Here at Creative Bloq, we love using and testing the best office chairs for back pain because we think they can be a force to make your life better. It may seem like a big deal, but I have been testing the best ergonomic office chairs for years and have personally experienced the benefits. If you spend long hours at your desk and want to take care of your health, learning the best office chairs for back pain can be a game-changer.
When choosing the best ergonomic office chair, we kept a few key points in mind. Build quality, size and adjustability are the main criteria we consider with every listing, and we spend several weeks testing the chairs we review to verify their durability and long-term performance to help inform our review better. Of course, we also appreciate the price and aesthetics of these cozy thrones!
The bottom of this page contains information to help you understand what to look for in a quality ergonomic office chair, so be sure to keep scrolling if you need more details. If you’re looking to improve your posture even further, you can also check out our guide detailing the best standing desks. If you’re looking for a wider selection of seats, we’ve got a general guide to the best office chairs.
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We’ve made a few changes to this guide and moved X-Chair’s beautiful leather X4 Executive chair to the top of the list. After using most of the chairs on this list, we think this is the best ergonomic chair money can buy right now considering style, price and features.
First off, the X4 Executive leather chair is one of the most comfortable ergonomic seats we’ve tested. There’s nothing amazing about the X4′s exterior (although you can spice it up with one of the eight colors on offer), and best of all, no matter how long you sit in the X4, it will really shine. Chrome-plated aluminium, mesh and leather, the X4 provides secure support in a quality ergonomic seat while also providing high comfort.
This is one of the heaviest chairs we have included in this list, weighing in at 31kg (twice as much as other chairs). This stiffness provides incredible back support as well as soft yet durable comfort. There are also plenty of functional options, including headrests, 360-degree swivel armrests, and massage and heating pads. For more information, check out our review of the X-Chair X4 executive chair.
If you’re looking for a high quality, ergonomic office chair for back pain relief, but don’t want to shell out money for the “executive” models available (see above and below), Sihoo’s range of office chairs will suit you. worth exploring. We actually reviewed the Sihoo M90D chair, which is an average among their chairs, and we liked its adjustable lumbar support. However, if you prefer the less expensive version of Sihoo’s ergonomic chair, you’ll still get (non-adjustable) lumbar support and ample support.
After a few weeks of use, we came to the conclusion that the breathable mesh back and a good level of lumbar support are the highlight here. It’s also super adjustable: you can adjust the backrest, headrest, armrests, height and tilt. You can’t adjust the depth of the seat, but the adjustable features at least allow you to make most of the adjustments that health experts recommend, like adjusting the height of the chair so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips. This provides office chair users with excellent lower back support at a price well below its specifications.
The finish is clearly not up to the standard of more expensive designer chairs, which is inevitable at this price point. But overall, not only does it look great, it offers a great level of comfort and protection given the reasonable price. Stock can be hard to come by right now, so be sure to keep an eye on our live widget to find out where to get this amazing chair.
One of the best office chairs we recommend for back pain is the Herman Miller Mirra 2 for two reasons. First of all, Mirra 2 is an ergonomic chair that properly supports your body, relieves stress on your back, and offers many adjustments to suit your body shape. Secondly, it is an icon of furniture design, radiating elegance and sophistication that will add impact to any creative workspace. As you can see in our review of the Herman Miller Mirra 2, our author loves to use it as the main chair for his home office.
Yes, it’s pricey, but we think it’s worth the money for build quality, support, and style. The butterfly-shaped back responds easily to your movements, supporting and supporting your spine and preventing you from slouching or slouching. We also found that the chair comfortably supports you, your knees are slightly lower than your hips and your feet are fully on the ground – a key requirement for proper seating in a chair straight from the UK National Health Service (scroll to the bottom of this page for more information).
Fine and breathable mesh keeps you cool on warm days. The chair offers excellent lumbar support, is height adjustable (many of the cheap chairs on our list have lumbar support but are not adjustable), and the armrests are also fully adjustable. The seat cushion distributes your weight well and also holds the heaviest maximum load (159kg / 350lbs) of any chair on this list.
You may have noticed that the HÅG Capisco looks a little different than the other chairs on this list. This is because it is a saddle chair that allows you to sit like a saddle. In studies such as this one from Cardiff University(opens in a new tab), it has been found to be very helpful in managing and preventing back pain. In our review of the HÅG Capisco 8106 chair, we found that we had to constantly adjust our sitting position, which in turn helped maintain posture and reduced back pain.
Saddle chairs are most popular among healthcare professionals, but their use has spread to other types of jobs. They are especially good for use with standing tables. The HÅG Capisco has a wider saddle while the HÅG Capisco Puls has a stiffer and narrower saddle that allows you to sit with your legs together.
Provides good lumbar and lower back support, very comfortable and adjustable. The seat reclines with tilt locks, and its height and depth can also be adjusted, from a low sitting position to a standing sitting position. Also, from an aesthetic point of view, this radical and minimalist Scandinavian design is sure to make your home office the most fashionable.
