Best Office Chairs for Lower Back Pain – Time to Ditch your Old Chair

Has your back pain been bugging you for some time now? Itโ€™s quite challenging to focus on what you need to do with all the aches and the soreness. Your regular ergonomic chair might not be providing you with the needed lumbar support.

You can end your shift without the nagging pain with the best office chairs for lower back pain. We’ve curated a list of the best brands that can give your back a rest. Itโ€™s high time to transition to these chairs.

best office chair for back pain buying guide

Office chair recommendations for lower back pain

Herman Miller Embody Chair

Our best Pick for the back pain
Herman Miller Embody Ergonomic Office Chair | Fully Adjustable Arms and Carpet Casters | Black Balance Herman Miller Embody Ergonomic Office Chair | Fully Adjustable Arms and Carpet Casters | Black Balance
Pros:
  • Offers 6 ergonomic positions
  • Comfortable both for short and tall people
  • Fully assembled
  • Durable and well built
  • Breathable textile-like fabric
  • Fully adjustable seat
  • Adjustable armrests
  • Large seat
Cons:
  • The seat can use a bit more padding
  • Lumbar support isnโ€™t adjustable
  • So pricey for an office chair, but really worth it

Herman Miller Embody chair could perhaps be the most ergonomic chair on our list. And we have mentioned Embody on other lists, an example is the list of best office chairs for long hours

We were amazed at how fluid it felt. This posh-looking chair follows your every movement, thus preventing back pain.

Pricey, yes, but it’s an investment that you can make. Furthermore, itโ€™s made in the USA so you can expect that itโ€™s durable and well-built. We also noticed that it has a lot of stainless steel and has a substantial weight to it. So that accounts for the durability of this chair. Let’s see what other features are worth the extra money.

First, it has a fully adjustable seat. You can move it downwards to backward or even up and down. It offers a lot of options for movement. So you’re sure to find one that you’re comfortable with. This chair can also be reclined. And itโ€™s quite easy to transition it to recline with the fully responsive tension knob. It also offers 3 varying recline positions. And you can secure it with the tilt lock.

Herman Miller Embody Chair - the best office chair for lower back pain

Secondly, the design of the backseat itself mimics your spine. If youโ€™ll take a closer look at it, the back seat consists of a central spine and ribs. The ribs are flexible so the chair supports the natural movement of your spine. So it won’t go to flat. Instead, it encourages your spine to attain a neutral position.ย 

And the backrest is thin and the top part is bendable. So it literally moves with you and allows for more range of motion.ย 

Another advantage is that since itโ€™s durable, it can accommodate people who are on the heavier side. And it can support a weight of up to 300 lbs.

And lastly, it boasts of a Pixelated Support System. This feature is actually one of the most unique offerings of Herman Miller Embody. The Pixelated Support System. is embedded in the multilayer seat.ย 

What does it do? It ensures proper weight distribution. The pixels act as a net that catches your weight. And these are evenly distributed through the entire seat, thus distributing support to all areas of the seat. Thatโ€™s why you wonโ€™t feel tired or sore even if you’ve been sitting for a long time.ย 

Herman Miller chairs
Herman Miller chairs

In a nutshell, the Herman Miller Embody is a highly ergonomic chair that moves with you. It’s quite versatile too as it can cater to more people.

Steelcase Leap V2 Office Chair

This ergonomic chair features a contoured seat and backrest that support the spine, and adjustable armrests and lumbar support that can be customized to your needs. The Steelcase Leap is also one of the most comfortable office chairs on the market, with a cushioned seat and backrest that provide all-day support.

Why Leap is the best choice for back pain? An example would be that it has a contoured seat and backrest to support the spine. Also, the armrests and lumbar support are adjustable so you can customize them to your needs. All these factors make the Leap an excellent choice

The Steelcase Leap chair is an ergonomic office chair that helps to relieve lower back pain by providing support for the spine and adjustable lumbar and armrests. This allows individuals to customize the chair to their needs and get the best possible support. Additionally, the cushioned seat and backrest help to provide all-day comfort.

