The Ultimate Guide To The Best Office Chairs For Back Pain Relief

August 26, 2024

The aches and pains in our bodies tell a story — and this is especially true when it comes to our backs. While back pain can be associated with issues like poor sleep or extra stress, it’s often connected to these two culprits: poor posture and unsupportive chairs.

So if you’re reading this right now with a sore lower back or an all-over achy sensation, there’s a good chance it’s time to invest in a better office chair with true back support.
If you're searching for the best office chair for back pain, understanding the link between your chair and back health is crucial. Before we get into the details of the best ergonomic office chairs (more on that below), here's a little *backstory* on the importance of, well, your back!

We all probably know our back muscles help us move, bend, rotate, stand, and lift. But your back, crucial for everything from movement to breathing, needs proper support — something an ergonomic chair for back pain can provide.

Not to mention, these muscles are responsible for supporting so much of your weight, as the back is known as the body’s “central support structure.” All this to say, taking care of your back is integral for protecting your spine and the rest of your body.

Unfortunately, the back is also one of the most common areas people experience discomfort. This is often caused by several lifestyle issues, like sitting too long, bad posture, or a little bit of both. But here’s the good news! There are many ways to relieve back problems — and that can start with simply updating your office chair.

What To Look For: How To Find the Best Office Chairs for Back Pain

Whether you're dealing with lower, upper, or general back pain, how to choose an office chair for chronic back pain is a very important question to ask. An office chair with back support can make a world of difference in your workday, productivity, and overall well-being. However, not all office chairs are created equally; some will do your back (way) more favors than others.

When searching for the best chairs for back pain at home, consider these essential ergonomic features:

ERGONOMIC DESIGN FOR BACK SUPPORT: This goes for the rest of your workstation too! An ergonomic design means the chair is especially designed to be efficient and comfortable during a workday, so that you can focus on your work — and not on your back pain. Learn how our chairs are designed to support each part of your back, and all the way from your neck and torso to your hips and glutes.
LUMBAR SUPPORT: Wondering what is the best lumbar support for an office chair? It’s a very important thing to consider. Effective lumbar support for office chairs ensures your spine's natural curve is maintained, easing discomfort. The extra support will also take pressure off the spine and encourage you to sit up a little straighter. Lumbar support can even help with indigestion or digestive issues. Amazing, right?
ADJUSTABLE FEATURES (ARMRESTS, HEADRESTS, HEIGHT, ETC): Look for adjustable features like armrests and seat height in office chairs for back support to tailor fit your body's needs. Since all of our bodies are different and unique, our chairs should be reflective of that, too! For example, a good position for someone who is 6'2 will be different for someone who is 5'2.
DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: High-quality ergonomic chairs are an investment that should last you years to come. That’s why we offer a 12-year warranty for our chairs and list the materials, so you know exactly what you’re sitting on – and feel good about bringing each piece into your home or workspace. Read more about our sustainability practices.

Can Ergonomic Chairs Really Help With Lower Back Pain?

Absolutely! An ergonomic chair for back pain is not just helpful, it’s transformative for maintaining spinal health and reducing discomfort. Here’s why: If your office chair is ergonomic, adjustable, and comfortable, your body is set up for good posture and natural alignment, so there’s less strain on your back and neck. This not only feels better but also encourages better focus and productivity.

On the other end of the spectrum, when you’re slouched or hunched on a couch or non-ergonomic chair, your body is not in a position that encourages healthy posture, which can wreak havoc on your back over time.

It’s one thing to slouch or sprawl out on a plush couch in small doses, like hanging out or watching TV (we all do this!). But it’s something else entirely if you’re hunched over for an 8-hour workday multiple days a week. Eventually, your back will feel the pain — it’s usually just a matter of when.

The Best of the Best: 4 Ergonomic Office Chairs for Back Pain

For over 75 years, Haworth has been a leader in ergonomic furniture. Our best desk chairs for back pain have led the market in ergonomic design. We’re proud to keep refining our chairs and office furniture to provide the ideal balance of comfort, ergonomic design, durability — and nice aesthetics to boot. We take so much pride in our collection and believe that good office furniture can change the way we work. Especially as more people are working from home, it’s increasingly important to not underestimate the importance of a good chair that has your back (literally).

Here are four stand-outs from our collection — at a range of price points. We hope it helps you find the perfect chair and leads to a more efficient and pain-free workday!

Note: Every piece at Haworth is designed by ergonomic experts and a team that’s meticulous about making the best furniture for work and your body. You can’t go wrong!

Fern Office Chair in Digital Knit

FERN OFFICE CHAIR - The Best Overall Desk Chair For Back Pain

Ideal for anyone on the hunt for a high-quality chair that will support you for hours on end, the Fern Office Chair is made to keep you feeling balanced and supported from head to toe — all the while helping alleviate back pain.

Inspired by the natural flexibility of a fern leaf (hence the name), this chair evenly distributes weight as you move to help relieve pressure. Additionally, at its core is our patented Wave Suspension system, which mimics the human spine and cradles your body. That way, the chair moves with you (not against you).

