Are you on a quest to find the best ergonomic office chairs for back and neck pain ?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Ergonomic Chairs Benefits
- Characteristics of the Good Ergonomic Office Chairs
- Ergonomic Office Chairs for Back and Neck Pain Buyer’s Guide
- Features to Consider When Buying an Ergonomic Chair
- Ergonomic Chair Tips
- Ergonomic Chair Accessories
- …
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Spending long hours at a desk can take a toll on your back. If you spend most of your day seated, you have probably experienced back pain of some sort. Many people are in agreement that some backaches are completely normal but they come with serious health consequences, from compromised immune systems to muscle problems and even shorter lifespans.
Office chairs that are designed poorly can result in overextended muscles, spinal curvature, or lumbar collapse.
This is the reason why you need to choose the right office chair for your back. With the right support, cushion, and fit, a new seat can make a great difference in the comfort of your back and even your overall health.
Ergonomic Chairs Offer the Following Benefits
- Improved support for the arms
- Ergonomic chair back that is better suited to the curvature of the shoulders and spine
- Adjustable height that allows for enhance foot and leg comfort
- Improved lumbar and back support
- Enhanced ability to work for longer without experiencing pain
- Reduced muscle tension and improved everyday posture
- Better head positioning that leads to less eyestrain and overall pain
- More comfortable neck support and positioning
Characteristics of the Good Ergonomic Office Chairs
An office chair that is great for back pain offers a design that is ergonomic to support the spine without causing the build up of any stress points. It also provides sufficient cushion that relieves pressure whenever it is felt. Most importantly, it is also adjustable so that you can make sure that all the cushion and support lines up with where it is needed the most.
Every Back is Different
Every back of course is different. This is why we went on a comprehensive search for only the very best solutions which we will offer in this guide. We have decided to recommend five of our all-time favorite models here, as well as some alternative seats that are popular, for example ball models and kneeling models. We will take you through the features offered by these seats that will help to relieve back pain and keep your entire body happy in the process.
Price
You are able to purchase a chair that is comfortable, functional and ergonomic for a few hundred dollars and all the way up to a thousand dollars.
Comparison Table
Either that or you have been planning on purchasing one yet due to the sheer amount of availability on the market, you are confused. Keep in mind that being confused with trivial methods such as this is okay, after all, this may very likely be the very first time that you are in the market for an ergonomic chair for back pain. That being said, there is some good news for you; the market is packed with all kinds of ergonomic chairs from every kind of manufacturer.
We based our rankings on a side-by-side comparison of these 5 products, paying close attention to the following characteristics:
- Consumer reviews
- Investment
- Seat Padding
- Adjustability
Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for Back and Neck Pain
- Serta Executive
- Herman Miller Aeron
- Herman Miller Embody
- Sayl Chair by Herman Miller
- Viva Office Mesh High Back Chair
1. Serta Executive – Best Budget Ergonomic Office Chair
- MICROFIBER UPHOLSTERY: Add a comfortable and homey touch to any home...
- SIGNATURE SERTA COMFORT: Swivel chair designed with a pillowed...
- CREATE AN INVITING SPACE: Velvet soft fabric and neutral colors create...
- GREAT FOR WORK OR PLAY: Helps keep you comfortable and relaxed whether...
- VERSATILE AND MOBILE: Adjustable height settings, convenient swivel...
For buyers on a budget, our top recommendation would be form Serta. It is and economical chair for back pain. Although simple, it is a sturdy executive chair with ergonomic supports and fully-body padding. The reason we like this one is because it looks like suede ,yet costs a mere fraction of the price. All our comfort boxes were ticked with this one and it will not break the bank, it is also sturdier than various other budget options.
- It offers great value for money, especially in regards to back support features.
- It is extremely soft, will make for a cozier office chair
- It is a high-back chair, meaning that your entire body is supported, including your head and neck.
- This chair’s seat has been built around a particle board core, this means it less durable than cores that are metal or wood.
- You cannot adjust the armrests. If you prefer to pull your chair under your desk when you type, this could be annoying.
2. Herman Miller Aeron – Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Herman Miller's patented Kinemat tilt mechanism lets your neck,...
- Unique breathable Follicle suspension dissipates the body heat that...
- The "waterfall" front edge of the seat takes the pressure off your...
- The pioneering PostureFit mechanism supports the way your pelvis tilts...
If you are searching for the best inversion table for your budget, the ITX9600 is for you. It is quite a popular product in the marketplace. Why does everyone love the table? The stability, simplicity, and price. You are guaranteed to feel safe when using it. It has an easily adjustable headrest cushion with a comfortable and cushioned backrest to help relieve your pain faster and help you feel comfortable. It has a 5-position-side-investable pin, which is easily adjustable as a replacement for the strap, which helps ensure a more consistent, safe, and comfortable position of inversion each time. The New cover, which is Patent Pending, helps to protect the ITX9600 and promote its durability too. A wonderful balance system for easy inversion as well as an ergonomically sound ankle holding system.
