On account of the inevitably long hours of sitting while we work, many of us are suffering from back pains. We have been trying to figure out ways of reducing pains while we sit. Now that the sedentary activities are the culprit of backaches, the most effective recipe is to reduce them. However, the dilemma is that we have to sit in our spot for hours at a stretch, or else we can hardly do our work. Therefore, we come up with another solution, and that is to buy the best office chair for back pain.
Which Chair Is Best For Back Pain?
Features:
- Recycle Material: Eco-friendly
- Eight Latitudinal Zones: Brings relief on every part of your back
- Adjustable Height: Meets the needs of different height
- Ergonomic Chair: Fits even fat people to use
How to Choose Best Office Chair for Back Pain?
Back pain is a common problem experienced by many individuals. While genetics and poor bone structure, as well as too much strain put forth on your joints, maybe some of the reasons why you’re experiencing this, there are other factors that can even aggravate the pain. In turn, it can affect your lifestyle as well as your activities, and as early as now, you have to do something about it. Buying the best office chair for back pain is a solution.
Choosing the wrong type of chair may have a tremendous impact on your back, and eventually may cause back pain, so it’s important for you to buy the best office chair for back pain. Additionally, if you’re sitting for prolonged periods and your chair doesn’t offer enough support, you’re most likely to experience these pains. While genetic factors and hereditary issues may be beyond our control, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything to stop the occurrence of back pain.
There are different types of chairs that you can choose from, and when looking for an office chair, look for the features listed below. Additionally, these features will also give you back support, especially that you’ll be using this office chair most of the time.
1. Chairs that Promote Movement
One of the primary reasons why you experience back pain is that you lack movement. Look for a chair that allows you to move – even subtle movements every once in a while can make a huge difference. The best office chair for back pain will support you in the process of moving.
Click here to buy the Best High-End Steelcase Leap Office Desk Chair for Posture Variation
2. Lumbar Support
When you’re in front of your computer, on the phone or simply having a meeting with someone else, it is important that you choose the best office chair for back pain that follows your back naturally. This means that the best office chair has lumbar support, preventing your bones at the back to create downward pressure. It is important that your office chair allows you to move freely, while at the same time, still providing you the back support that you need regardless of your position.
Click here to buy the Best Aeron Chairs with PostureFit SL Lumbar Support.
3. Comfortable Cushion
Considering you’ll be sitting on this for more than 5 hours, it is important that you’re comfortable. It needs to be made of high-quality foam; it doesn’t just add to the chair’s durability, but it also is a huge factor in terms of giving you comfort. So, when you are searching for the best office chair for back pain, don’t forget this.
Click here to buy the Best Cheap Boss Black LeatherPlus Executive Chair with Thick Padding
4. ‘Anti-Slouching’ Feature
Many men and women tend to slouch, especially when sitting for hours. You should look for an office chair that prevents you from slouching, and lets you sit properly instead without making you feel uncomfortable.
Not all office chairs can fit everyone – but it is important that you look for one that can fit your body types and sizes. It’s not that difficult to find. Look for the best office chair for back pain that has a wide panel and base. This design also provides you more space to move freely, preventing back pains.
Click here to buy the Alera Elusion Series Mesh Mid-Back Swivel Tilt Chair
5. For People Who Are Susceptible to Back Pains
People who are in the office, stay in front of their computer for 7-8 hours, or those that require more sitting than going out are the ones susceptible to back pains. Additionally, those individuals who have had a history of rheumatoid arthritis and bone conditions similarly are at great risk – making it even more important to look for a chair that will help you prevent bad backs and pains in the long run.
6. The Best Office Chair for Those with Bad Backs
If you already have a bad back, or even suffering from osteoporosis, don’t forget to take into consideration the features listed above. Looking for the right office chair doesn’t just promote comfort, but it can contribute to your bone health overall.
Click here to buy the SPACE Seating ProfessionalEco Leather Seat Managers Chair
How to Prevent Back Pain At Work?