Steelcase Leap chair

Some of the other benefits of using the Steelcase Leap chair include increased productivity, improved circulation, and reduced stress levels. Additionally, this chair is environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials.

Who should consider purchasing the Steelcase Leap Chair for their office space or home office setup? Do you imagine a worker, police, or politician? No, of course not. Additionally, this chair is perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting at a desk, such as an office IT guys, students, and gamers.

Where can you buy a Steelcase Leap chair and what are the prices currently being offered online and in-store locations around the country (or world)? For the new chair, it can be purchased online or at various in-store locations, but The Facebook marketplace is the best to find a used Leap!

Used chairs are often significantly cheaper than new ones. Plus, they may have unique features or modifications that make them more suitable for a particular individual. And some people simply prefer to buy used products in order to reduce their environmental impact. But for the best warranty and return policy, we recommend you guys buy a new one!

X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair

This is a handsome and regal-looking pick for those wanting a bit more luxuriousness for their office chair but don’t want to compromise on the back comfort and support. It has a responsive Dynamic Variable Lumbar support, which adjusts to your body and movement. This makes the chair follow you whenever you move, it can support your spine whenever you rock your chair back and forth.

The chair is also highly adjustable, making you last in the chair longer. It also has a very plush yet supportive seat cushion that is very comfortable for the tush. So again, if your butt is comfortable, that can also add up to the entire comfort of the back and prevent lumbar pain.

Realspace Winsley Mid Back Manager chair

Realspaceยฎ Modern Comfort Series Winsley Bonded Leather Mid-Back Chair, Black Realspaceยฎ Modern Comfort Series Winsley Bonded Leather Mid-Back Chair, Black

Realspace Winsley Mid Back Manager is a stylish ergonomic chair. It's made from a combination of polyurethane and bonded leather. Aside from the sleek and stylish look, these materials are eco- friendly too. It makes use of a bio-based material that has less impact on the environment

Pros:
  • Easy to assemble
  • Great lumbar support
  • Comfortable backrest
  • Easy to clean
  • Stain-resistant
  • Eco-friendly materials
Cons:
  • Doesn't have an instruction on how to tilt the chair
  • Cushion won't stay firm for long

Now, the main advantage is that this chair can provide the needed support for your lumbar. If you sit upright, the cushion provides ample support for your lower back. And if you lean back, it also lends support for your shoulder blades. Hence, preventing back pain.

Furthermore, this mid-back chair follows the normal curvature of your spine. The backrest has a rounded cushion at the lower part. This perfectly supports your lumbar and prevents it from flattening. Also,the S-shaped backrest mimics your bodyโ€™s shape

In addition, the setup instructions were very easy to follow. It might take you just about 15 minutes to fully set up this chair. And it seems to have a rather good build too. And it can accommodate weight up to 250 lbs.ย 

Itโ€™s quite easy to adjust the tilt of the chair. You just need to lift the lever and pull it straight out. But this simple instruction seems to be lacking in the instruction manual. So either you figure it out or watch Youtube instruction videos.ย 

Realspace Winsley Mid Back Manager chair

Overall, itโ€™s a professional-looking chair thatโ€™s designed to follow the shape of your spineย 

Branch Verve

This chair satisfies a lot of categories that your back needs for pain relief. One, it has several adjustable features that your back needs to be able to find a more ergonomic position. This prevents upper back and lower back pains. The seat height, depth, lumbar support, and tilt are adjustable. Not only that, but they also work well with one another. We’ve come across several chars with a lot of adjustable features but they don’t seem to serve each other well.

It is also easy to adjust, there is no learning curve. Another, the seat is made of high-density foam. This adds comfort and contour to the seat and helps unload spinal compression. This chair has the right curves and lines that lend a very supportive and relaxing layer for your back, even if you work for hours on end. The back angle has a round base that transforms into a thinner and flatter top, this seems to frame the spine well and hold it in a more ergonomic position.

Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chairย 

Budget Pick
Modway EEI-757-BLK Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair in Black Modway EEI-757-BLK Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair in Black

Modway Articulate chairs are recommended for prolonged sitting. It won't hurt your back even if you've been working for several hours. We found out several features that make it quite a treat for your lumbar and spine.

