All Things Transcription

One of the best pieces of equipment the medical transcriptionist can purchase is an excellent office chair. If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you need to learn about ergonomics. Ergonomically correct office equipment and accessories are available that will help keep you healthy and comfortable as you are working.

It may seem to you that there is little danger in the profession of medical transcription, but working with the wrong equipment can cause many problems and a lot of pain. Taking the time to choose a chair that is comfortable for you and ergonomically correct will save you some trouble in the long run.

Follow up:

Your back is the first thing you should consider. The wrong chair can cause considerable lower back pain and you may not notice until you stand up. Some people prefer a chair that has a height adjustable back that allows them to find the perfect height that is comfortable for them. Others may find one piece construction is more to their liking.

Armrests may cause you to lean on them constantly if they are the incorrect height and few of them are adjustable. This can cause your shoulders to remain in a hunched position for long periods of time, creating painful upper body stress. I would prefer to adjust the overall height of the chair to the desk and eliminate the need for arms. Chairs with adjustable armrests are available. However, they are sometimes more expensive and you may still find yourself leaning on them creating the same problems.

There are many types of fabrics available to choose from. This is a more important choice then you might think. Leather is the most expensive choice and is beautiful to look at. However, you may be much more comfortable with a fabric. Microfiber fabrics will keep you cooler and aren’t as slippery as leather can be, or conversely as sticky.

I really like this chair. I prefer no arms because I am arm dependent, and it fits my back perfectly. It is height adjustable. As an added bonus it’s pretty cool looking.

I personally do not prefer the kneeling type of ergonomic chairs. I think I would find it to be really uncomfortable to have that kind of pressure on my feet and toes. However, I have never used one of these for long periods so I can’t really say for sure.