It is inevitable for people to sit for a long time for work, which does great harm to your spine and especially to your back. The following factors are needed in preventing or relieving the back pain for long time work:
1. Choosing the right type of chair.
Choose an office chair that allows your back to rest against lumbar support, and makes it slightly reclines to better fit the curve of your back. Some of the chairs may not ergonomic, but placing a lumbar cushion or tie the pillow on the seatback is also a great substitution.
2. Stretching your shoulder.
Roll the shoulder back and down, and square them over the hips, that is the right position for both sitting and standing. Feels like there is a string on your head being pulled up.
3. Keeping a good posture.
Never cross your legs. It is the common posture that most people used to sit on the chair and is the most harmful position to the spine. Uncross and relax no matter how long you need to sit.
4. Sitting with Support.
choosing an adjustable office chair is important for it makes it available for customizing height in need of different people use. Your feet should always be able to place flat on the floor when sitting, and that is a suitable height for your thigh to angle down slightly. By maintaining such a position, all your weight is placed on the bone instead of on your lower back, which is the major cause of your back pain and shoulder pain.
5. Keyboard and computer tray height.
Keeping your eye and your computer screen in the same height, and adjust your keyboard tray to make it high enough to place your elbow in 90 degrees. Through this position, you can relax your shoulders and your neck. If your tray gets too low, just place the keyboard on the desk. Besides, the mouse should be in the same height as the keyboard.
6. Walking and exercise around.
The expert suggests that you need to take a break after sitting for an hour, or your spine and your back will get stiffness and cause pain. It is best to stand up and walk around the office every half hour. Get yourself a cup of coffee and relax.
For more detailed reviews and guides of the best office chair for back pain, please read:
Effective Exercise to Reduce Back Pain
Are Swivel Chairs Bad For Your Back?
The answer to this question is, NO! When the chair you are using doesn’t provide lumbar support, then there is the difficulty of maintaining the correct posture. Without the provision of support to your lumbar spine and other larger muscles in your body, the lower back tends to strain much to provide support and provide proper spine alignment and curvature.
When the body tends to tire the back muscles holding the spine, the body tends to grow weak and weary, but using this chair is different as such cases are adequately handled. As long as you take breaks after a prolonged sitting and you make continuous efforts like getting few hours to do physical exercises, go for a scenic ride, timed run or walk, and developing self-care habits will do you good.
What Is A Good Office Chair for Bad Backs?
There are many types of chairs on the market. Each of them will share some similarities and also have some differences. So, you need to know what the best types of chairs are for back pain relief. Here I will give you some tips and chair reviews. Read on to see how they will help you.
1. Ergonomically Designed Task Chairs
An ergonomic chair is what most people will go for when choosing office seating. Since the chairs come at varying prices, they have different ways of relieving back pains. The most common type is the adjustability. Chair parts that can be adjustable include back height, angle, and curvature, seat height, width, and depth, lumbar support height, arm height, width, and direction. Also, you can see flip-up arms and retractable footrests.
If your budget allows, you can buy the chairs that incorporate all these features. However, you need to do the trade-off among them if you have a tight budget. Listed below are some recommendable chairs for back pain relief. They come with different designs and at varying price ranges.
1.1 Best Ergonomic Office Chair For Back Pain – Fully Adjustable Herman Miller Aeron Chairs with PostureFit SL Lumbar Support
These are one of the best-selling chairs of Herman Miller, which sets the gold standard for all office seating furniture. These chairs are famous for their unique PostureFit SL lumbar support, a mechanism that promotes good sitting posture. You can adjust the curvature of the chair back to fit the shape of your spine. Then, the natural inward curve of your spine will stay the way they are supposed to be. This is good news because it will help you take the extra pressure off your lower back and reduce pains.
With these chairs, you will enjoy unprecedented comfort and relief. So, no more hesitation. For office chairs, you get what you pay for. These picks worths every penny of it.
1.2 Comfortable Office Chair For Back Pain – Steelcase Leap High-End Office Executive Chair for Varying Postures – Best For Movement
A strong competitor of Herman Miller is Steelcase, another manufacturer that has earned a name as a company for expensive chairs. These Leap chairs from them have won popularity and reputation among their customers.