We have two great gaming chairs numbered 5 and 6, and there isn’t much of a gap between them – mostly price. With memory foam and patented features, the Vertagear SL5800 is one of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever sat in, but it’s about $100 less than the Secret Lab offering below.
The pillow headrest is removable and you can use the Vertagear to add ventilation channels to the back of your neck. You also have the option to buy LED lights if you like (only $299!!). If you prefer a sleeker, softer aesthetic, this is the less useless side of gaming chairs, especially the jet black option.
What is the main difference? The SL5800 doesn’t have the adjustable lumbar support that Secret Labs has. Don’t get us wrong, there is still quality lumbar support here and after a month of using this chair, I’m happy with the support I get from it. However, if you want to be able to move where your lumbar support is in the chair, then this is not for you.
Are you going to use the chair primarily for gaming? Then there’s the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022. We’ve reviewed a premium gaming chair and, frankly, are delighted with its dependable comfort and attention to detail.
In addition, there is a fully adjustable lumbar support system that you control with a knob on the right side of the backrest. The seat has the same bucket shape as racing chairs, so it provides good support for your hips during hours of gaming (or regular office work). The cold-curing foam used as padding makes this chair very comfortable. It comes in Small, Regular and XL sizes so it suits a wide range of body types.
I love the combination of leatherette and velvet trim and I think it looks as premium as it feels. The magnetic headrests are another feature that makes the Titan Evo so powerful. This is a great supportive chair for gamers and non-gamers alike.
‘wait? I think it’s all about the best chairs for back pain – why is there a stool on the list? ! If you’re one of those asking this related question, it’s for the simple reason that if you want an efficient, aesthetic seating solution that’s good for your back and body, the Muista stool is well worth your time. It’s a neat design and a fraction of the price of some of the high-tech options on this page, and in our own experience with the Muista chair review, we actually enjoy using it for extended periods of time (especially when combined with a better standing desk).
Unlike almost all chairs on this list, the Muista chair encourages you to move while you sit. You can rock back and forth or side to side depending on how you sit on it, and these micro-movements increase blood flow and gently engage your muscles, avoiding the more harmful side effects of sitting for hours on end. Of course, we know that many people don’t want the lack of back and plush seat that other chairs offer, but thanks to the thoughtful design and low price, this couldn’t be better.
The BS9 from FlexiSpot is another economical model from the UK that does a good job of meeting the basic needs of an office chair at an affordable price. This chair may look and feel ordinary, but when we tested it, we found that its generous padding made it comfortable.
One of its standout features is the “3D lumbar support”, which basically means shaping the curves of the mesh in such a way as to maintain clearance between the lumbar spine and the seat. However, don’t worry too much. This support is not adjustable, such is its shape. However, when we sat in it, we found that it provided good support throughout the day of use. In the words of our reviewer, “it just works” (for more details see our full review of the Flexispot BS9 office chair).
You can adjust the height of the seat (from 44.5 cm to 53.5 cm) with a lever operated gas lift and adjust the backrest angle (from 90° to 120°) by pressing your back against the seat. We also like the W-shaped seat, which uses foam to keep you from sliding and leaning over. On the other hand, the armrests are fixed and cannot be moved, and there is also no headrest.
So this is by no means the best ergonomic office chair you can buy. It’s a fairly basic model and isn’t all that easy to adjust, but if you’re on a budget and looking for something cheap and comfortable that at least provides lumbar support, this is great value for money. Please note that the Flexiport BS9 is only available in the UK, but the Flexiport US website (opens in a new tab) has other ergonomic office chairs available.
The Flexispot OC13 Ergonomic Chair is a unique recommendation in this guide to the best office chairs for back pain. That’s because it’s only available in GameBoy Grey, Beige and Chrome for a super cool 80′s retro look, but still aims to be a durable ergonomic office chair. This is thanks to the many adjustments, including a removable lumbar support and a comfortable heating pad.
The reason we gave this chair three and a half stars in our review is because of how it looks. Don’t get us wrong – we love the look of the OC13, but we know it will divide many, so we can’t give it a higher rating (although I wish I could!)
But if you’re reading this manual, the chair’s ergonomics are what you’re most concerned about, and we’re happy to report that it’s reliable in that regard. In the six plus weeks we’ve sat in this chair, we’ve really always felt supported and comfortable, and the real disappointment in that regard is the slightly higher armrests that can’t be lowered. But if that’s not the deciding factor and you like the look as much as we do, we highly recommend this unique ergonomic office chair.
Whether you’re talking about style, craftsmanship or functionality, Herman Miller chairs are hard to beat. We’ve already included one of these in our list of the best ergonomic office chairs, but if the Mirra 2 is too expensive or you prefer a more compact style, the Herman Miller Sayl could be a very attractive option. , but still has a clear design and excellent ergonomics.
