"80% of the population suffer some sort of back pain. Recent figures for reported injuries in office-based industries show that 44% of all reported strains and sprains which required more than three days off work were of the back of spine. Most commonly, the case of the problem is related to discs in the back being compressed. Maintaining a position in sitting (especially fora prolonged period) combined with leaning forward increases the compression of the discs and the risk of back pain. Bad seating has been shown to speed up disk degeneration. As more people became chair bound (75% of the working population) and less active, abdominal and trunk mussels slacken, further increasing the instability of the spine and the risk of back pain. Medical requirements: A tilting seat which allows for a change of position whilst the spine continues to be fully supported in a well-formed supportive back rest. This back needs to be adjustable so it can be fixed at the ideal height and angle for any shape or size of user. The seat pad should be shaped such that the body is held securely in a relaxed position (avoiding slipping forward). In order to support any length of thigh satisfactorily, the seat pad also needs to have the option of being adjustable in depth. Armrests have also been found to reduce pressure on the discs, but they need to be available in a variety of heights and shapes to access any desk. User requirements: As work stations are frequently shared by different members of staff, it is important that the chair is easily adjustable to a variety of preferred working positions "ROSEMARY WHITE GRAD. DIP. PHYS. CHARTERED AND STATE REGISTERED PHYOSIOTHERAPIST. I personally suffer from degeneration of the lower 5 disc's and wish I had this information before the problem got to its present state. Not only for the pain of sciatica but also for the hours of work lost, I purchased my Ergonomic office chair a few months ago and have found the benefits astounding. I still get up and walk around the office every so often as advised but not as much as I had to before, and as I work for myself, every minute gained is more cash in my pocket and at the end of the day that's what it's all about I hear you say. Well no its not, my quality of life has improved as well and that's more important. If there's one small bit of advice I can give you, it is to look after your back at work and play, when it goes you'll wish you had. Andy