 


Pros:
  • Well-cushioned seat
  • Great lumbar support
  • Breathable mesh back
  • 360-degree swivel
  • The reclining knob is responsive and easy to reach
Cons:
  • The seat adjustment won't go low enough for shorter people
  • Lack of adjustment options for the armrest
  • Armrests are too wide apart

First, it’s built with passive lumbar support. This type of lumbar support corrects the alignment of your back, spine, neck, hips, and shoulders. Also, it has a mesh back for more breathability.

Secondly, you can tilt the seat back up to 4 inches. You can also adjust the tension of the back seat via the tension knobs. So you can choose the level of firmness that is most comfortable for your back. And for stability, you can fully lock the back seat to the desired position ( upright to 30 degrees).

Modway Articulate Ergonomic Chair - Best Office Chair for Lower Back Pain

And other features can add to the convenience and comfort of this ergonomic chair. It can easily be adjusted to fit your height. Even at 6โ€™2, you can still find this chair very comfortable.ย 

In a nutshell, itโ€™s a perfect ergonomic chair for those who consistently experience backaches. Except for the armrest, it provides a wide range of adjustments. And It’s recommended for those with back issues such as scoliosis.

Would a soft lumbar pillow be enough to alleviate the pain?

Sadly no. Back pain isn’t one-dimensional. And a lack of a soft cushion on your lower back isnโ€™t the only reason why thereโ€™s pain. Letโ€™s take a quick look at why your ordinary chair isnโ€™t enough.ย 

Steelcase Series 2

This is a very sturdy and solid, yet basic-looking office chair that your back will also love a lot. It has a cushioned seat that feels supportive and comfortable to the bum, this prevents compression of the butt area that can be a precedent to an aching and sore back. We find it very relaxing and comfortable to sit on for longer hours.

It also has a lot of adjustable features and the dials are quite intuitive. Itโ€™s easy to adjust the chair even if youโ€™re seated. The chair is highly customizable, which also makes it more comfortable for more people. Thereโ€™s a small amount of give between the base and the seat. So should you fancy a subtle rocking motion, youโ€™ll be quite happy with this.. This does not in any way affect the integrity or the build of the chair. This is quite a solid and sturdy unit made of a combination of plastic and metal.

Haworth Assure

This simple-looking Haworth chair can take you by surprise. It can look plain and basic, but your back will surely fall in love with this.

The seat is extremely comfortable, the cushion is decently thick, and has a nice plushness and support at the same time. So your butt will love sitting on this for a long time. The backrest is made of one piece of mesh. It amazingly feels so divine and supportive on the back that you may not want to get off of the chair.

This chair though has one upright locked position and no additional lumbar support, but it does feel quite comfy on the back for several hours. It will work best for those who do not end a pronounced lumbar support.

The backrest and seat are also wide, which can work for chunkier folks.

Office chairs we also tested

  • Steelcase Amiaย 

Another Steelcase chair is up on our list. Supportive and comfortable chairs for the back often need a sturdier build, which makes them more comfy for longer hours of work. It has almost all the looks and function of a Lepa, but it feels smoother and more aggressive back support. Though The backrest of the Leap is more flexible, this has a decent amount of give that moves with you as you rock back and forth.

If you need to be in a more upright position, then you can adjust the char to this and work productively white, having your spine in a sweet and comfortable spot.

The seat is not too plush nor too hard, but it has an average softness that your butt will love. However, those looking for a more soft cushion and plush comfort may find it lacking.

  • Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Lumbar Support office chair

Now those looking for a very more scientific type of support will fall in love with the Tempur Pedic chair. Letโ€™s talk about two aspects that make the chair divine for your lower back.

The seat is also contoured and cushioned, made from the signature Tempur Pedic comfort. The Tempur memory foam can mold your body and offers pressure relief based on your shape. A happy bum means a happy back, donโ€™t forget that.

It has an adjustable lumbar support. The backrest supported the natural curve of our spine. It is more on the firm side and perfect for those who need to be working in a more upright position.