These chairs are cheaper than Aeron series, available at less than 1,000 bucks. Where this chair outperforms others is its concern over movements in the chairs and your body. After, one can not sit still while working. Instead, we vary our positions from time to time. Sometimes we lean forward, and sometimes we recline back. These postures are not all proper ones, so they may cause pains in the long run.
Therefore, these Leap chairs employ the Live Back design to mimic the movement of our spine while we move. Courtesy of this, the chair back will intelligently find out how to support our back while we change positions. By doing so, our back will feel less strain induced by poor sitting postures and then less pain. So, I would highly recommend you to buy this model if you like sitting in different ways.
1.3 Best Office Chair For Back and Hip Pain – Office Star SPACE Seating Professional AirGrid Tilting Desk Work Chair – Best Selling
These chairs have won a 4+ rating on Amazon from over 1,100 customer reviews. This is one of the facts speaking for their popularity and high quality. Another evidence is the AirGrid® feature. This is what accounts for your cool and heavenly feeling during the long office hours. Such a design makes for smooth airflow so that heat will not stay on the chair back.
Also, these chairs have adjustable arms. Both their angle and height are under your control. Therefore, you can find the most relaxing position by adjusting them. Placing your elbows slightly on the armrests while you type and form an angle of about 90 degrees is the most recommendable position. Feel free to try this posture on the SPACE Seating chairs and see how much they can help with shoulder and back pains.
1.4 Office Chair For Upper Back Pain – Alera Elusion Computer Desk Chair with Breathable Mesh Back Fabric Seat – Best For Long Hours
For long sitting hours, the breathability of the chairs is essential. You will feel sweaty and uncomfortable if the chairs do not allow air circulation. The mesh back of this chair will meet this requirement. Plus, it is available in 2 colors, black and white. They look quite distinct.
Besides, this chair has a contoured seat that will contribute to your improved sitting posture and reduced pains. The thick padding and soft fabric upholstery make the seat even comfier when you get seated.
1.5 Best Cheap Office Chair – Boss B8601 Black High-Back LeatherPlus Executive Office Chair Under $200
If budget is your top concern, then chairs from Boss Office Products will be a money-saving choice. Their chairs are mostly available at less than 200 dollars. Some are for at merely $50 to $80. Therefore, if you are searching for chairs for massive purchases within a limited budget, then you can also turn to them to save your time and energy.
Though low in price, the desk chairs have satisfying features to meet your basic needs in offices. This B8601, for example, employs LeatherPlus to ensure they look good after long-time or abusive uses. Also, they have padded arms to share the pressure you place on your shoulders. But that is not all they can do for you. For more features, please click on the button below to check on Amazon.
2. Reclining Executive Work Chairs
According to the BBC, the best posture while sitting is to recline a bit. Their suggestion over the best angle between your back and thighs is 135 degrees. They claim that in this position, your lower back and butts will feel the least stress, even less than sitting upright. Therefore, here, I would like to review some of the reclining chairs for you. Buy them to see if what they say is true.
2.1 Best Selling – 180-Degree Fully Reclining Office Gaming Chair for Back Pain Relief
These chairs are initially designed to fuel our gaming sessions. However, as they can provide comfort during consecutive sedentary hours, they are also welcomed in office rooms now. They have many features that are effective for back pain relief. The detachable and adjustable lumbar pillow is one. The fully reclining high back is another. These two features make for different activities on the chair, including gaming, typing, watching videos, reading, and even taking a nap.
For more tips on their functions, please hit the jump. You can read the customer reviews to judge if they are suitable for you. However, I’d say they are, by all means, a cheap and satisfying investment. If you don’t want to waste your time selecting chairs, just buy them.
2.2 Fully Adjustable – Breathable Reclining Desk Mesh Chair with Headrest for Neck Pain
These chairs allow not only reclining but also custom-making.
You can recline back on the chair back and find the position at which you feel the least strain. The chair back reclines from 90 to 125 degrees. Then, lock the back there and feel the subtle changes happening every day. It might be hard to notice how they help with lower back pains at the beginning, but you will find out gradually.
Also, these chairs have high adjustability. You can custom-make the position of the headrest, whether you want it higher or lower or from a different angle. Besides, the lumbar support is adjustable in 2 ways, depth, and height. Also, the height of the armrests is not fixed. Such flexibility will allow you to modify the chair to your favorite level.
