We all hear about how ergonomic desk chairs are supposed to fix back pain, support posture, and help us stay comfy through long hours at work. But what if we told you that even the best chairs can come with hidden risks? Yep, you read that right. While these chairs are designed to support the body, there are still a few sneaky hazards that could cause trouble—especially when they’re not used properly or chosen with care.

Let’s sit back (just not too far!) and take a look at the common hazards that might be hiding beneath even the most stylish and supportive ergonomic desk chairs.

Imagine this: you’ve just bought a fancy new chair that promises to support your spine, improve your posture, and boost comfort. A few weeks in, your shoulders are still sore, and your hips feel tighter than ever. What’s going on?

Turns out, an ergonomic chair doesn’t automatically fix everything. It’s more about how you use it—and whether it actually fits your body.

Here are a few common issues that can sneak up on you:

• Poor Fit for Your Body Type
  Not all chairs are built for every shape or height. If the seat is too deep, shorter users might struggle with back support. If the backrest isn’t adjustable, taller people might not get the right lumbar support.
• Incorrect Adjustments
  Many ergonomic desk chairs come with a whole menu of knobs, levers, and settings. But if you don’t take time to set it up properly, your posture could still be off balance—causing pressure on your spine, hips, and neck.
• Too Much Sitting, Even in a Good Chair
  A chair can be ergonomic, but sitting for too long is still a hazard. Muscles get stiff, blood flow slows down, and your energy takes a hit. That’s why even with the right chair, it’s smart to stand, stretch, and move regularly.

Here’s a quick checklist to help figure out if your chair is helping or hurting:

Feature	Potential Hazard	Fix It Tip
Seat height too low/high	Puts stress on knees or thighs	Adjust so feet are flat on the floor
Armrests too far apart	Causes shoulder strain	Set to support elbows comfortably
No lumbar support	Back pain builds over time	Use a cushion or switch chairs
Non-breathable materials	Traps heat, causes discomfort	Pick mesh or breathable fabric

Now, let’s talk about the long-term effects. These aren’t the kind of problems that pop up in a day. They creep in, bit by bit, until one day you wake up with a stiff neck or aching lower back. We’ve seen it happen even with those high-end ergonomic desk chairs.

Here are a few long-term hazards to watch out for:

1. Muscle Imbalance
   When your body leans to one side, or you constantly shift because the chair isn’t quite right, muscles on one side may tighten while the other weakens.
2. Neck and Shoulder Strain
   Without proper head or arm support, tension builds in the upper body. This can lead to tension headaches, tight traps, and even nerve pain down the arms.
3. Pressure Build-Up in Hips and Tailbone
   A hard seat or poor cushion might press into the hips and tailbone, especially during long meetings or work sessions.
4. Circulation Issues
   If the edge of the chair digs into the back of your thighs, it could slow down blood flow. You might notice tingling, numbness, or cold feet.

To get the most out of your setup, we always recommend choosing from trusted places like this modern home furniture store where comfort and style meet thoughtful design.

If you’re wondering what to do about all this, don’t stress. A few simple tweaks can go a long way. Here’s a guide to creating a safe and healthy sitting space:

A. Align the Chair Height Properly

• Your knees should be level with your hips.
• Feet flat on the ground or on a footrest.

B. Support the Lower Back

• Adjust lumbar support to match the curve of your spine.
• If there’s no built-in support, try a small pillow.

C. Keep Armrests Comfy

• Elbows should rest lightly at your sides.
• Don’t let shoulders shrug or slump.

D. Don’t Forget the Breaks

• Every 30 minutes, stand or stretch.
• Take short walks to keep your body active.

And remember—just because a chair looks ergonomic doesn’t mean it works for everyone. When shopping, it’s smart to test out a few options or browse collections like these ergonomic chair designs to find the one that suits your needs.

Now, let’s clear up a few myths we often hear about ergonomic desk chairs:

“If it’s ergonomic, it must be safe.”
Not true. Without adjusting it properly, even the best chair won’t support your body the right way.

“It fixes bad posture automatically.”
Also false. Posture is a habit. A good chair helps, but it can’t do the work for you.