  • Humanscale Liberty Task Chair

This is a mesh chair that youโ€™ll find very comfortable for the entire back. For one, it has a different type of mesh. It has this mesh technology that can follow the shape of your back, and contoirs rather well to your body. It has this three-part mesh that has decent give and can provide a comfortable haven for your back.

At the same time, it is very airy and feels very breathable. The backrest can fit the natural curve of the spine. Also, it has a pivoting motion that can move with you even if you are seated.

So while lacking adjustable features, specifically a lumbar support, this is very sublime for your entire back. Well, unless you need a more pronounced need for back support.

  • Eurotech Vera

Like the Liberty chair, this is a non obtrusive chair, almost seemingly looking like a task chair that can offer a very comfortable haven for your back.

Despite the simple appearance, it has a lot of adjustable features that you can tinder thrush to find the perfect spot for your entire back.

The backrest also has a natural curve that contours rather well to your spine. So even without a special lumbar system, this can help prevent and relieve back pain for most folks.

Why your chair can be straining your back

To help you understand the importance of an office chair, letโ€™s try to dissect lumbar pain caused by prolonged sitting.ย 

Your back is pressing too flat against the chair

chair can be straining

Regular chairs have a flat and one-dimensional backrest. So the tendency is your spine will press flatly against it.ย 

Remember that your spine has a natural curve. When using a regular chair, you’re forcing your back to conform to the shape of the backseat. So what’s happening here is youโ€™re trying to deviate from the normal curve of your spine. Thus, it results in lower back pain.

Regular chairs are not adjustable

Regular chairs cannot be adjusted in any way. From the height of the chair, the backrest, and even the armrests, everything is static. Our body is designed to move. And when youโ€™re confined in a static vessel, youโ€™re depriving your body of its natural tendencies.

This can put too much pressure not just on your back, but on your shoulders, neck, legs and arms too.ย 

Regular chairs encourage slouching

Itโ€™s either from the material of the chair or your spine just got tired of lying flat against the backrest. And no matter how hard you try, slouching is inevitable.ย 

And when you slouch, it can overstretch your spine. Also, it can strain the surrounding ligaments. And these are perfect recipes for grand back pain.

The seat can either be too firm or too soft

A seat thatโ€™s too firm can hurt your spine. Itโ€™s also numbing for your tailbone. While a cushion thatโ€™s too soft lacks the needed support. And this can lead to poor posture and back pain too.

Lack of support

Sitting for prolonged periods causes immense pressure on your back and entire body. The discs at the base of your pine take the toll. It takes up to three times the load as compared to when youโ€™re standing.ย 

A regular chair doesn’t offer adequate spine support. Most don’t have any at all.

You tend to shift your weight forward

Whether youโ€™re grabbing a pen or reaching for a book, itโ€™s inevitable. You tend to lean forward towards your desk whenever youโ€™re working. And a regular chair wonโ€™t be able to do anything to support this movement.

Can strain your neck

Since regular chairs are static, the resting eye level for all would be the same. Your regular chair can either be too high or too low for your table. So this forces your neck to be at an uncomfortable angle instead of your eyes gazing straight towards your computers. And this will definitely hurt your neck. And when thereโ€™s neck pain, back pain will eventually follow.

Improper angle of the knees

To avoid back pain, your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. An ordinary chair can just lead to any of these two. Either you have your legs hanging from the seat or you have your knees bent too forward from the chair.

what to look for an ergonomic office chair for back pain lower

Before buying a chair for back pain

That nagging lower back pain is no joke. And if you are going to work seated for long hours, that can be torture for your back. That’s why you have to find a suitable office chair. Even premium chairs will not cut it. Thatโ€™s why you have to be careful in choosing your next office chair.

What exactly makes a great office chair for your back pain? We got your back! Weโ€™ll help you select the most suitable chair to ease your back pain. And here are several things that you have to consider.