2.3 Best Budget – Flash Furniture Leather Swivel Executive Recliner with Ottoman Under $300
These are the specialized recliners you can buy for your office room. Sure, they are less appropriate as desk seats, but you can take it as an addition when you want to take a break from tedious work. Plus, there is an ottoman that comes along. Because of this, you can place your legs more comfortably with support when you recline on the chair.
Also, it is elegant enough to be reception chairs. With it, you can treat your distinguished guest in a good manner. After all, most people will like the luxurious design with premium leather upholstery.
3. Kneeling Office Chairs
It is no news that we have long been plagued by back pains. An estimated level of 50% to 80% of Americans have suffered from back pains at some point in life. So, I have also been trying to find out how to reduce pains in the easiest ways. The chairs mentioned above are some of the solutions I have. In addition to that, I come to the kneeling chairs.
Kneeling chairs are gaining popularity among people who care about reducing back pain induced by long sitting activities. At first sight of the chairs, I didn’t hold a positive attitude towards them. How we sit on the chairs seems awkward to me. However, my doctor and friends all recommend me to give it a shot, and so I did. The result turns out to be amazing. The immediate relief of pain when I get seated might be a false impression. However, it is 100% true that I am taking less notice of my backs. And the reason is I am not feeling pains as much as I used to do.
Therefore, I would also suggest you buy these kneeling desk chairs for special back needs. They will be of great help during long hours of sitting.
3.1 Best Overall – Hot-Selling Dragonn Adjustable Kneeling Office Posture Chairs with Wheels
This is the best-selling pick on Amazon. The chair height is adjustable from 21 to 28 inches. Plus, it can hold as many as 250 pounds. That said, the chair can fit most people and desks perfectly. Besides, the design of this chair has ensured ergonomics and is undoubtedly the best office chair for back pains. So, what you need to do is to take a brave step forward and try this new way of sitting. You will not be disappointed.
3.2 Most Popular – Varier Variable Balans Original Rocking Padded Wood Kneeling Chairs
Different from the former chair, this one has a rocking base. Therefore, you will need to lift the chair up if you want to move it. However, thanks to its lightweight, this is no big deal for most people.
Sitting on chairs with such bases often reminds me of my riding rocking horses in childhood. The unique way of sitting makes such feeling even stronger. Therefore, I always feel much fun working while sitting on rocking kneeling chairs. I hope you can also relish the joy and health improvement they have brought me. That’s why I recommend this model for you. So, click on the button below to buy them for your home and office.
3.3 Best for Pregnancy – Breathable Kneeling Work Chairs with Back Support No Wheels
These chairs are more recommendable than the former two if you are pregnant. One of the reasons is that they have back support that makes you feel safer. Besides, they will help you get accustomed to such different seating. Some kneeling work chairs have chest support in the front part, but it is mostly useless and even troublesome. Therefore, this mesh chair is a wise choice if you are new to chairs that you kneel on or if you want more safety while sitting.
4. Exercise Ball Chairs
Exercise ball chairs are a combination of the fitness balls we use for yoga training and normal seating. This is a way of promoting dynamic sitting and thus improving our overall health. While sitting on the balls, we will feel more dynamic. Therefore, we tend to work more efficiently.
In addition to the role of a seat, these ball chairs can help with our exercise sessions. The chairs with a base have a detachable ball. So, you can take the ball off and follow your yoga lessons to do you a power of good. Some manufacturers have taken this into consideration and print some simple instructions on the balls. This will be more convenient.
4.1 Best Selling – Top-rated Gaiam Balance Ball Chair with Back And Wheels for Bad Backs
Of all the yoga ball chairs online, this is the one with the most sales.
These chairs have the seats that are 24″ off the ground. This makes them suitable for users 5′ to 5’11” tall. In other words, if you are far from this height range, you may want to see other ball chairs with a bigger or smaller size.
The base that holds the balls is a thoughtful design. It helps you accustom yourself to this special seating if you have never tried it before. The chair back will work with the metal bar in the front to hold the ball firmly. Meanwhile, it will support your lumbar area, too.
