Calling it a “life-changing event” might sound dramatic, but the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair has undeniably transformed my workday. The impact on my comfort, posture, and overall well-being has been nothing short of remarkable.
As someone who spends countless hours sitting at a desk, I’ve experienced firsthand the toll it can take on my body – the nagging lower back pain, the persistent neck aches, and the occasional headaches, even when I try to remember to stretch regularly. Whether perched on an office chair or sinking into a comfy sofa, the discomfort seems inevitable.
So, when the opportunity arose to experience the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair, I was immediately intrigued. The promise of an ergonomic solution to my woes was enticing, and the chance to interview a leading chiropractor, Mr. Wong Yi Kai, President of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia & Board of Directors of the World Federation of Chiropractic, to delve deeper into the benefits of ergonomic design, was simply irresistible.
According the Wong, ergonomics, the science of designing workspaces and tools to fit the human body, plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. In Malaysia, where sedentary jobs and lifestyles are prevalent, the impact of poor ergonomics is particularly significant.
He notes that office workers, who spend a considerable portion of their day seated, are particularly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged sitting and poor posture. Research supports this, indicating that 68% of office workers surveyed experience back, shoulder, and neck pain. In a 2019 Malaysian Health Ministry study, where over 70% of adults reported experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort, often linked to prolonged sitting and poor posture.
“As chiropractors, we focus on correcting both posture and spinal alignment, which are caused by poor ergonomics. Over time, these problems can worsen and impact a person’s quality of life. Thankfully, good ergonomics – like proper chair height, good posture, and regular movement – can help prevent these issues,” he said.
That’s not all. Beyond persistent lower back pain, nagging neck strain, and uncomfortable shoulder tensions, neglecting ergonomics can have more serious consequences, including chronic headaches, debilitating wrist conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, and even sciatica – a painful condition affecting the legs. Yikes!
The Importance of Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic chairs, says Wong, offer a solution to the challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles. They promote spinal health and good posture through features like:
- Lumbar support: Maintains the natural inward curve of the lower back, preventing slouching.
- Adjustable height: Ensures feet are flat on the floor and knees are at a 90-degree angle, promoting proper weight distribution and blood circulation.
- Adjustable backrest: Allows for reclining, reducing strain on the spine and back muscles.
- Adjustable armrests: Relieve tension in the shoulders and neck.
These features work together to prevent musculoskeletal issues and encourage healthy spinal habits, making ergonomic chairs an essential tool for anyone who spends long hours sitting.
The Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair: A Cut Above the Rest
Wong highlights the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair as a standout in the market. Unlike many ergonomic chairs that offer only basic adjustments or focuses on aesthetics over function, this chair strikes a balance between form and function. Its sleek design houses a range of ergonomic features that cater to the diverse needs of today’s workforce.
“A key feature is lumbar support, which aids in preventing lower back pain. While many chairs provide general lumbar support, few are as customisable as the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair.
The chair also provides adjustable seat depth, helping to distribute weight evenly and allowing the user to sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor. This allows people to maintain proper knee and hip alignment, relieving pressure on the thighs and lower back.”
Throughout his career, Wong observed that many patients develop postural problems from prolonged sitting in poorly designed chairs. The Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair’s features counteract this. “The multi-adjustable headrest prevents forward head posture, which is prevalent among individuals who spend long hours at computers, by supporting the neck and reducing the likelihood of cervical spine strain. The dynamic reclining feature encourages users to move regularly, keeping the spine and muscles engaged while reducing the risk of postural problems like rounded shoulders or pelvic tilt. And finally, the adjustable lumbar support is crucial as it helps prevent slouching and a hunched back,” he stated.
Who Benefits Most?
While anyone can benefit from an ergonomic chair, Wong emphasises that certain groups may find them particularly beneficial. These include:
- Sedentary office workers: Those who spend long hours sitting at a desk are at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal problems.
- Students: Long hours of studying can lead to poor posture and back pain.
- Pregnant women: An ergonomic chair can provide much-needed support and comfort during pregnancy, accommodating changes in posture and reducing strain on the lower back.
- Individuals with existing back or neck pain: The chair’s ergonomic features can provide the necessary support and relief.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Wong believes that chiropractic care and ergonomic products like the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair complement each other in promoting better health outcomes. Chiropractic adjustments help align the spine and restore joint function, while ergonomic products help maintain these corrections by encouraging proper posture and reducing strain on the body.
By combining chiropractic care with the use of ergonomic tools, individuals can experience longer-lasting relief, improved spinal health, and a better quality of life.
Prioritising Ergonomics in Daily Life
Prioritising ergonomics is about being aware of our body positioning throughout the day. A sedentary lifestyle with poor posture contributes significantly to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. These diseases account for a staggering 74% of global deaths, and in Malaysia, inactivity and poor posture are exacerbating this trend.
As such, Wong offers valuable advice to the Malaysian public on incorporating ergonomics into their daily lives, “For those with desk jobs, make sure that your chair offers good lower back support while keeping your feet flat on the floor when you sit. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and your wrists should remain neutral while typing. Remember to take regular breaks – standing or walking every 30 minutes helps to relieve tension in the back and neck.
Beyond the office, practising good ergonomics at home means paying attention to your posture when using mobile devices or watching TV – make sure you’re not straining your neck. Weave in physical activity, standing desks and ergonomic furniture into your daily routine for overall well-being.”
By taking ergonomics seriously, Malaysians can protect themselves from discomfort and pain, improve their overall health, and enjoy a better quality of life. It’s a small investment with significant long-term benefits.
My Review of the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair
As for my experience with the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair, I must say that it has made working at home, while not wholly pleasurable (I mean, it’s work, after all), a much less back-breaking affair. My first impression was that it’s quite good-looking. The sleek design definitely elevates my home office vibe. It certainly is a promising start! The real test was how it would feel.
And the verdict is: this chair delivers. The minute I sat down, I could feel the difference. The 3D headrest is a game-changer. It’s like a gentle hug for my neck, no matter how I tilt my head. And the lumbar support? Amazing. It moulds to my lower back, giving me that perfect support I’ve been missing from my normal office chair or sofa. It makes sitting upright so effortless. At least I no longer resemble a shrimp or squid when sitting on my chair working with my neck and back properly supported and two feet firmly planted on the floor.
After using it for a few days now, and I can honestly say I haven’t felt this good in ages. No more mid-day backaches, no more stiff neck. Even my posture has improved! Plus, the breathable mesh keeps me cool and comfortable, even during those marathon work sessions in our hot, humid weather. Bye, bye sweaty back!
So, the question is, is it worth the price of RM3,499? If you’re someone who spends a lot of time sitting, absolutely. This chair isn’t just about comfort; it’s about taking care of your body. For a price that’s cheaper than the latest iPhone, it’s an investment in your health and well-being, and trust me, your back will thank you.
In short, I’m seriously impressed with the Ergoworks Truly Perfect Chair. It’s comfortable, supportive, and it’s actually helping me stay healthy. It ticks all the features that a good ergonomic chair should have. If you’re looking for an ergonomic chair that truly lives up to its name, this is it.