- 3 different sizes
- Almost limitless adjustments
- Quite sturdy
- Adjustable lumbar support, which is a first in the market
- A wide variety of colors, weaves, and trim options
- A 12-year warranty from Herman Miller
- Expensive but reasonably. Many buyers who wrote in their reviews stated that they found the price quite reasonable taking into consideration the amount of time they spent seated on the chair and the money they would have spent on back relief using other seats.
3. Herman Miller Embody – Editors’ Choice & Professional’s Choice
- RHYTHM fabric is tight, smooth soft to the touch, and prevents heat...
- INNOVATIVE ERGONOMIC DESIGN - More than 20 physicians and PhDs in the...
- BACKFIT ADJUSTMENT - Embody’s back is designed like a human’s,...
- FEATURES: tilt limiter, adjustable Seat Depth, fully adjustable arms,...
- PIXELATED SUPPORT - You feel Embody’s Pixelated Support the moment...
The Embody from Herman Miller is the latest flagship model from the brand. It is an improvement on the previous Aeron but now featuring a totally redesigned support system and more adjustments. We love the sophistication of the Embody, whose design was in collaboration with twenty different medical experts. It moves with you actively while you shift in your seat, which means that you are supported constantly. Buyers report that it is amazing for posture, back pain, and other typical downsides of all-day sitting. If you are searching for the best solution for your back pain at any price, it is hard to do better than the Embody.
- 12-Year warranty
- It moves with you actively as you adjust in your seat
- Has all ergonomic features found in the Aeron, which was a well loved model
- Designed for offering active support as opposed to active support. Active support constantly works to realign the spine and stimulates blood flow.
- It was designed by furniture designers and medical professionals working in collaboration
- It costs more than the Aeron
4. Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Best Ergonomic Office Chair under $600
- Sayl is a task chair that enables an unprecedented sense of freedom...
- Breathable unframed back keeps you cool while you work
- The organic shape of the Sayl back makes it elegant anywhere, from...
- Seat height is adjustable between 15.5 and 20 inches high
- 12-year Herman Miller warranty with Official Born-On-Date sticker
Herman Miller, the very first to produce the ergonomic hair now brings you the Sayl Chair, perhaps the most affordable chair from this company being as it is in the $500 – $600 range. Not only is this chair completely adjustable and extremely comfortable, it is also made complete from recyclable materials. So when you buy it, you will also feel great as you give back to the environment and support your lower back. Designed by the legendary Yves Behar, the chair is available in a variety of colors as well, allowing you to match it with your office settings.
- Modern and sleek design, available in several colors
- Designer engineered
- Extremely comfortable
- Fully adjustable
- Pricier than other similar featured ergonomic chairs
- Made out of recycled materials, meaning that at times it may look and feel inexpensive.
5. Viva Office Mesh High Back Chair – Best Ergonomic Office Chair under $300
- 【Ergonomic Design】This office chair has an ergonomic design, the...
- 【Comfortable Office Chair】Ergonomic mesh chair provides excellent...
- 【Adjustable Height】You can adjust the seat height according to...
- 【Smooth Rolling Casters】High quality base and casters for durable...
- 【Easy to Assemble】 We provide installation instructions and tools...
The perfect combination of features and price is found in the High Back Viva Office Mesh chair. The chair provides a mesh back which is ergonomic and avoids excessive buildup of heat and moisture, as well as adjustable armrests and pneumatic height adjustment.
- Comes with a fully adjustable headset which you can lean back on from time to time to rest your neck and head while you work.
- In this price range, the Viva Mesh office chair is one of the few ergonomic chairs for individuals that are six feet and taller.
- Backrest that only locks in upright position
- No forward tilt with this chair
- No tilt lock supported
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Ergonomic Office Chair for back pain
Think about your body
It is important that if you are taller than average, you make sure to purchase a high-backed chair which is able t o properly provide you head and neck with support. You also want one that is able to adjust to a greater height, this way your legs will not be sloping down towards your back. Also consider the specific aspect of an office chair that will help your back be more comfortable. Is lots of cushion something you prefer? Are you more inclined towards chairs that have a strong ergonomic core? Do you prefer a core that is engaged, or one that is relaxed as you sit? Is your chair going to be used along with additional equipment or cushions? Do you tend to roll your legs up under your keyboard, or do you sit back from your desk? Answering these questions before you purchase a chair will help you with narrowing down your options.