4.2 Best Quality – Portable Stability Ball Chair with Handle & Cover for Home And Office
Much as we have talked about the importance of exercising, few can hold on to that. Therefore, designers make such balance ball chairs to help us exercise while working. The former model has a chair-like base to help you accustom yourself to such seating. This ball seating, however, does not have a base as the former one does. So, they are what you buy when you are familiar with sitting on balls.
However, you don’t have to worry if they will roll around in your office. They have a fabric cover that prevents the ball from rolling too easily and frequently. Also, there is a handle on the cover for you to carry the ball with you.
Additionally, the balls come with varying colors and 2 sizes. Feel free to choose the size that fits you best and the colors you love the most. They will be the best office chair for back pain sufferers.
5. Standing Desk Chairs
Americans sit in chairs for 13 hours a day on average. This is more than the time people lie in bed and move. Is it OK to spend so much time sitting? Well, your mounting work may give you an affirmative answer, but your doctor will reply with an absolute no. According to health experts, the most recommendable way of working is alternate between sitting and standing at a certain rate. Neither standing nor sitting for long periods is good for your health. Instead, that will take tolls on your well-being.
Therefore, there are the sit-stand chairs on hand for you. These chairs have an adjustable height for you to sit and stand in front of your computer desk in comfort. Besides, the adjustable seats will provide support while you stand in case of excessive pressure on calves. The best office chair for back pain should include such models, too. So, I have listed some types of chairs for a standing workstation. Don’t miss out.
5.1 Best Versatile – Professional Sit-Stand Chair with Ergonomic Mat for All-day Uses
These standing chairs are one of the best for you to alternate between sitting and standing. When you want to sit down. the seat is adjustable to run parallel with the floor. Then it will support your butts while you work or watch videos with your computer.
If you are tired of sitting and want to stand up for a while, these chairs are also helpful. After adjusting your desk to a standing height, the chairs can be adjusted accordingly. The seat height will go higher and the angle of it can change to support your lower back or butt while you stand up. In this way, the chair will share some of the load you place on your back and, therefore, relieve back pains.
5.2 Best for Bad Backs – Padded Armless Office Chair with Back And Adjustable Foot Ring
If you already have a bad back, then I would like to recommend this tall chairs for your standing desks. This is a taller version of the ergonomic task chairs you have seen frequently. The foot ring at the bottom is also adjustable. Therefore, you can find the position at which you place your feet on it in the comfiest way.
5.3 Best for Health – Ergonomically Designed Anti-Fatigue Mat for Standing Workstation
When you don’t want to change your sitting chairs, buying an anti-fatigue mat is a perfect solution. These mats are different from the decorative mats in your living room. Instead, they have some ergonomic designs to ensure comfort while you stand. They allow you to stand with one foot effortlessly, too. Now that standing to work is feasible, you are more likely to work more efficiently. Improved productivity is good news both for you and for your boss.
Therefore, after buying the best office chair for back pain, this mat will be a huge plus for your workstation.
6. Massage Chairs And Pads
There is something else you can do to help with your backaches, and getting massages is one of the recipes. However, you may find yourself too busy to go to massage shops due to the fast pace of life. Therefore, this is when the massage chairs for homes and offices shine.
Modern massage chairs are advancing fast in the technology involved. They can mimic human hands and give us shiatsu massages. Meanwhile, they will give out heat to warm your body and relax your stiff muscles. Besides, they distribute massaging knots all over the back and seat for pin-pointed massages. More and more massage modes are now available on the chairs. Nowadays, you can even enjoy massage techniques from all over the world on them.
Plus, there is a zero-gravity technology that has inspiration from space travel. This is what allows you to reline on the chairs in a ‘weightless’ position to receive massages. Courtesy of this, you can enjoy a more effective and soothing massaging session.
It is hard to generalize all the features on massage chairs. However, what I can conclude is that they will save you time and money while dealing with your pains. So, here I would like to recommend some of the top picks for your reference.