Lumbar support & Portable

Ergonomic chairs are equipped with lumbar support. But it doesn’t necessarily need to be adjustable. There are several types of back support

The type of lumbar support

Not all office chairs will have the same lumbar support. And what’s worse is, there are some brands that market an office chair with great lower back support. But when you sit on the chair, youโ€™ll soon realize that the lumbar support isnโ€™t doing anything for your body. It even adds up to your existing back pain.

Well, there are two reasons why. One, the lumbar support on the chair really is not working or not even functional. And two, lumbar support is very subjective. Like comfort, everyone has their own definition of lower back comfort. So not everyone with back pain will benefit from the same office chair with lumbar support.

It also depends on how you are sitting on the chair. You have to determine your sitting position. Do you tend to move too forward when you’re wrong? Or do you prefer to have your back all laid flat on the chair? The key here is to have the chair conform to your needs and not the other way around.ย 

It also depends on what type of lumbar support you need. Do you need one that’s too firm? For instance, an Aeron chair offers firm lumbar support. It pushes the user to an upright position. But some find it too aggressive. But if you prefer sitting more upright when working, youโ€™ll love this premium chair. Otherwise, you will find it too tiring for your back.

Office chairs such as the Leap feature a more adjustable lumbar support. You will also be able to adjust the tension forward or backward. So if you need to have a more customized lower back support, ergonomic office chairs like the Steelcase Leap will benefit you more.

And oh, an office chair with an adjustable lumbar height and depth will benefit users with lower back pain. As mentioned above, it gives you a more customized type of lower back support. So you dictate how forward you want your back to be pushed. Thus, you’re making the chair fit you and not the other way around.ย 

One of the reasons why you end up with back pain is when you try to squeeze yourself into an office chair that doesn’t suit your needs.

Portable lumbar support may come in the form of a lumbar pillow. Itโ€™s placed in the lower back portion of the chair. And it can be nicely fitted to the curve at your lower back. Sometimes, you may have the option to reduce or add tension to the lumbar pillow.ย 

Oftentimes, a lumbar pillow isn’t enough to provide adequate support. Especially if you have an existing back issue, your back needs more support. Thatโ€™s why a lumbar pillow is often used in conjunction with other types of support lumbar.

The material of the backrest and lumbar support

The material of the backrest and the lumbar support can greatly affect the comfort of your back. A great material will be one that can move with you. It should allow for a decent amount of flex. Because most of us tend to make minute movements when we are seated for a long time. You flex your legs, arch your back, reach your hands over your head and give yourself a good stretch.ย 

So if the material of the backrest and the lumbar support is very stiff or doesn’t even have a bit of flex, it can be bad news for your back. Thatโ€™s why some cheap mesh chairs are really painful on the back. Low-quality mesh materials can be stiff, tough, and don’t have the capacity to move with your back.ย 

Adjustable back support

Most ergonomic office chairs have this feature. You can adjust the height of the seat. Other office chairs can also be reclined and tilted back. And you can adjust the tension according to your needs.

The adjustable back conforms to the shape and movement of your spine, and not the other way around. So you can always adjust the comfort level of your back relative to your height.ย 

Your regular chair won’t allow this. Oftentimes, you’re stuck with a static backrest that cannot even support your entire back, especially if you’re taller.ย 

The seat height is easily adjustable via a pneumatic seat height adjustment lever. And at a proper height, your legs will be comfortable too. It wonโ€™t be hanging from the chair nor would your knees be overextended beyond the seat.ย 

Built-in & Option to move freely

Some office chairs have built-in lumbar support. The chair is sculpted to have an S-Shaped curve that mimics the shape of your spine. So that when you sit, your back wonโ€™t press flat against the chair. This design can follow the curve of your spine.