Think about your specific symptoms
Depending on the location and type of back pain you are experiencing, you will want to look into different comfort features for your office chair. For example, if you are experiencing lower back issues, you are probably not getting enough or getting too much lumbar support. If your spine is beginning to collapse into the chair or curve backwards, you are in need if more lumbar support. For shoulder and upper back pain, make sure to opt for a chair with a high-back which offers sufficient pillowing. It is also important to make sure that at the top of the chair, you have sufficient room so you can sit naturally, this way you do not need to scrunch your shoulders forward.
Instead of placing your focus in your symptoms, take the time to consider what the root of the problem could be. For example, a lot of shoulder and upper back pain can be sure to poor neck support. Pain in the mid- and lower back can be caused by poor pelvis and hip alignment. Make sure that you are not addressing just the pain itself, but also the symptoms.
Consider your budget
An office chair can cost from $50 to $1,500 or more. It is our recommendation that you spend a minimum of $100 if you are dealing with back pain issues. Anything under $100 and basically you are spending on utilitarian chairs that are mainly barebones with very thin cushioning and poor ergonomics. The more you invest in your new office chair, the more you can expect of it as far as padding and ergonomics are concerned. Models that are more expensive have a better design as well as more ergonomic features, for example waterfall edges, lumbar support, and neck rests.
They also come with thicker padding and cushioning that is made from materials that are more durable. Chairs that are cheaper have polyester stuffing, this tends to pack down relatively quickly. When that happens the comfort factor will really be reduced over the course of a year, especially if you have to work all day and all week at your desk. Insufficient cushioning can be rough on your pelvis and hips, this can in turn cause back pain.
Higher end office chairs however use mesh supports, foam padding, as well as other membrane systems that are more sophisticated. Not only do these materials last longer, they are also better at relieving tension tan fiber stuffing is. If what you want is a chair that is heavily padded, it is our recommendation that you spend around $400 – $500 for a chair that has memory foam cushioning.
Sophisticated support systems are provided by top-shelf models which adapt to your body specifically. Some of them also include back support features, adjustable lumbar support, as well as various comfort settings to choose from. They will provide ample room for adjustments help you to fit your chair in a more precise manner.
As far as back pain is concerned, you want an ergonomic design which is able to address your symptoms specifically, instead of simply providing the average amount of support. For a premium ergonomic chair, for example an Ergohuman or a Herman Miller you can expect to pay close to $1,000.
When considering the amount that you are willing to invest in your new chair, there are a few key factors you should take into consideration. For example, how much time will be spent in the chair on a daily basis? Then take your budget into consideration, in terms of how much your chair costs you weekly, over the course of its lifespan. Think about how serious your back symptoms are as well as the amount you have to spend on medical treatments or therapy.
As they look around for a deal, we encourage buyers experiencing back pain to consider investing a bit more into a better chair. Even though at first glance, a chair that costs $1,000 may seem like an absurd price, however when the cost is spread over years of dependable use, it really becomes much less. If forty hours is what you spend in your chair, then you may want to consider investing in a premium chair. High quality models can make a huge health difference for you , and they are guaranteed to last ten years or more.
You should also take into consideration the amount of money you will be able to save on physical therapy or medical bills. A chair that cost $1,000 no longer looks that expensive when having to go to physical therapy on a weekly basis is factored in. On the other hand, if throughout the workday you only sit in your chair on occasion, then perhaps you can spend a lot less on your new office chair. However, make sure that you spend enough to cover every single important basis. You want key ergonomic features such as lumbar support, and all-over cushioning.
If you’re low on cash and unable to pay for a premium ergonomic chair, then you can supplement a cheaper chair by adding on some extra cushions. You can purchase shaped gel pads and memory foam for an inexpensive price, and that are able to add custom support where it is needed the most.
When Choosing an Ergonomic Chair, There are Several Attributes You Should Consider, including:
The seat should be comfortable. Ideally, the seat should be 17 to 20 inches wide. This provides the standard seating range that allows a person to sit comfortably with their back against the backrest. It also gives you 2 to 4 inches between the chair seat and the back of your knees.
The seat material should add to your comfort. The ergonomic chair you choose should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on and made from a material that is breathable. The amount of padding and the type of fabric that works best varies from person to person. You need to find the comfort level that’s right for you since you’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in your chair.
When sitting in an office chair that does not provide lumbar support, it flattens the natural curve of your spine, which can lead to back problems. Select an ergonomic chair with lumbar support. The chair should follow the natural curve of your spine. There should also be features that allow for adjustments that allow you to find the perfect fit for your body.
Your chair’s backrest should be 12 to 19 inches wide and follow your spine’s natural flow. It’s a bonus to find a chair with an adjustable lever for the backrest. This can help you control how well the backrest fits your spine.
