Here are a few tips for choosing an office chair that you are sure to like over the long term:

If possible, sit in an office chair before you buy it. Many companies advertise their chairs as being ergonomic or comfortable, but they all have different designs. This is because everyone's bodies are different, and what is comfortable for one person might not be for the next. Therefore, it is extremely important that you try out an office chair before purchasing it.

Things to pay attention to when trying out an office chair for the first time: Does the chair feel like it supports your back properly? Does the seat feel comfortable enough that you will be able to sit in it for hours at a time? Are the armrests comfortably positioned? Can the height be adjusted? Does the chair have anything that seems to poke at you or cause discomfort?

If it is possible, you might also try wheeling the chair over to a desk so that you can get a more accurate sense of how the chair will feel when you are working in it.

Be cautious about buying an office chair you haven't tried out first. Just like with boots, this is an extremely important rule of buying an office chair. No matter what the description says in the catalog or on the website, you may very well get your chair and realize it doesn't work for you at all. If you want to order an office chair online, first try to find a business in your area that carries it in the store, so that you can go there and sit in the chair to make sure you find it comfortable. Likewise, if you find a chair you like in a store near you, you can always go home and go online to see if you can find it for a better price.

Consider ergonomics. Ergonomic office chairs are designed to reduce work stress on your body by supporting proper posture and providing comfort. The idea is to prevent work-related injuries such as carpal tunnel, repetitive strain injury, and back strain from prolonged sitting with incorrect posture.

There are a variety of ergonomic chairs on the market, and not all are created equal. Be sure to shop around, check reviews, and if possible try the chairs you are considering before making a purchase. Many companies are beginning to recognize the value of ergonomics at the office, so if you are experiencing a lot of discomfort in the company's standard chairs, you might even be able to convince your employer to purchase an ergonomic office chair for you.

Choosing an office chair is not a decision that should be taken lightly. The wrong chair can cause a lot of discomfort and even pain, and at the very least the wrong chair will make it very difficult to sit for the long periods of time necessary to get your work done. By carefully choosing your next office chair, you will ensure years of comfort and satisfaction.