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Improving your posture isn’t going to fix an unsupportive office chair for back pain. For those who spend a lot of time at their desks, purchasing an ergonomic office chair may be the best way to remedy a sore back.
Ergonomic office chairs are designed for comfort and support—setting you up for a productive workday while preventing or alleviating back pain. The best office chair for back pain offers ergonomic support to maintain optimal spine alignment and proper posture.
- BEST OVERALL: Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Hbada Office Task Desk Chair
- UPGRADE PICK: Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Hbada Ergonomic High Back Computer Chair
- BEST RECLINING: Bossin Gaming Chair with Footrest and Headrest
- BEST KNEELING: Dragonn by Vivo Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
- BEST BALL CHAIR: Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Exercise Ergonomic Chair
- BEST BIG AND TALL:Hon Sadie Big and Tall Office Computer Chair
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
- BEST FOR LOWER BACK PAIN: Hon Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Office Chair for Back Pain
We can spend as many hours in an office chair as we do in bed, so a functional and comfortable chair is a worthwhile investment. A healthy chair for back pain helps to support long workdays, but its benefits extend well after it’s time to clock out. After all, back pain from a low-quality chair doesn’t stop when the workday ends. Here are a few things to consider when shopping around for the best office chair for back pain.
Material
Fabric, mesh, vinyl, leather, and faux leather are common office chair materials. Mesh is a budget-friendly and very breathable option. It’s a light and comfortable material that keeps relatively cool, but it doesn’t have the classic look of materials like leather.
Classic leather is durable and beautiful, but it’s more expensive and less breathable. Faux leather and vinyl may look like leather, but these materials are much more affordable. Their durability will depend on their quality, but they’re easy to clean and are available in a variety of colors.
Fabric is another option that comes in a number of colors and styles. It can be more breathable than smooth materials like leather and vinyl. But, because of its texture, fabric can be difficult to clean. Ultimately, it’s best to choose a material that suits your comfort preferences, budget, and style.
Type
Office chairs come in a range of designs. For those who are prone to back pain, it’s more important than ever to look for the best office chair for bad backs. The best ergonomic chairs are a popular choice, as they’re designed to support a proper seated posture. Many other office chair styles also have ergonomic features.
Executive chairs are designed to look luxurious. Often, they have a high back with plenty of cushioning and are made from finer materials like wood and leather. Big-and-tall chairs are another option. As the name suggests, these chairs cater to those who have a larger build.
More unconventional chair types include ball chairs and kneeling chairs. Ball chairs usually have a large inflatable ball that sits on a base. Since users have to engage their core to balance, ball chairs may encourage a straight posture. Kneeling chairs have a seat and a knee rest, which forces users to sit angled slightly forward, reducing the urge to slouch.
Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is a major feature to look for in ergonomic chairs, especially for those who suffer from back pain. Lumbar supports encourage a straight posture; a good seated posture can help to relieve pressure and pain in the lower back.
The best chair for back pain relief will feature lumbar supports, which can be fixed or adjustable. Fixed lumbar supports include fixed cushions or ergonomic S-shaped backrests. Adjustable lumbar supports can be adjusted to individual height and personal preferences. Lumbar supports can also have features like heated or massaging pads for added comfort.
Adjustability
The right sitting position is key to optimize comfort and ease back pain, and a quality office chair isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Adjustability allows the chair to be calibrated to height, posture, and comfort preferences. Those with excellent posture or minimal back pain can get away with a fixed chair, but for those who suffer from an achy back, adjustability is a feature to splurge on.
A properly adjusted chair offers support to the back, shoulders, hips, and neck. Chairs can have a range of adjustable features. Different dials and levers can adjust the chair, armrest, headrest, and lumbar support height and angle. Some chairs have a reclining feature that allows the user to lay back and relax during breaks.
Comfort
For those who spend many hours in an office chair, comfort may be a top priority. Not only does a comfortable chair feel nice but that comfortable feeling also comes from adequate support and proper alignment. Ergonomic chairs are designed with comfort in mind.
A range of features can add comfort to a chair. Ergonomically designed or padded backrests, armrests, headrests, and seat cushions can make a chair more comfortable. Many are also adjustable to customize the height and angle of the chair. Features like reclining backrests and extending footrests add an extra level of comfort.
