This means a lot chairs with arms should be eliminated from your purchasing decision.

Comfort Or Style over Safety There is a growing trend to disregard advice, and choose an item purely on the style, or that it feels comfortable. Safety and Reducing Risks Advice for people who spend long periods of time doing office work, and sitting in an office chair states that the arms should be 90 degrees from the chair, to the desk. Many people will spend almost half of their day sitting in an office chair, using a computer, typing, or performing desk work. If they do this item should not even be considered. A good quality office chair is important for support and comfort. Before you purchase a chair try it, put your arms in the position that you would normally type or write, and see if the chair armrests get in the way causing you to lift your shoulders unnaturally. The recommended design for a chair to reduce aches and pains is one without arms, but when buying your next chair, should you avoid arms or ignore advice and get the chair you want.

By keeping your arms in the correct position, you reduce the risk of neck ache, arm ache, and headaches.