionally. Not only do they help you maintain the ideal sitting posture, cutting down on strain from your neck and shoulders; but armrests also offer a perfect spot to rest fatigued arms while typing or using a mouse! Plus, when getting up from long periods of seated activity (particularly for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues), armrests keep one stable so that transitioning is safe as can be. Finally, bonus cushioning & plushness add luxurious relief during extended use in any chair

Are armless chairs better?

When it comes to choosing a chair, armless models provide much more mobility and versatility in small places. Chairs with arms, on the other hand, might give extra comfort for individuals who plan to sit for extended amounts of time – ideal if you have plenty of space. Personal choice will ultimately be your guide when deciding between these two varieties; therefore, consider carefully which type will work best based on where it will be used and how frequently it will be used!

Can you remove the arms from the office chair?

Leaving the arms on your office chair is a terrific method to help maintain perfect posture and provide much-needed arm support – but if you want to modify, removing them is simple with a few tools! All you need is a flat-head screwdriver and pliers to properly disassemble the furniture so you get just what you need.

Ron Mason

I, Ron Mason, am a retired forestry professional. My previous profession was that of an environmental educator, specifically as a Forester, with the USDA Forest Service. Additionally, I have worked as a contract forester in the private sector. With a strong background in science and engineering, my expertise lies in timber stand management, forest ecology, and wildlife biology. I am a dedicated woodworker and take pleasure in crafting furniture, tables, cabinets and other wooden items as a hobby.