Mobility
Swivels and casters add ease of movement. An office chair with a 360-degree swivel is easier to get in and out of, without needing to pull or push away from the desk. It also allows users to reach around and grab items from behind—from a filing cabinet or bookshelf, for instance.
Casters make it simple to move the chair as well as zoom around and grab objects. They make easy work of relocating the chair to a meeting room or grabbing a sheet of paper from a printer nearby without standing up. When choosing an office chair, look for wheels that roll smoothly. Wheels that freeze and drag can be a hassle. The wheels should both roll and swivel to allow the chair to move in all directions. Some casters also have a locking feature to prevent the chair from rolling.
Aesthetic
Ergonomic office chairs come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. There are designs to suit both home studies and professional offices.
A desk chair can say a lot about a work environment. While a leather executive chair may look more professional and serious, colorful chairs with patterns and designs may give off a fun and casual vibe. Most spaces can’t go wrong with a classic black ergonomic desk chair.
The best office chair for your space will depend on your personal preference, computer desk, and decor style. Many ergonomic office chairs combine functionality and style to suit individual tastes.
Our Top Picks
The top picks for the best office chair for back pain are functional without lacking in style. Check out the list of top picks below to find the best chair for your work space.
Best Overall
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
This sleek office chair from Duramont is ideal for almost any office or work space. Nearly every contact point is adjustable; it features lumbar support height and depth, a 90- to 120-degree backrest tilt with adjustable tilt tension, an adjustable headrest, adjustable armrest height and angle, and of course, pneumatic seat height.
The chair is easy to put together and installs in eight steps. Once put together, it’s a sturdy chair with a 330-pound weight capacity. The backrest is made from a breathable mesh, which helps to keep users cool for long periods of time. It also has a swivel base and smooth-rolling Rollerblade caster wheels for easy mobility. The simple black design suits any home study or office decor.
Product Specs
- Type: Ergonomic
- Material: Mesh and fabric
- Adjustability: Headrest, armrests, lumbar support, recline, and height
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Excellent adjustability
- Smooth-rolling wheels
Cons
- Some users find the seat cushion too stiff
Get the Duramont Ergonomic office chair on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Hbada Office Task Desk Chair
This ergonomic office chair offers numerous features at an affordable price. As is expected with most ergonomic chairs, it has an adjustable height, 360-degree swivel base, and silenced rolling casters. The comfortable seat cushion is made of high-density foam for softness and support.
The S-shaped backrest is not adjustable, but it’s designed to mimic the natural curve of the spine to offer support and has a 120-degree tilt tension. It’s made of a breathable mesh that’s flexible and comfortable. Each side of the chair is equipped with a 90-degree flip-up armrest.
This chair has a 250-pound weight capacity and features a sleek design with a black chair and white accents; plus, rounded corners give it a contemporary look.
Product Specs
- Type: Ergonomic
- Material: Mesh and fabric
- Adjustability: Recline and height
Pros
- Affordable
- S-curved backrest
- Quiet rolling casters
Cons
- Lacks a headrest
Get the Hbada office chair on Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
With four support points for the head, back, hips, and arms, this office chair is designed for proper back and lumbar support. It features a high back and an S-shaped ergonomic design to encourage proper posture from head to hips. This chair has a range of adjustable features. The backrest can tilt from 90- to 120-degrees and the adjustable headrest has a height and angle adjustment option. Flip-up armrests can adjust in-line with the chair back to sit closer to the desk or to tuck the chair fully underneath the desktop. The armrests include soft padding and are height adjustable.
This chair also has an adjustable seat height, swivel base, and smooth-rolling polyurethane (PU) casters. The back of the chair and the seat are covered with breathable, tear-resistant mesh, which allows for full airflow. The seat is on the larger side and has a 280-pound capacity. The all-black design paired with the “floating” headrest gives this chair a modern look.
Product Specs
- Type: Ergonomic
- Material: Mesh
- Adjustability: Headrest, armrests, recline, and height
Pros
- Full back support
- Breathable mesh back and seat
- Adjustable headrest height and angle
Cons
- Large seat may be uncomfortable for shorter users
Get the Gabrylly office chair on Amazon.
