Yes, it can.
 
If your desk is too high, or your chair is set up incorrectly, you can put pressure on neck, shoulders and back, leading to chronic pain and discomfort, But this can be avoided with the right chair, and the right advice.
 
To avoid the strain on your back and neck that comes from sitting in front of your computer for long periods of time, always choose an ergonomic task chair.
 
 
Avoid back pain by choosing the right chair
 
• Your ergonomic chair should adjust for height and lumbar support, and have a five-star base to avoid tipping. It should be high enough so that your eyes are roughly level with the top of the monitor.  Adjust the chair height so that your thighs are horizontal and your arms are the same height as the desk.  The seat should be deep enough that, when sitting back in the desk chair, you have about five centimetres between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
 
• If your feet aren’t resting flat on the floor, use a footrest. Alter you chair if there is a difference between the height of the keyboard and the writing surface.
 
• If you choose a chair with arms, make sure that you can rest your arms without any strain to your shoulders and that your forearms aren’t on the armrests while you’re typing.

• Adjust your chair so the lumbar support fits snugly in the small of your back so that you feel comfortable and supported without any pressure points.

• A breathable cloth fabric will be more comfortable than any hard surface. Most office chairs feature some kind of padding – something you’ll be grateful for at the end of the day.

• Don't work hunched over or sitting on the edge of your chair.

• Let your upper arms hang down and put your lower arms straight out when typing or using the mouse.

• When typing, don't raise your wrists up or down. Keep them roughly parallel to the floor. The same holds true for the mouse – make sure it’s close enough that you needn't lift your arm to use it.

• Put your monitor straight in front of you, making sure your eyes are level to the top of the screen.

• Take breaks from the computer at least once an hour. Why not stand up while talking on the phone? That will give your spine a chance to return to its normal posture.

• The trouble with laptops is you can use them anywhere – and people do.  On the sofa, in the bed, crouched over the dinner table. To avoid back and neck problems, use a separate mouse and keyboard to minimise posture problems. Set your laptop on a surface that allows your eyes to be level with the top of the screen and put the keyboard and mouse at a level that allows you to keep your arms at a 90-degree angle.
 
 
EXP Task Chairs
 
The EXP range of task chairs are ergonomically designed to meet Australian OH&S standards. All EXP chairs are AFRDI (Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute) Level 6 tested (the maximum commercial standard). They use technologically advanced dual density foam which provides a comfortable inner layer of soft foam with a supportive outer layer of dense foam in the seat.
 
The adjustable back on our chairs also features a pronounced lumbar support, which the tractor seat shape is moulded to, helping you sit in the optimum ergonomic position.