Features to Consider When Buying an Ergonomic Chair
- The seat height should be easily adjustable for your comfort.
- The backrest needs to adjust back and forth, as well as vertically.
- The lumbar support should provide comfortable support for your lower back.
- The arm rests should support your elbows and lower arms, adjust vertically and have some swivel.
- The seat should be sufficiently deep from back to front and wide enough to support you comfortably.
- You should be able to swivel and rotate 360 degrees in the chair and the wheels should slide easily.
- The chair should have 5 legs for stability.
Tips
- If you have looped or high-pile carpeting or hardwood floors you should get a floormat.
- The hardware needed to assemble your chair should be attached to the back of the chair. The instructions are usually in a bag.
- When pulling the level to raise the chair, stand over the chair. You should sit in the chair to lower it.
- Use the chair back to provide support.
- Place your lower back lumbar at the curve of your spine to get the most support and comfort.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor unless you use a footrest.
- The seat of the chair should be wide enough that there is space between your legs and the sides of the chair.
- You should adjust the tilt of the seat pan so that there is no pressure put on your knees.
- Don’t move the seat so far forward that it creates pressure on your knees or on your thighs, which can cut off circulation.
- Start a seat height adjustment by going downward until your legs and feet feel comfortable. You should end up at an angle of 90 degrees or more.
- Sit back in your chair and adjust the depth and height of the lumbar support.
- If the chair reclines, choose a setting that’s comfortable for you.
- If the chair has adjustable armrests, put the width, height, inner swivel and outer swivel, at a level that is most comfortable for you. Some people don’t like to have their arms on their armrests when they perform certain tasks, like typing, so you need to find what works best for you.
- Make sure the chair casters have space to allow them to move smoothly. If not, use a chair mat in your workspace. For example, a chair on a highly tufted carpet would be hard to move, so you can use a plastic or rubber mat.
Accessories
Seat and Back Support Cushions
If you place your feet on the floor, your knees should not be sloping downward. If they are you should consider getting a seat cushion to increase your height when seated.
If the bottom of your chair is too deep, it can create pressure on the back of your knees. You can use a back cushion at the backrest of your chair. This will push your body forward, releasing the pressure and providing better lumbar support.
Standard Foot Rest
A footrest will provide some comfort for your feet while raising your knees upward for improved posture. Some foot rests have balls that massage the bottom of your feet which can be very relaxing. A footrest is relatively inexpensive ranging from $20 to $45 on Amazon.com.
Final Words
When you consider how the ergonomic office chair market is saturated, you may find it difficult to find the perfect chair to help alleviate your back pain. That’s where lists like this come in handy. This list was crafted keeping a few things in mind. The most important factor being the needs of the customers and how much they would be able to spend on an ergonomic office chair.
We hope this lists provides you with enough information to be able to make an informed decision about which chair is best for you and your budget. Keep in mind that there are no such things as the “perfect” chair, however, each chair is designed with a specific customer in mind. There is no “one-size-fits-all” style or type of an ergonomic chair.
Our list includes chairs for the budget minded, as well as chairs for people who work long office hours. In case you missed a chair that you believe is great for people with back pain, please let us know.
Take action
Discover the joys of ergonomic chairs and start to feel better while doing your work. The comfort and support you’ll experience are beyond belief. Read through the customer reviews, determine how much you can spend and check out the warranties. Remember, even with an ergonomic chair you still need to keep yourself limber, so make sure to get up every 20 minutes and walk around.
Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Herman Miller's patented Kinemat tilt mechanism lets your neck,...
- Unique breathable Follicle suspension dissipates the body heat that...
- The "waterfall" front edge of the seat takes the pressure off your...
- The pioneering PostureFit mechanism supports the way your pelvis tilts...
Editors’ Choice & Professional’s Choice
- RHYTHM fabric is tight, smooth soft to the touch, and prevents heat...
- INNOVATIVE ERGONOMIC DESIGN - More than 20 physicians and PhDs in the...
- BACKFIT ADJUSTMENT - Embody’s back is designed like a human’s,...
- FEATURES: tilt limiter, adjustable Seat Depth, fully adjustable arms,...
- PIXELATED SUPPORT - You feel Embody’s Pixelated Support the moment...
Best Budget
- MICROFIBER UPHOLSTERY: Add a comfortable and homey touch to any home...
- SIGNATURE SERTA COMFORT: Swivel chair designed with a pillowed...
- CREATE AN INVITING SPACE: Velvet soft fabric and neutral colors create...
- GREAT FOR WORK OR PLAY: Helps keep you comfortable and relaxed whether...
- VERSATILE AND MOBILE: Adjustable height settings, convenient swivel...
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API