And the S-shaped design also encourages proper posture. Because when you slouch, the curve on your back tends to straighten. And it can easily send you to lumbar pain street.ย 

And to get the best lumbar support for your spine, the width of the backrest should measure between 12 and 19 inches.ย 

Another factor that distinguishes a regular chair from an office chair is liberty. Office chairs allow your body to move freely, as itโ€™s designed to. Your static chair discourages movement. And the best office chair will allow for more range of motion.ย 

Some office chairs offer a swivel base. It allows you to move from one part of the desk to the other. You can even go around and reach for a notepad without getting off your chair. You can move in a variety of positions without having to leave your chair. This also improves blood circulation and moves tension from your muscles

And some brands offer a flexible material that flows with your body. Whether youโ€™re reaching for a pen or taking calls, these chairs go with your every move. So your arms, shoulders, neck, and back are supported at every angle.ย 

Comfortable seat chair

The armrests

The armrest may not seem as important as the lumbar support or the backrest. But a badly constructed armrest can take a toll on your entire back.ย 

Armrest guides and supports your arms and hands. It also helps guide them in the proper alignment. If your arms are not properly aligned, this can cause pain. And the pain from the arms and hands can radiate to your entire back.

Seat cushions should never be too soft nor too firm.ย 

Office chairs offer support with a seat that has the right firmness. This can support your buttocks without encouraging slouching. Most office chairs are also designed with a waterfall seat. This can remove tension from your legs.

So what do your legs have to do with back pain? As we’ve mentioned earlier, back pain isn’t one dimensional. Tension or leg pain can further lead to lumbar pain. Your muscles and joints are interconnected with each other. And ergonomic chairs understand this network. Thatโ€™s why they are equipped with a technology that your regular chairs are clearly lacking in.

Comfortable armrests are also an integral part of a good office chair. It can support your elbows and shoulders. In addition, it can also limit tension to your neck area.ย 

Some office chairs have fully adjustable armrests that you can flip up, move to the sides or even adjust the width. While others may have 2D armrests that can be moved up and down. Furthermore, these can be adjusted according to your height. Thus, everything is properly proportioned so there’s minimal chance of tension that can result in back pain.ย 

The type of recline function

Not all office chairs have the same recline function. Some chairs will be able to recline at a deeper angle while some cannot. You have to check how well the recline function works.ย 

If you are working for an entire day, you will no doubt need to recline the backrest once in a while. Sometimes you need to take a breather and lay back for a few minutes. Or you often recline when you are making calls. So itโ€™s better to check if the chair will still be able to provide the same amount of support as it did when you are sitting upright.ย 

Some chairs may have less low back support while some may offer more when reclined.ย 

Seat height and seat depth

Use a chair that can go low enough or high enough for your height. Trying to squeeze yourself on a chair that has your legs hanging from the seat can take a toll on your back. First, there will be numbing pain in the legs. And that pain will radiate to your back. So do not buy a chair unless it can sit you at a suitable height.

An office chair with an adjustable seat depth will also amp up the comfort for your lower back. If you are taller or have longer legs, you need the seat pan to be pushed a bit forward so that it can accommodate your legs.ย 

Otherwise, there will be a pain in your knees. And once everything is not in alignment, back pain will soon follow. So either you get a chair with an adjustable seat depth or ensure that the office chair fits your height and the length of your legs.ย 

Why you should ditch your regular chair

Even if you haven’t been feeling that pain yet, itโ€™s bound to happen with a regular chair. There are a lot of reasons why you should opt for an office chair instead. Apart from what we’ve mentioned above, office chairs are equipped with features that combine health benefits and functions as well. It can make you move faster at work too. Thus, resulting in increased productivity.

Furthermore, you should never take back pain for granted. Acute back pain can lead to chronic pain. And this can be debilitating.

And the modern office chairs have eye candy designs that can give your regular chairs a run for their money. And youโ€˜ll be able to find an office chair that matches your height, weight, and circumstances.

So that is plenty of reasons why you need to buy yourself an office chair. An office chair belongs in an office while your regular chair does not, as simple as that!

Keeping all these considerations in mind, you might be asking yourself these questions

So will an ergonomic chair suffice?

Since an ergonomic chair will have ergonomic features such as the lumbar support, the seat height, and the armrests, not all can offer the same amount of support. It will also offer a different type of comfort.ย 

Some office chairs will have more ergonomic features than others. But if one has fewer ergonomic features, that does not mean that it can’t be comfortable for your back.ย 

So if the lumbar depth is not adjustable, it’s not good for the back?

