An incorrect adjustment of the office chair can result in long-term problems. Backaches and pain in your neck are just a few of the issues that can arise as a result. This post will show you how to fix an office chair that leans back so you can maintain a correct posture while sitting in it.
Advantage of reclining office chairs
If your office chair lets you adjust the tilt angle, that’s a great feature. Unsuitable furniture that positions you uncomfortably can be detrimental to your health. A reclining office chair, conversely, is designed for optimized working experience, provided you use it correctly. Here are some of the advantages offered by a reclining office chair:
- It relieves pressure from the muscles in your back and on your sides.
- It allows you to change your posture and prevent strain on your muscles. The pressure is caused by sitting in the same position for a long time.
- It enhances comfort and allows you to concentrate better on the work.
How to fix an office chair that leans backward?
If your office chair leans back, the problem will most probably be with the tilt adjustment of the chair. In most cases, it’s a quick fix and will not require you to call a professional. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Position yourself in the chair
The first thing you need to do is to position yourself correctly in the chair. Sit in the chair, with your feet placed comfortably on the floor. Your back should be appropriately aligned with the backrest of the chair and make sure there is at least a 2-inch gap between the end of the seat and your knees.
Step 2: Find the tilt adjustment knob
Next, you need to find the tilt adjustment knob. Keep sitting in the chair and reach down under the seat to find the tilt adjustment knob. It’s usually located under the seat pan and is easy to find. If, however, you are unable to locate it, you will need to get off the chair and look under the seat. Once you have found the knob, get back in your chair, and reach for it while sitting in it.
Step 3: Adjust the knob while leaning forwards
Once you have located the tilt adjustment knob, push it while leaning yourself forward on the seat pan at the same time. Release the knob once you have pushed it.
Step 4: Readjust it while leaning backward
Repeat the last step but with one change. While pushing the tilt adjustment knob, you have to bend back instead of leaning forward as you did in the previous step. Once you have pushed the knob in this position, release it and sit in a suitable position.
Once you have followed all of the above steps on how to fix an office chair that leans back, your office chair will resume its normal reclining function. Make sure that you can keep your feet comfortably on the floor even when the chair is reclined. Doing so will ensure that there is no undue strain on your muscles while you work.
How to fix an office chair that leans forward?
The single tilt adjustment knob that you located and worked with under the previous heading controls both types of adjustments, forward and backward. So if you’re wondering how to fix an office chair that leans forward, the fix is the same.
Just follow all the steps as we pointed out under the previous heading to resume the regular operation of the tilt adjustment knob. Push the knob while leaning back and then push the same knob while leaning forward.
Once the tilt adjustment feature of your office chair starts functioning correctly, it will not lean forward or backward of its own accord. You will be able to position it at just the angle that you find most comfortable to work in.
What if the chair continues to lean?
Does your office chair continue to lean forward or back after you have tried the above fix? It could be that it’s not the tilt adjustment knob that’s creating the problem. Here are some of the possible reasons for the lean, in such a case and the proposed solution for each one:
Bent casters
The caster wheels under your office chair can bend or loosen over time. Check the condition of the chair casters. Tighten their screws if they are loose. In case they are bent, you will need to replace them to achieve a suitable posture for your office chair.
Loose seat plate
The seat plate can also become loose with extended use. If the seat plate is loose, naturally, the backrest will lean over it and prevent you from sitting in the correct posture.
Bend down and look under the seat pan. See if all the screws are in place and are tight. Tighten any loose bolts and screw on new ones if one or more bolts are missing.
If the seat plate has broken down or is deformed, you’ll have to replace it with a new one. Replacement parts are readily available at online stores, so you won’t need to waste much time finding them in person.
Conclusion
Comfort is paramount, especially while you’re working. Take it seriously and make sure that your body and mind are entirely at ease to maintain your focus at the task at hand. Your sitting position, your posture, the height of your workstation and your chair are all important factors that contribute to a relaxed environment.
Hopefully, one of the above solutions will cater to your problem: how to fix an office chair that leans back. Once you have your office chair operating optimally, you’ll realize that the efficiency and quality of your work will increase. Comfort and increased productivity: isn’t that what it’s all about?
