Nearly 65 million Americans suffer from back pain, and some 16 million suffer from chronic back pain. A likely culprit? Working more than eight hours a day. But even if your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, there are ways to reduce the stress on your back.
One is to get a standing desk (which we highly recommend), but it can be cumbersome and expensive. An easier way to prevent back pain? Invest in an ergonomic office chair.
In recent years, we’ve seen brands make great strides with some of the best office chairs for back pain. If you’ve been sitting in the same chair for years, it may surprise you at how much these new chairs can relieve back pain.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best office chairs for back pain - including budget chairs and high-end chairs - as well as tips for choosing the best office chair for your workspace.
The best office chairs for back pain
In any conversation about the best office chairs for back pain, two brands almost always come up - Herman Miller and Steelcase. In addition to these two brands, there are also some incredibly comfortable ergonomic chairs that are much more affordable.
Here are the best office chairs for back pain that you can buy online right now:
1. Herman Miller Aeron
Herman Miller has long been the king of office chairs, and its reign is justified. The brand’s best-sellers, like this Aeron chair, offer unparalleled ergonomic support with doctor-developed designs that take into account everything from biomechanics to vision. For example, the Aeron features independent flexion cushions to support the lower spine, great adjustability and premium pressure distribution. It’s an expensive chair, sure, but well worth the price if you work at a desk all week.
Buy: Herman Miller Aeron
2. Gabrylly ergonomic mesh office chair
Fancy chairs are worth their price, but you don’t have to spend over $1,000 to get a great back pain office chair. This chair from Gabrylly is a great budget-friendly choice (currently $270 on Amazon), equipped with four ergonomic support points for the head, back, hips, and hands, as well as additional lumbar support to help reduce and prevent back pain while you work. Its mesh seat and backrest also contribute to air circulation for more comfort and less sweating.
Buy: Gabrylly ergonomic mesh office chair
3. Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
The Steelcase Gesture is another high-end office chair that is worth its price. The chair gets its name, “Gesture,” from a feature that allows the seat and backrest to move in sync when you change positions. This feature not only promotes movement throughout the workday but also helps keep your back in a wider range of positions. Like most Steelcase chairs, we also think the Gesture is one of the best looking office chairs available on the market.
Buy: Steelcase Gesture Office Chair
4. Varier Variable Balans Kneeling Chair
If you’re still suffering from lower back pain after using a good ergonomic office chair, we recommend you try this Varier chair. It repositions your pelvis for better spinal alignment, exercises the core, and relieves lower back pain. It also has curved glides that allow you to rock slightly, which helps us stay in motion throughout the day. Plus, the Varier is less expensive than most ergonomic office chairs.
Buy: Varier Variable Balans Kneeling Chair
Office Chair Buying Guide
Finding the best office chair for back pain is not a simple task. Below are some of the criteria we used to find the best office chairs for back pain that you will want to keep in mind when shopping. Tip: If you really want to get a great office chair for back pain reduction, order several and test them out as long as you can during the return period.
Ergonomics: The key to a good office chair is its ergonomics - how it encourages your body to stay in a healthy, upright position. Look for spinal support at the top, enough lumbar support to keep your lower back straight and a seat positioned to keep your hips open. Also, look for chairs that accommodate movement and adapt to original positions throughout the day (like the Steelcase Gesture).
Adjustability: The adjustability of an office chair is essential to its ergonomics, as the body and the ideal sitting position differ slightly from person to person. The more adjustment options, the better. In addition to height and tilt, look for adjustable armrests, headrests and seats.
Materials: The quality of the upholstery, covers and frame materials is another key difference between good and bad office chairs. They typically make office chair seats and backs of mesh, fabric, or faux leather. Mesh is the most popular because it’s cooler, but leather and fabric offer a softer feel (and looks better too).
How we chose the best office chairs for back pain
To find the best office chairs for back pain, we tested a range of chairs, read what experts have to say about good seating positions, and researched the chairs that have kept longtime users’ backs healthy. We also considered the budget, as office chairs can be expensive, and we chose office chairs that were both expensive and affordable.