Itโ€™s true that we have mentioned above that a chair with an adjustable lumbar height and depth is the best thing for those with back pain. Because you can customize the amount of back support, many people will be able to find that sweet spot for their lumbar.

But does that mean that if you can’t adjust the lumbar depth, itโ€™s not going to be any relief for your back?

Not really. While this is one of the best types of lumbar support, you can still find an office chair without one comfortable for your back. Some chairs have a stationary lumbar, but they can still be comfortable for some users with back pain.

It also depends on the type of material of the backrest and the lumbar. If it can move with you, and you fit right into the chair, you may still find a stationary lumbar quite supportive too.ย 

What about leg rests, can it help relieve back pain?

While we did not include leg rest as one of the primary considerations, it does have health benefits. If you have a bad knee or you need to increase the circulation in your legs, a leg rest is a nice addition. And if you are petite or have shorter legs than your torso, a leg rest will also help alleviate that pressure on your legs.

But of course, don’t just settle for any office chair with a leg rest or a footrest. If the leg rest is not well constructed, it can make your body out of alignment and can contribute to back pain.

Overall, you have to adjust the chair and make it fit your needs and not the other way around. That’s why ergonomic chairs give you one of the easiest solutions because it has an array of options. But a chair with less ergonomic features is not necessarily inferior. It all depends on how you sit and if that chair will be able to support your way of sitting.ย 

FAQ: What Kind of Chairs Help Reduce Back Pain?

Sitting on a regular chair for a prolonged time will hurt your back. That’s why a lot of people have been making the switch. Ergonomic chairs have become increasingly popular. These chairs are known to provide more support for your back.

Apart from ergonomic chairs, what other kinds of chairs can help reduce back pain? There are several. And we’re going to list them all out in this article.

Your back will love these chairs!

Choosing the right office chair will not only relieve back pain, but it can make you more productive at work too.ย 

Letโ€™s take a look at some of the popular types of office chairs that are nice for your back. Itโ€™s high time to make the switch.

Ergonomic chairs

Almost everyone is familiar with an ergonomic chair. It’s the most popular alternative to your regular office chair. But what makes an office chair ergonomic?

A chair becomes ergonomic when it can accommodate a wider range of people. So these chairs have an acceptable level of adjustability. Though, it might not suit all people. But there has to be a range from which you can work on. The bottom line, it shouldn’t be static.ย 

Ergonomic chairs offer a neutral position. Meaning they don’t force your back to be in a different angle than what itโ€™s meant to be. It conforms to the natural curve of your spine, hence the word neutral.

And from there, these chairs offer a variety of adjustability depending on your movement. So the headrest, lumbar support, armrest, and back seat height and depth may be adjusted to fit your needs. And these chairs can provide enough support for your spine

The downside? Not all ergonomic chairs can accommodate your height and weight. Thatโ€™s why you have to do your measurements and see if it matches the range adjustments of the brand.

You have to look for brands that provide great lumbar support such as the Herman Miller Embody. This chair has a unique LiveBack support. Your lumbar flexes as you move, so you can still maintain the natural curve of your spine.ย 

Active sitting chairs

Active sitting chairs encourage movement and strengthen your core. And when you have a strong core, it can protect your back and prevent pain and injuries.

office chair normal

The birth of active chairs was inspired by the use of stability balls. Though stability balls can strengthen your core, it’s not sustainable for an 8-hour use. Stability balls can be uncomfortable. And when you don’t have a strong core to start with, it can send you straight to the floor

So active sitting chairs combined the benefits of a stability ball but tweaked it so that it could be used for a longer period. Active sitting chairs have several advantages:

  • Can help you burn calories
  • Promotes core engagement
  • Encourages frequent movement
  • Reduces pressure points

However, these chairs may have some trade-offs. Since you have no choice but to engage your core all the time, some people may still find it uncomfortable. And since these chairs may lack a backrest, they may be too tiring to sit on. Especially if youโ€™re just new to active sitting, it can be a challenge.

