Most of the modern workforce spends much of the day in an office chair. When you think about it, you probably spend almost as much time in your chair as you do in your bed. Your body needs to be supported well in order for you to work efficiently.

There are many different ergonomic features that improve the quality of a chair. Armrests, back supports and the height of your chair all work together to support your body. Other settings, such as the angle of your chair and the way you face your desk, can make a big difference, too.

The height adjustment on your ergonomic office chair will support the lower part of your back, also called the lumbar region. Chairs that offer mid-back support and upper-back support are also available. Make sure your chair offers all three types of support, especially if you are working in your chair all day. You can use the tilt function on your chair to recline yourself slightly, which is a better position for your back.

You will also need to pay attention to the seat of your chair. The bottom of the chair, also called the "seat pan," should distribute your weight evenly. Make sure that your chair has a rounded front, which will help improve your leg circulation. It's important that you have enough hip room in the chair so you can sit fairly far back. Sitting too far forward can cause back problems and pain.

Armrests are actually very ergonomically important, if you have room for them at your desk. It's not always possible to fit armrests on chairs that are used at low desks. Armrests can help to reduce the pressure that is placed on your back, and can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, too. Look for armrests that are adjustable in height. These are helpful if you'll be doing a wide variety of tasks on your desk, such as writing, reading and using a computer.

Your perfect ergonomic chair will be determined by a variety of factors. You'll have to consider your frame size, the height of your desk as well as the tasks that you are doing in that chair. Since most people use a computer at their office desk, make sure that you find a chair that supports long hours of typing. Using armrest and getting the right lumbar support is key for computer users.

This may sound like a lot of factors that have to go into your choice, but each of these areas is important to think about. Given the fact that your chair can have a profound impact on your posture, your health and your overall vitality, buying the right chair just makes good sense.