When we took it out of the box, the first thing we noticed was that it has fewer details than its siblings, but the ventilated elastomer back is made from threads of varying thicknesses and tensions for a great balance of support and comfort. balance between the two, not to mention good air circulation. You can adjust the armrests, seat height, and seat depth—a must have, according to James Crow, owner of posture-promoting website Posture Stars (see Four-position tilt limiter lets you adjust the tension to your liking. The unique Golden Gate Bridge-inspired design can Seems wrong, but we love this chic, original take on the classic Herman Miller chair.As for the spine support, it’s impeccable.
Yes, the best ergonomic office chairs can help prevent back pain in the first place and relieve back pain if you’re already suffering. However, if you already have back pain, we recommend seeing your doctor and considering a new chair as there may be other underlying causes.
Health experts give a lot of advice on the importance of using a good stool. “In the age of technology, when we spend so much time sitting in front of a computer, our bodies can’t maintain the correct posture for hours without getting tired,” says Amy Hoover, physical therapist at P.volve, an exercise company (opens in a new tab) explained the doctor .
“A chair that puts the lower back in a good neutral position, maintains the natural curve of the lower back, takes stress off the spine, and improves spinal alignment all the way down to the head.”
Lindsay Hurst (opens in new tab), a physiotherapist and Pilates expert who specializes in back pain, agrees. “Proper chair placement is essential not only to support the natural curve of the spine, but also to support the shoulders,” she notes. “Armrests are great for people with neck and mid-spine pain. The lumbar support is also great. Adjustable seat, backrest and armrests allow the user to adjust the chair to suit their posture.”
It is difficult to choose one product as the best office chair for back pain because there are so many options, but as we said above, the most ergonomic office chair for us is the Herman Miller Mirra 2. It is height adjustable, has lumbar support, Uses high quality materials and looks great. We definitely recommend it if you can provide the best support for your back.
However, we understand that at around $1,500 / £1,300, the Mirra 2 is out of a lot of people’s budget. We’ve taken that into account and included some of the more affordable chairs for back pain in our guide. Some less expensive options offer great ergonomics for the price, but they don’t offer as much adjustment or support as the Herman Miller and HÅG Capisco chairs. We recommend reading the following to find out what features to look for when looking for the best office chair for back pain management.
There are several ergonomic features that can make an office chair useful for back pain. Adjustability is one of the key factors so you can make sure the chair is shaped to suit your body type. See our guide to office chair ergonomics for full details on what to look for, but in general, you should look for a chair with the following features:
James Crow, owner of Posture Stars, a site that promotes good posture, says: “The best office chairs for back pain are height adjustable so you can let your back fully support you. A smart investment: we don’t. We don’t buy the cheapest mattress or car, but many of us spend 8 to 10 hours a day sitting in a “great” chair. ”
Replacing aging chairs is also important, he said. “If your chair is over ten years old, it might be time to upgrade. Materials wear down over time, especially seat upholstery, which has an impact.”
When you buy an ergonomic chair for back pain, you will often see references to lumbar support. But what exactly does this mean? Well, the term “lumbar spine” refers to the lower back that needs to curve inward, and as Chongsu Lee, physiotherapist and inventor of the BackHug robotic device (opens in a new tab) explains, an office chair that aligns with the lower back to maintain its natural inward curve.”
Why is it important? Well, when you’re sitting, your lumbar spine is pinched above your torso and below your hips. When sitting, the pressure on the lower back is one and a half times higher than when standing, and twice as high as when walking.
“Without support, stress can lead to stiffness over time, leaving the lower back vulnerable to injury such as a herniated disc,” Chongsu says. “Like a support beam in a building, the lumbar support absorbs stress and supports the lower back, protecting it from stress and injury.”
According to Innerbody Research – an online family health and wellness organization made up of writers, scientists, doctors, nurses and researchers – your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your feet should be on the floor or on the floor. good footrest. Don’t cross your legs as this can cause postural pain. An adjustable chair (tilt, height, and tilt) will provide proper support for your lower back, and if you use a keyboard, make sure your chair is positioned so that you can use straight wrists and arms (level with the floor). This).
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Beren has worked for Future Publishing on creative magazines and websites for 13 years. He began this journey as a staff writer for digital art magazine ImagineFX, and in 2012 found himself a commissioned editor for the newly launched Creative Bloq, bridging the gap between magazine and website. Since then, he has held editorial positions at ImagineFX, starting as an editor for the visual arts magazine Paint & Draw, moving to the Canon Pro Europe website as an assistant editor, and then editing the graphic design magazine Computer Arts. In 2020, he returned to Creative Bloq, the world’s largest art and design website, as a deal editor, applying his experience in creative technology to help digital creatives buy the kit they need at the best price. Outside of work, Belén’s favorite activity is rock climbing alone.