6.1 Best Look – Simple Design Pro Shiatsu Massage Chair with Zero-Gravity Technology
You may have found that most massage chairs come in dark colors if you have noticed them in malls or online. I don’t know if the same goes for you, but I’m kind of tired of such colors as black going with dark brown. Therefore, I fell in love with these chairs at first sight. They have light colors that can boost my mind. Placing them in my home and office will make a difference to the place.
In addition to the colors, the professional massage functions attract my attention too. They have the zero-gravity positions as other high-end chairs do, but are available at a more affordable price. Therefore, I feel less burdensome when I buy it. If you care about cost-efficiency as much as I do, I’d say this is the best one.
6.2 Best Functional – Relaxon Shiatsu, Kneading & Airbag Massage Chairs with Manual & Auto Modes
These are more functional massage chairs for your home and office. They have a zero-gravity technology as the former pick does. Also, they are good at giving you full-body massages. This upgraded version has made improvements in many of its massage techniques. Therefore, you will find them more user-friendly.SLump in the chair, and it will take good care of your fatigue muscles. They are, undoubtedly, better at relieving back pains than ergonomic office chairs do.
I would highly recommend you to spare some time for a massage experience on these chairs after a whole day of work. They will give you unprecedented relaxation, so much so that you may fall asleep in the process.
6.3 Most Convenient – Cheap Portable Heat & Vibration Seat Massager for Car And Indoor Uses
Are you looking for a portable massage pad? Then this is your top choice. When you find it hard to squeeze out time to get massages on office chairs, then you can secure this massage pad to your car seat and do it there. After that, you can also take it with you to your home or office and place them on your chairs and sofas. They will also work well on such seating. The DC adapter for cars and AC adapter for indoor uses are both available.
These chair pads have simple but effective massage functions, including heat, vibration, and shiatsu massage. With the combination of the three, your back and thighs will feel warm and relaxing. Besides, they come with a remote controller. It is easy to use and will give you the right to change massaging modes at will.
If you have bought the best office chair for back pain, this pad will be a surprising addition.
Factors to Look For in Picking Best Office Chair For Back Pain
1. Comfort
When choosing a back pain chair, you have to consider one that its back and cushion gives support and helps the incorrect distribution of weight evenly hence able to alleviate back pains caused by poor sitting posture.
2. Ergonomic
Pick an ergonomic chair that is anatomically correct that can move with you when you move and should have more space size creating room for you to adopt different postures when sitting.
3. Adjustability
Consider essential features like adjustability where adjustments can easily be made for different individual users; contains a tilting limiter where perfect positions can be obtained to solve back pains, contoured plus adjustable lumbar support to improve posture, adjustable armrest and headrest besides containing strong graphite bases and frame.
4. Breathability and warranty
Breathable features of the chair should be considered alongside available warranty from the manufacturing company.
5. Durability
You should not forget the durability quality of the chair; always look for one chair that is made of durable materials as it has the potential of serving for an extended period. This will help solve inconveniences brought about by breakage or replacing some parts.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pains are one of the reasons why people miss work or go to see a physiotherapist or a doctor and have been one of the causes of disability across the globe. Fortunately enough, one can take precautions to prevent or even relieve back pains. Simple home medication and exercises and proper body mechanics can heal and relieve back discomforts within weeks. What mostly can cause back pains include:
Spinal degeneration and injuries
It can be caused by falls or carrying of heavy loads causing muscle strain when one is not physically fit or lifting loads that are beyond one’s strength causes painful muscle spasm that results to back pains.
Bulging and ruptured disks
These are fine cushion material inside your spinal and are between vertebrae bones and can bulge or get ruptured on the nerves, and this can be as a result of accidents or X-rays done on the spine areas.
Arthritis
Arthritis disease can cause narrowing of space around the spinal cord hence affecting the lower back, causing one to experience pains.
Skeletal irregularities
This is a condition that can make your spine to take a side curved due to uncomfortable posture hence causing pain.
How to Sit At An Office Chair If You Have Back Pain
You have to sit smartly by choosing a chair with lower back support, with armrests, and contain a swivel base. If possible, you can place a pillow on the small of your back to maintain a normal curve, but if the seat you are using has a normal body back curve, then there is no need to use a pillow. You should keep your hips and knees at a normal level, and don’t forget to change your position regularly at least once within 30 minutes.