Tip: Our chairs are designed to offer natural support for your lumbar. However, if you’re looking for a little extra, you can always add the “lumbar” support option to give your back extra love from home (or wherever you’re working!).

The Fern’s Features:

High back, armrests, height adjustable, natural lumbar support
Design inspired by a fern leaf to evenly distribute your weight
Available in a wide variety of colors
Made with durable and sustainable materials
12-year warranty

Soji Mesh Office Chair

SOJI OFFICE CHAIR - Best Value Ergonomic Chair for Back Pain

The Soji Office Chair was designed to be “the complete package” for working from home (or really, anywhere). It’s ergonomically designed to be comfortable if you’re sitting for hours at a time. Plus, it’s made with fully customizable features (armrests, seat adjustment, and height), so you can feel good and naturally aligned to your specific preferences.

The Soji’s Features:

Natural lumbar support, armrests, and adjustable features
Affordable price point with all the ergonomic features you’d want in a chair
Available in a wide variety of colors
12-year warranty

Haworth x Halo Fern Gaming Chair

HAWORTH x HALO FERN GAMING OFFICE CHAIR - Best Ergonomic Chair For Back Pain: Gamer Edition

If you want a chair that can support you while you work and play, the Haworth x Halo Fern Gaming Chair is the one for you. It’s specifically made to provide lumbar support so you can feel good while you sit even for hours at a time. As one of our customers wrote, “Love the lumbar adjustment. This chair is very supportive and comfortable. I was able to work a 10+ hour day without any pain or discomfort. Love it.”

The Haworth x Halo Fern Features:

Natural lumbar support, armrests, and adjustable features
Ultra-responsive to move with you as you play and work
Exclusive design
12-year warranty

Looking for more ways to level up your game? Check out 6 tips to improve your gamer posture.

Very Executive Office Chair

THE VERY EXECUTIVE CHAIR - Best Sleek and Supportive Office Chair For Back Pain

For anyone struggling to maintain good posture while seated, the Very Executive Chair may be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s one of our best-sellers for a reason:

The Very Executive Office Chair is designed with an array of adjustments for personalized support and it features a headrest, armrest, lumbar support, and all the ergonomic details that will put your body in an optimal position for a solid and steady workday.

The Very Executive Chair Features:

Natural lumbar support, armrests, and adjustable features
High back and headrest
A sleek design ideal for any workspace
12-year warranty

Fern Office Chair

Soji Office Chair

Haworth x Halo: Fern Gaming Chair

Very Executive Chair

How Can You Adjust an Office Chair for Back Pain?

One of the most popular questions we get is: how should I adjust an office chair for back pain? So whether you’re trying out a new chair or already have one in your home, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re adjusting your office chair properly for your body to reduce back pain:

When seated, are your thighs horizontal to the floor? This position puts your body in an ideal position that won’t put extra strain on your hips and back.
Do your feet rest firmly on the ground? If not, you want to lower or lift your seat so that your feet are rooted down (i.e. no swinging legs).
Is the chair padded just enough but not too much? Ideally, you’ll feel supported but not sinking in your seat.
Can you adjust the chair to suit your particular body? A high-quality adjustable orthopedic chair for back pain will allow you to lift your seat, adjust the armrests, and modify the tilt to ensure you're seated comfortably and correctly.
Are your head and neck directly over your torso? Tilting forward or leaning back will put your body in an unnatural position.
Do you feel good? Last but not least, make sure you're comfy. You’ll be spending hours in this chair, so you want it to serve you!

Tip: Pay attention to the small details. An adjustment here and there can change the entire experience and make a big difference when you’re sitting for hours a day, five days a week.

Other Tips To Help With Back Pain: Daily Habits With a Big Impact

Alongside choosing the right chairs for bad backs, consider these daily habits that can significantly alleviate back issues. However, a good office chair with back support in combination with lifestyle changes will give you the biggest impact.

Here are other tips to take care of your back on a day-to-day basis. When in doubt, reach your arms over your head and take a quick walk.

Move in the morning: Even just warming up your body with a short walk or stretching for a few minutes will set you up for a more comfortable and less achy rest of your day. Aside from helping alleviate back pain, morning movement is also linked to better sleep and improved focus.
Be aware of your posture: Simply adding awareness to how you’re sitting will help you notice when you’re not sitting up properly.
Take walks: Studies show taking a brisk walk for 15-30 minutes can relieve back pain when done regularly.
Exercise at your desk: Can’t get away from your desk? We’ve all been there. From arm rotation exercises to tricep dips, here’s a list of 24 exercises to do at your desk that’ll help make a difference over time.
Adjust your sleeping style: Consider adding a pillow between your knees if you’re a side sleeper, or put a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back. This is known to help your muscles relax and relieve pressure.

We hope this article helps you find the best ergonomic chair for back pain – whether you’re looking for extra lumbar support or an option to help you before a few aches become a bigger problem. You and your back deserve a supportive chair!

Take a look at our full collection of chairs for back pain, along with ergonomic accessories and sit-to-stand desks.