The good news is, there are a lot of active sitting chairs that can cater to both the newbie and the seasoned โ€œactive sitters.โ€ You may choose active chairs with backrests such as The Core Chair. The backrest is angled at 90 degrees. This prevents you from slouching. As a whole, it can give you the benefits of active sitting while enjoying the comfort of a backrest.

Kneeling chairs

Kneeling chairs offer a huge benefit to those with lumbar lordosis. These chairs are manufactured with angled knee rest. This makes you lean forward as you sit.

The ideal keeling chairs should be set at 20 degrees inclination. This angle offers the most benefit for your back. At this position, your lumbar curvature is the same as when youโ€™re standing. So this relieves tension from your back. And it also prevents spinal compression.

Another advantage of kneeling chairs is that it forces you to engage your core muscles. So it trains your body to maintain proper posture at all times. Itโ€™s beneficial in the long run. And if you are used to engaging your core, this will be comfortable for you.

But if you have a bad posture to start with, you might find yourself struggling to maintain a sit-up position in this chair. You actually have your poor posture to blame for that one. But if you want to get work done, this might not be productive for you.ย 

In conclusion, itโ€™s a recommended chair if youโ€™re suffering from lumbar lordosis. Furthermore, if you want to train your body to maintain a proper posture, this is highly recommended. But since your legs are quite compressed on this chair, this is perfect for short term tasks only.ย 

If youโ€™re new to this type of office chair, kneeling chairs with optional backrests such as the Flash Furniture Mobile Leaning Chair is a great option for you.

Sit-stand chairs

Sit-stand chairs function in almost the same way as active chairs. But they have some minor differences. Sit-stand chairs are geared toward supporting standing positions. Though they can also be used with a desk when adjusted.ย 

One of the biggest advantages of sit-stand stools is back pain reduction. Sit-stand stools are leaning and tilting forward. This motion tilts the pelvis forward. And this encourages the body to assume its natural S-shaped curvature. This is the neutral position for your spine. And your body is most stable in this position.

Another advantage is that it can promote the burning of calories, the same with an active sitting chair. Sit-stand stool encourages movements, core engagement, and weight loss.ย 

When buying a sit-stand chair, you should look for the following features:

  • Seat Height should have a decent range of adjustment levels
  • Should have a hip torso angle between 130 and 135 degrees
  • Weight capacity
  • Must have a strong supportive base

One of the problems, however, is foot fatigue. You can easily remedy this by using an anti-fatigue mat. Or you may purchase a sit-stand stool that has a built-in anti-fatigue mat such as the Ergo Lite.

Saddle chairs and stool

Saddle chairs and stools have a saddle / equestrian style seat, hence the name. These chairs are a bit high compared to your regular office chair. The high seat can provide several benefits for your body.

It puts your thighs at a 13-degree angle. And this is the optimum position where you can maintain the natural lumbar curve.ย  So itโ€™s perfect for those with chronic back pain.

Saddle stools also encourage active sitting. When your core is engaged, you will also develop a stronger back. The design of the seat also doesn’t put any pressure on your legs. So it results in better circulation in your legs too.

We also love how you can easily reach for a pen or your phone at the table. It supports your back whenever you lean forward. And the seta sare rather comfortable with a soft padding

It just has a tiny limitation though. It is adjustable but the lowest level is still quite high for a regular desk. That’s why you can only use a standing desk with the saddle stool.ย 

And one disadvantage weโ€™ve also noticed is that it can create a bit of perineal pressure for men. This can be avoided if youโ€™ll buy the split chair type such as the Kanewell Twin Adjustable stool. It just has a thinner cushion compared to the more popular solid saddle chairs. But men will find the split chair type more comfortable.

You can easily hurt your back with the wrong chair. It causes compression of the spine. And even the simple motion of reaching for a paperclip can also trigger back pain. Thatโ€™s why you need a chair that can provide you adequate lumbar support. But, how do you find out which one is the best for you, well, let’s see our suggestions

So there we have it! Weโ€™ve compiled a list that can give your back a retreat amidst your desk full of paperwork and deadlines.

These office chairs will surely boost your productivity. And your lower back will thank you for it.

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