Working in an office sometimes means that you have less time for physical activity. Not only that, but it also means that you spend hours sitting at your desk, which is not the greatest position when it comes to spine health.
It is widely known that continuous sitting can lead to joint issues and neck strain, and back pain.
For this reason, you should consider investing in a good chair that will allow you to sit comfortably during the day and prevent these issues.
There are many models on the market, so it is not the most straightforward task to choose one that will satisfy all of your needs.
To help you make the right decision, we researched and created a list of the best office chairs for lower back pain.
Comparison Chart
Best Office Chair for Lower Back Pain Reviews
AmazonBasics Mesh Office Chair
First comes an affordable and adjustable product that is a part of the AmazonBasics series. BIFMA-certified with dimensions of 25.2 x 24 x 35.6-40.3 inches (adjustable height), it is a model that we should take a closer look at.
Review
As mentioned above, this product is offered by AmazonBasics and focuses on providing comfort and optimal breathability.
They were undoubtedly quite successful with the latter, as the mesh back provides fantastic airflow and a cooling effect that can be quite useful for extended workdays.
The feature that we were most impressed with is the pneumatic seat height adjustment that will allow you to set this chair anywhere from 35.6 to 40.3 inches depending on your preference and how tall you are.
Not only that, but it also features a well-made padded seat that is excellent in terms of lumbar support.
Our primary concern is that, while it offers a weight capacity of 225 pounds, it is nowhere near as sturdy as it should be since the frame is made out of plastic.
You will need to be extra cautious when it comes to moving around on this chair, as it cannot withstand a lot of weight pressure.
Other than that, this chair is quite a good choice, as apart from the fine comfort and adjustability, you will also enjoy the dual-wheel casters that contribute to overall mobility.
Finally, while there are a couple of improvements that could be made (related to sturdiness), it is a good product for anyone on a limited budget.
Pros
- Great price point
- Easy to assemble
- Offers good lumbar support
- Adjustable padded seat
- Features dual-wheel casters
Cons
Not as sturdy as similar models
Steelcase Gesture Chair
This gesture chair, which comes in a graphite color, is made according to the latest industry standards and is an excellent choice for professional gamers and those who work at an office or from home.
Review
The first thing we want to highlight is the spectacular adjustability that this chair offers. You can adjust the chair’s depth from 21 inches to 23 inches and set the height anywhere from 39 to 44 inches.
Additionally, as it offers a 400-pound weight capacity, you won’t have a lot to worry about whether it can withstand greater pressure.
As mentioned above, this Steelcase Gesture Chair is well-made and quite attractive, coming in a modern style.
The coolest feature is the synchro-tilt, which will allow you to lean back while your feet still stay on the floor. The featured 2.8:1 ratio raises the seat as you tilt the chair down.
This, as well as the ability to adjust the armrests (prevents shoulder fatigue), makes it a good seating choice.
There are four different settings for leaning back or reclining, which will allow you to adjust this chair.
The variable backstop and the high-quality materials contribute to the chair’s overall value. However, although it is futuristic, we were quite concerned that it doesn’t feature adjustable lumbar support. Also, it is not as comfortable as some of its competitors.
Pros
- High-quality materials (textile/heavy-duty plastic)
- Four different recline settings
- Adjustable armrests
- Attractive futuristic design
- Features advanced synchro-tilt
Cons
- Lacks adjustable lumbar support
- Could be more comfortable
Herman Miller Embody Chair
Suppose you are looking for a chair that offers innovative solutions for pressure distribution and spinal alignment.
In that case, modern and made to mimic the human spine, this Herman Miller Embody Chair is a high-end product that is worth a closer look
Review
A product doesn’t always live up to its name in terms of quality and overall value. However, with this model, the company behind it will guarantee the chair’s given quality.
The BackFit feature makes this product a reliable choice for all of you who spend hours in front of your computer.
As we mentioned, the chair has an ergonomic, modern design with a charcoal rhythm color that makes it an attractive and contemporary choice.
Not only does it provide fantastic lumbar support, but it will also improve your focus and enhance your spinal health, especially if you have already developed back issues.
The coolest thing about this chair has to be the adjustable armrests. The fact that you can easily set the armrests’ height and position will minimize the risk of shoulder strain and pain.
We love the featured rhythm fabric as it is incredibly soft to the touch and prevents heat buildup due to its breathable structure. That, as well as the carpet casters, makes this Herman Miller option a fantastic chair in durability.
Our primary concern is its high price, which makes this product almost unaffordable for most people working in an office.
However, looking at its reliable construction and design details, we would recommend it to anyone who is more flexible (with funds) and is looking to invest in a chair that will last for years.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Attractive futuristic design
- Breathable rhythm fabric
- Great adjustability (pads and seat)
- Ergonomic
Cons
Quite expensive
Alera Elusion Series Mesh Chair
Moving on with our list of the best office chairs for lower back pain models, this Alera chair is multifunctional. It is suitable for those who spend a lot of time working at a desk and for gamers and tech-freaks.
Review
The Alera name is nowhere near as recognized as Herman Miller or AmazonBasics. However, you are looking at a five-star base chair that features dual casters that will allow you to rotate and move while making almost no noise.
We were most impressed by the adjustable ratchet back that should provide generous lumbar support and thus minimize the risk of back issues.
The convenient polyurethane pads are highlighted by fantastic height and width adjustability. That, along with the featured back and forward tilt, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a reliable, ergonomic chair.
It features a contoured seat cushion, along with a waterfall relief that is made to take the stress off your legs. Furthermore, the breathable premium upholstery provides optimal ventilation.
The only issue with this model is that the back support height setting doesn’t always stay in place. Given the fact that Alera advertises fantastic adjustability, the lever should be much better.
Other than that, it is an affordable and well-made chair that would be a good choice if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to miss out on great comfort and mobility.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Contoured seat cushion
- Adjustable lumbar support
Cons
Flimsy lever
Serta Ergonomic Executive Office Chair
For those suffering from lower and mid-back pain, a chair such as this Serta one can be a fantastic investment. It is made of premium bonded leather and highlighted by cable-actuated levers. It is among the most adjustable models on the market.
Review
The chair measures 30 inches in depth, 27 inches in width, and 44 inches in height. Furthermore, the seat is 19 inches in depth, 19.75 inches in width, and 24 inches in height.
Most importantly, you can easily set the arm pads anywhere between 26.75-28.5 and 29.75-31.5 inches.
The contoured back support plays a huge role in relieving back pain and offering optimal comfort. The push-button adjustable side rests make this chair easy to adjust.
The large-diameter rolling casters, tilt-forward feature, and convenient swivel design contribute both to this chair’s flexibility and mobility.
Additionally, due to the premium leather and metal frame, you don’t have to worry about pressure distribution and durability.
However, we have to admit that this chair is relatively small. It will not be the chair for you if you are tall. Other than that, it is a reliable and reasonably priced model that you shouldn’t miss.
Pros
- Reasonable price tag
- Push-button adjustable armrests
- Great mobility
- 360° swivel design
- Reliable lumbar support
Cons
Not for tall people
Summary
It is hard to come up with a final verdict given that all five products are well-made and offer sufficient comfort.
As for our favorite, it would have to be the Herman Miller Embody chair given its futuristic design, fantastic adjustability, and optimal lumbar support that will minimize the risk of pain and allow you to deal with previous back issues.
However, as it is quite expensive, it may not be affordable for everyone. That is why we would put the Serta Ergonomic Executive Office Chair in second place.
It is incredibly comfortable and made to last with a heavy-duty metal frame and premium bonded leather.