Most Comfortable
Hbada Ergonomic High Back Computer Chair
This gaming chair from Hbada is designed for comfort. It features a high-density seat cushion that’s soft but not too soft. A too-soft cushion can cause slouching, but this seat is comfortable and does not collapse. The high backrest encourages proper alignment by supporting the back and neck. The chair features a removable headrest and lumbar support. Both the headrest and lumbar cushion offer soft, adjustable, padded support.
With adjustable seat and armrest height, 360-degree swivel, and rolling casters, it has the details you’d expect from an ergonomic office chair, but this option also features a reclining backrest with a 155-degree recline and a padded, pullout footrest to let users lie back and relax. The chair is made of durable and easy-to-clean PU leather and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Product Specs
- Type: Gaming
- Material: Polyurethane leather
- Adjustability: Headrest, armrests, lumbar cushion, footrest, recline, and height
Pros
- Supportive, padded back and seat
- Adjustable lumbar and headrest cushions
- Built-in footrest
Cons
- Thin armrest padding
Get the Hbada ergonomic office chair on Amazon or at Wayfair.
Best Reclining
Bossin Gaming Chair with Footrest and Headrest
With a 155-degree recline and telescoping footrest, this office chair is an ideal pick for comfortable work breaks. It features a large, padded seat cushion and a high-back design that offers full back support. It reclines back as far as 155 degrees and has an extendable, telescoping footrest that’s padded for extra comfort.
This reclining chair has a 300-pound capacity and is made from wear-resistant and sleek PU leather. Its height is adjustable, and it has a 360-degree swivel and omnidirectional rubber PU wheels. For support as well as comfort, it includes a lumbar support cushion and a removable neck rest cushion. This reclining chair from Bossin is big on comfort for a relatively affordable price.
Product Specs
- Type: Gaming
- Material: Polyurethane leather
- Adjustability: Headrest, lumbar cushion, footrest, recline, and height
Pros
- Affordable
- Built-in footrest
- Well-padded armrests
Cons
- Footrest feels a bit flimsy
Get the Bossin office chair on Amazon or Wayfair.
Best Kneeling
Dragonn by Vivo Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Kneeling chairs are a popular office chair alternative. The forward-leaning design is said to help engage the core and improve posture. They’re designed to sit at an ideal angle to distribute weight evenly throughout the seat and legs. This kneeling chair from Dragonn encourages an upright posture that can put less pressure on the back. The height is adjustable, allowing users to find the optimal sitting angle and position. Both the seat and the kneepads have 3-inch thick cushioning for a soft sitting surface.
The strong metal base has a 250-pound capacity. This chair also features lockable rolling casters. It’s easy to move, but the locking mechanism is a safety feature to prevent the chair from rolling when sitting or standing up. The all-black design is simple and suits most any home or office decor.
Product Specs
- Type: Kneeling
- Material: Faux leather
- Adjustability: Height
Pros
- Ergonomic, core-engaging design
- Height adjustable
- Thick seat and knee cushioning
Cons
- First few uses may feel uncomfortable to some users
Get the Vivo office chair on Amazon or at Wayfair.
Best Ball Chair
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Exercise Ergonomic Chair
Ball chairs are another office chair alternative. Balancing on a ball chair is supposed to engage the core and encourage straight posture. This ball chair from Gaiam helps to do that safely. It features a removable rubber ball on a ball holder, which keeps the chair stable. Along with the back-support bar, this design prevents the ball from rolling away or slipping while the user is sitting down.
This ball chair has a 300-pound weight capacity and is designed for users who are 5 feet to 5 feet 11 inches tall. For those who are taller, Gaiam sells leg extenders to add height.
The ball holder has smooth caster wheels with a front locking mechanism. It includes an air pump and is easy to assemble. This chair includes a blue ball, but a range of other colors are available from this brand.
Product Specs
- Type: Ball chair
- Material: Plastic and rubber
- Adjustability: None
Pros
- Encourages active sitting
- Includes a backrest
- Lockable caster wheels
- Comes with air pump
Cons
- No adjustable features
Get the Gaiam balance ball office chair on Amazon.
Best Big and Tall
Hon Sadie Big and Tall Office Computer Chair
This big-and-tall chair from Sadie features a 400-pound weight capacity and a comfortable wide seat. The seat is 20.9 inches deep, and both the seat and backrest are 22 inches wide. It features a durable build, including sturdy smooth-rolling casters and a comfortable mesh back.