“All ergonomic chairs are the same.”
Nope. Materials, support features, adjustability, and size all play a part. What works for one person might not be right for another.

So how do you know when it’s time for a new chair? Look out for these signs:

• You’re constantly fidgeting or shifting.
• You finish the day with neck, back, or hip pain.
• The chair’s cushioning is worn down.
• Adjustments no longer stay in place.
• It squeaks, tilts, or feels unsteady.

A good rule of thumb? If your chair is causing more harm than help, it’s time to upgrade your workspace with something that genuinely supports your comfort and well-being.

Choosing the right chair isn’t just about looks or labels. It’s about how your body feels—hour after hour, day after day. That’s why investing in a proper ergonomic desk chair that fits your space, size, and habits can make all the difference.

Even better, take the time to learn how to use your chair properly. Adjust it. Test it. Move around. Listen to your body. Because when your chair works for you, everything else—from productivity to posture—starts falling into place.

So next time you slide into your work seat, think about how it’s helping you—or maybe hurting you. A little awareness now can save you from big aches later on. Because not all ergonomic desk chairs are created equal—and your body deserves one that truly fits.

If sedation dental care is recommended, you might wonder what does sedation dentistry feel like? 

Sedation dentistry feels relaxing. With sedation, you’ll likely nap through your dental visit.  After care, you are alert enough to walk out of our office with your companion. Then, you go home and rest comfortably. You can plan to be back to your normal routine the next day. 

Sedation dentistry is usually recommended for two reasons. First, levels of dental fear or anxiety are high for some people. Sedation dentistry can help you rest through treatment and get the care you need. Second, some treatments can be lengthy. For longer treatment visits, Dr. Frahm may recommend sedation care. It’s important to understand being sedated in our office is not like going under anesthesia for hospital surgery. 

You might ask, what does dental sedation feel like?

The short answer is that it depends on the type of sedation dentistry you’re having. Read below and learn how the different forms of sedation make you feel.

Dental Sedation Explained

Sedation dentistry is an effective way to minimize any anxiety or discomfort you may feel during dental treatment. Sedation dentistry comes in several forms. 

Your primary options for sedation dental care are likely: 

• Mild: Nitrous oxide helps you relax through treatment. Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas.  It is the mildest sedative we provide. 
• Medium: Medication, in pill form, can be prescribed by Dr. Frahm before your treatment visit.  With sedation medication, you will need a companion to drive and accompany you to and from your dental visit.
• Strong: Intravenous sedatives are sometimes recommended to you if you struggle with significant anxiety, PTSD or have a medical condition that makes IV sedation a good choice. 

During sedation dental care, you will likely drift into a twilight state. You won’t remember much about your dental visit. In fact, many people say they have short term amnesia after sedation dental care. Usually, it’s considered a plus. 

When thinking about your sedation experience, it can be helpful to know the levels of sedation relaxation. Depending in your needs for care, and response to sedation medication, you can expect to enter one or more of these states of rest: 

• Minimal sedation: Awake but relaxed. You can still respond to Dr. Frahm.
• Moderate sedation: Slurring of words, not much is remembered.
• Deep sedation: On the edge of consciousness to being unconscious. 

During your sedation care visit, our team of trained Health care professionals monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Throughout your visit, we make sure you are safe and resting comfortably.

Types of Dental Sedation and How They Feel

When you ask, what does dental sedation feel like? The answer is it depends. The type of sedation you receive, duration of your visit, and preferences for care drive your experience.

Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas is the least invasive, and most common, type. Most of us experience no side effects and can use it safely. Laughing gas is delivered via a mask that covers your nose. It is inhaled. The gas can be flavored. Many dentists give patients a choice of the type of scent they prefer. With laughing gas, you may become silly, giggly and have a sense of euphoria. The effects wear off almost immediately. After care, it helps to rest and recover for a few minutes before you leave our dental office. Unless otherwise directed, you should be able to drive yourself to and from your dental visit.