With a range of adjustable features, this chair is built with comfort in mind. The chair is height adjustable, and adjustable lumbar support offers lower back support where it’s needed. This chair also has adjustable padded armrests to bolster the arms and shoulders.
Product Specs
- Type: Ergonomic
- Material: Mesh and fabric
- Adjustability: Armrests, lumbar support, recline, and height
Pros
- Large seat and backrest
- Good weight capacity
- Adjustable lumbar support
Cons
- Uncomfortable for shorter users
Get the Hon Sadie office chair on Amazon or Wayfair.
Best Ergonomic
Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
With extra attention paid to ergonomics, the Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair is the top pick for those looking for the ultimate ergonomic office chair for back pain. The design of this chair conforms to the body, providing comfort and support for long workdays.
Features include an adjustable headrest, all-direction adjustable 4D-Orbital armrests, 135-degree recline, and height hydraulic height adjustment. A dynamic lumbar support adjusts to provide comfort throughout the day.
Along with these adjustable features, the chair has a fully mesh seat design, from headrest to seat. This provides optimal airflow, which means less sweating and discomfort. The ElastoMesh isn’t just breathable; it also comfortably cradles the body. All of these features are set upon smooth-rolling blade wheels, which gives this office chair a premium feel.
Product Specs
- Type: Ergonomic
- Material: Mesh
- Adjustability: Headrest, armrests, recline, and height
Pros
- Ergonomic design from head to seat
- Dynamic reactive lumbar support
- Breathable and comfortable
Cons
- Lacks user-adjustable lumbar support
Get the Nouhaus office chair on Amazon.
Best For Lower Back Pain
Hon Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair
An office chair with adequate back support is crucial for those suffering from lower back pain. A highly adjustable chair can also help improve back pain, allowing users to cater the chair to their proportions. The Hon Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair features all of the above, with excellent support and several adjustable features.
A four-way stretch mesh back provides breathable and gentle support that feels soft while encouraging proper posture. This seat also has height-adjustable lumbar support, height- and width-adjustable arm supports, and a contoured cushioned seat. Like many ergonomic office chairs, this one also has adjustable recline and height.
Product Specs
- Type: Ergonomic
- Material: Mesh and fabric
- Adjustability: Armrests, lumbar support, recline, and height
Pros
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Height- and width-adjustable armrests
- Breathable and supportive stretch mesh backrest
Cons
- Pricey
Get the Hon Ignition office chair on Amazon.
Our Verdict
With a supportive design and an excellent array of adjustable features, the Duramont office chair is the best office chair for back-pain sufferers. Those looking for a more affordable or smaller office chair should consider the Hbada office chair, which features a more compact design for less.
How We Chose the Best Office Chairs for Back Pain
For those who suffer from back pain, it’s essential to choose a suitable office chair. The best office chairs for back pain are supportive and comfortable above all. These two criteria points were at the top of our priority list, and we chose only chairs that encourage good posture and feel nice to sit in, both short- and long-term. On top of a supportive design, we also included a few chairs with extra comfort features, like wide and tall designs and built-in footrests for reclining.
While support is a priority for those with back pain, there are several other features to consider. Since the feel and longevity of the chair is just as important as how supportive it is, we chose chairs made of comfortable, breathable, and durable materials. Some back-pain sufferers prefer nontraditional seats, so we also included a kneeling chair and ball chair on our list. Lastly, since ergonomic office chairs can be expensive, we kept affordability in mind, choosing chairs at a range of price points.
FAQs
A high-quality office chair reduces the strain from extended sitting, keeping the spine aligned and the back supported. A more comfortable workday awaits with the best office chair for back problems. Still trying to pick the perfect chair? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you choose.
Q: Is a hard chair better for your back?
It’s easier to maintain good posture in a harder chair. A chair that’s too soft can cause slouching. For optimal comfort, look for a chair with an ergonomic sturdy base and added padding for comfort.
Q: How do I choose a chair for back pain?
The main features to look for are support and adjustability. Supportive features include an ergonomic shape and lumbar supports. Adjusting these supports to your preference can further minimize back pain from sitting.
Q: How should I sit for the best ergonomics?
It is best to sit so your knees are level with your hips, with wrists straight and hands in-line or below elbow level, and with the monitor around an arm’s length away from your eyes.