Oral Sedation

Also known as oral conscious sedation, is a sedative given in pill form. Usually, Dr. Frahm prescribes two doses. You take the first dose before your visit. Dr. Frahm may recommend a second dose once you arrive at our office for care. Oral conscious sedation is anti-anxiety medication that helps you deeply relax. You will probably feel drowsy when you take oral sedation medication but remain awake and conscious. 

Side effects of oral sedation include grogginess, and a dream state feeling. It can take a several hours for oral conscious sedation to wear off. Due to the time it takes to recover from sedation, you need someone to drive you to and from care. It is best if a companion can be present while you rest.  Dr. Frahm calls a few hours after your sedation dentistry visit to check on you.

IV Sedation

For people with severe dental anxiety, IV sedation is often recommended. It is also administered to patients who are undergoing dental surgeries. The medication is delivered through an intravenous needle in the arm and the dose is monitored throughout the procedure.

Slurred speech and memory loss are very common for IV sedation and will likely result in forgetting the entire procedure. The sedation is at a much deeper level than the other methods and keeps most patients on the edge of consciousness.

All IV sedation patients must have a companion to drive them to and from care, and stay with them after care for about 24 hours. 

Safe Dentistry for You

The type of sedation you choose depends on what ensures a safe and comfortable dental visit, and your overall health. As you can see, there are different ways you can feel depending on your needs. A sedative will make you feel drowsy but relaxed, have you feel like you’re in a dream, or forget the whole procedure entirely. 

Dr. Frahm is a gentle dentist, who created an office space design for calm and comfort. To put you at ease, we offer both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation dentistry. Dr. Frahm always discusses your options with you before treatment begins. For more information click the link below.

Dr. Sarah Frahm | Sedation Dentistry

For people with receding gums, gum grafts can treat the issue. Gum grafting to replace lost gum tissue is one of the most common procedures in the US.

Gum recession is a common problem. Yet, gum recession is not something you should ignore. That’s because gum recession can be the result or lead to health issues. Treatments such as gum grafting can repair your gums and prevent further harm. 

What causes gums to recede?

Gum recession occurs when the tissue that surrounds your teeth wears away. Gums pull away from the tooth’s surface exposing enamel and the root. Receding gums cause gaps to form between teeth and the gum line. This creates space for bacteria to collect. Once harmful bacteria collect in gum pockets, your risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, and bone loss increases. 

 

There are a few factors that can cause gums to recede, including:

• Genetic predispositions make some of us more susceptible to gum disease and recession.
• Wear and tear associated with aging. 
• Aggressive tooth brushing can cause tooth enamel to wear away and gums to recede. 
• Advancing tooth decay and tooth loss increases your risk for gum recession. 
• Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. Over time, periodontal disease can destroy gum tissue and the supporting bones. 

Gum grafting effectively treats receding gums

Gum grafts treat gum recession by replacing the lost tissue around your teeth. When you restore the health of your gum tissue you improve your oral health.

If you think you have receding gums, make an appointment with Dr. Frahm. She will measure the pockets around your teeth to diagnose any gum problems. If your gum recession is in the early stages, she may recommend curettage periodontal treatment. Curettage is performed here, in our dental office, by Stacey who directs our clinical hygiene department. If surgical care is required to restore your dental health, Dr. Frahm will recommend a periodontal specialist.

Other advantages of gum grafting

Gum grafting gives you the best chance of treating advanced gum recession, gum disease, and improving your overall oral health. It also reduces your risk of additional cavities and decreases tooth sensitivity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, gum grafting has a treatment success rate of over 90%. 

It’s a plus that gum grafting improves the appearance of your smile. By evening out an uneven gum line gum grafts frame your teeth with symmetry. Most importantly, gum grafts cover exposed tooth roots. This reduces your risk for tooth loss and protects your teeth from decay. 

When gum grafting is required to treat receding gums due to periodontal disease, chances are good that your dental insurance will cover the procedure. Be sure to talk to your dental insurance provider to find out what’s covered and if there are any out-of-pocket expenses. You can also discuss payment options with our dental care team. 

Let our team of dental care experts help you attain your most vibrant smile. Please call 831-372-8011 today or click the link below to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Frahm. We serve patients throughout the communities of Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble beach. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm