The Best Office Chair for Back Pain: 2023 Reviews

Did you know that the average office worker will spend approximately 1900 hours on an office chair yearly? Whether working in an office or from home, the amount of time you spend at your desk means you will need a good office chair, especially if you have preexisting back pain.

But what’s the big deal with an office chair? They may all look similar, but the difference in your back health now and in the future depends on that chair. As dramatic as that may sound, you don’t want to be complaining about your back way before you’ve even retired.

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the best office chairs for back pain in 2022. This list contains the best products that meet the needs of different demographics, as “the best office chair for back pain” depends on a lot of variables. Our top picks include:

1. Vera Eurotech Office Chair
2. Hbada Butterfly Ergonomic Desk Chair
3. Hyken Flexit Mesh Task Chair
4. Herman Miller Mirra Office Chair
5. LE9 Ergohuman Office Chair
6. Hbada Ergonomic Office chair
7. Steel Case Series 2
8. NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
9. HBADA Butterfly

The Best Office Chairs for Back Pain in 2022

1) Vera Eurotech Office Chair – Best Value

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Specifications

• Color: Assorted colors
• Seat Material: Textile mesh
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
• Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 43.4 inches
• Frame material: Plastic
• Warranty: 5 years

Pros

• Adjustable height
• 6D adjustable armrests
• Comfortable well-padded seat
• The backrest has a natural adaptive curve
• Breathable mesh that is very flexible
• Seat height and depth adjustment with seat sliders

Cons

• The armrests are not padded
• Requires assembly
• It does not have back height adjustment
• No adjustable lumbar support (not bad if you don’t need it)

For the best overall chair, we have to go with the Vera Eurotech Office chair. The chair is an all-around chair suitable for all work environments including working from home. It also comes at a price that won’t blow your head off.

The Vera Eurotech Office chair is good for people with back pains with the most comfortable backrest we tested. You’d expect it to be weak since it has no lumbar support system, but you’d be surprised. It has a soft, flexible mesh backrest with a natural curve that fits perfectly with almost all users.

The lack of built-in lumbar support means you can easily add your own medically prescribed cushions. This makes it the best desk chair for back pain for those with such devices. On the other hand, you may want to select a different chair if you haven’t been a physio and your discomfort resides in the lumbar region.

The chair gives such great back support that you feel like you’re floating. When you recline, the backrest pivots to provide you with lower back support. The lack of lumbar support makes it softer on your back, so this can be a good chair for working and for rec time.

2) SteelCase Leap Chair – Best Luxury Option

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Specifications

• Color: Assorted colors
• Seat Material: Textile or leather
• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
• Dimensions:24.75 x 27 x 43.5 inches
• Frame material: Plastic
• Warranty: 12 years

Pros

• High-End quality parts and build
• Very high comfort
• Extremely durable
• Retains value
• Arms have a wide range of adjustability
• Has an excellent warranty

Cons

• Pricey
• Back height isn’t adjustable
• Lack forward tilt

The SteelCase brand is the Gucci of office chairs with the most luxurious chairs in the market. But that means they have the most jaw dropping prices.

The SteelCase Leap Office Chair itself retails for over $1000. This is for its basic form without any added features like the leather seats, headrest, extra stool or adjustable arms. But, if you can afford it, you can’t put a price on comfort, especially if you have back pain.

The Leap office chair boasts the best ergonomic support in the market with its patented Liveback technology that adapts its shape to support any body type. This chair truly is worth its price tag.

3) Hyken Flexit Mesh Task Chair – Best Budget Option

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Specifications

• Color: Black, charcoal gray
• Seat Material: Mesh
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎27.3 x 27.2 x 49.8 Inches
• Frame material: Plastic
• Warranty: 7 years

Pros

• Breathable mesh backrest
• Adjustable headrest
• Great Warranty and return policy
• Height adjustable Arms
• Seat height adjustment
• Tension control
• 3D tilt lock
• Two way adjustable headrest
• Synchro tilt system

Cons

• Low build quality when compared to more expensive chairs
• The mesh seat has a padded end which can be uncomfortable for some
• No back height adjustment.
• No seat depth adjustment.
• Seat depth and headrest might not be comfortable for tall people

The Hyken task chair comes from the Staples brand, which produces some good quality mid and low-range office chairs. They have a good return policy with a full refund and a 7-year warranty on the entire chair.

This chair comes with most of the adjustable features of a $1000 dollar chair at the easy price of just over $200, making it a practical steal. The build is not of the best quality though. The plastic and mesh leave a little to be desired. Still, for the price, a great chair for back pain.

4) Herman Miller Mirra Office Chair 2 – Most Stylish

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Specifications

• Color: Assorted colors
• Seat Material: Textile options
• Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎25 x 30 x 42 inches
• Frame material: Alloy steel
• Warranty: 12 years

Pros

• 30-day return policy with a full refund
• Comes fully assembled
• Adjustable lumbar system
• High end build with quality lightweight parts
• Breathable mesh with good elasticity.
• High seat height range and depth range
• High weight capacity

Cons

• The arms might be too wide
• You need to pay more for upgraded feature
• No back height adjustment.

Herman Miller is known for dealing in high-end luxury office chairs, and just like SteelCase office chairs, the prices are nothing to cough about. For a price of around $800, you can get the Herman Miller Mirra Office Chair standard. You have the option to pay more for upgraded features.

The chair comes with almost any adjustment you can imagine with reasonable ranges except for the height adjustment. It features the Harmonic 2 tilt system from Herman Miller that has a unique and smooth feeling. This aspect will have you rocking back against the recline unconsciously.

It also has forward seat tilt, seat height, and depth adjustment, lumbar support adjustment, and 4-way adjustable armrests. It is also worth noting that the chair and its package are mostly recyclable.

5) LE9 Ergohuman – Best Office Chair for Lower Back Pain

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Specifications

• Color: Black
• Seat Material: leather
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Dimensions: 29 x 20 x 50 inches
• Frame material: Plastic
• Warranty: lifetime but with a 5-year warranty on the cushion and fabric

Pros

• Good warranty
• Seat height and depth adjustment
• High back headrest
• Lockable Tilt adjustment system
• Synchronized tilt
• Adjustable lumbar support system
• Height Adjustment for the seat
• Tilt Lock

Cons

• Expensive
• Built more for lower back support rather than overall back support
• Low support for a forward or upright position
• No tilt adjustment
• The armrests don’t lock in

The first thing you immediately notice about the ergo human is the protruding lumbar support system. This chair was specifically built to offer maximum support for your lower back, meaning it’s the best desk chair for lower back pain. It has almost every adjustment imaginable to seat any needs. The only thing missing is arm width adjustment.

The lumbar support is spread out so that it does not poke the back, and is slightly more forward than the rest of the backrest. This makes it the best chair for back pain if you need to target this area. The chair starts at around $700, but you’ll need to pay more for an upgraded headrest.

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6) Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair – Budget Friendly with Neck Support

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Specifications

• Color: Black
• Seat Material: Foam
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
• Dimensions: 25 x 30 x 42 inches
• Frame Material: Nylon
• Warranty: 3 years

Pros

• Height adjustable
• The seat cushion is soft and bouncy
• Synchronized tilt mechanism
• Adjustable headrest
• Recline tilt lock

Cons

• No adjustable arms

If you work from home or want to add an office chair to your house, you probably don’t need something too fancy. A good chair would be something affordable but comfortable. In that case, the Hbada ergonomic office chair is a good choice.

It is a relatively small chair compared to most full-support office chairs and can fit in any room in the house. The size also means it suits all kinds of desk sizes. It also has flip armrests that can be used when you want to tuck in the chair and save a lot of space. Most importantly, the back and neck supports are great for the price.

7) Steel Case Series 2 – Stylish and Supportive

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Specifications

• Color: Assorted colors
• Seat Material: Polyester
• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
• Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 31.5 inches
• Frame Material: Aluminum and plastic
• Warranty: 12 years

Pros

• Automatic adjustments
• LiveBack Technology that responds to your spine shape
• Recline resistance adjustments
• 4D adjustable armrests, up and down and sideways.
• Height adjustable Lumbar support
• Upgradable supportive headrest

Cons

• Too firm for some
• Expensive

If you want to splurge on a home office chair, then the steel series 2 is an excellent option. From the mega SteelCase brand, the series 2 offers everything you’d expect from a mid-range office chair and more.

This chair is a middle ground between the SteelCase series 1 and the Steel Case amia, one of the higher-end products from Steel Case. It’s likely the best computer chair for back pain in its price range and well worth considering if you can afford to pay a little more.

8) NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair – Most Mobile

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Specifications

• Color: Black, blue, red, and gray
• Seat Material: Suede and elastic mesh
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎‎27.95 x 27.16 x 49.01 inches
• Frame Material: Plastic with Aluminum base
• Warranty: 3 years

Pros

• Breathable mesh backrest and seat
• Affordable
• 2-way adjustable headrest
• 4-way adjustable armrest
• Lumbar support that adjusts when you shift positions

Cons

• Not suitable for people over 6 feet.
• Can be a bit unbalanced.

Nouhous is well known for providing innovative office chairs at an affordable price. The Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair is one of their most popular office chairs with many adjustable features.

It comes with an adjustable headrest with both a tilt and height adjustment. Unfortunately, it’s not great for tall people, so it may not be among the best computer chairs for back pain if you’re over 6 feet tall.

9) Hbada Butterfly Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Office Chair for Back Pain under $200

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Specifications

• Color: White, black and gray
• Seat Material: Textile and mesh
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Dimensions: 20.07 x 23.62 x 38.18 inches
• Frame material: Plastic
• Warranty: 3 years

Pros

• Good recline of up to 150 degrees
• Adjustable Lumbar support
• Flippable armrests
• 8cm thick cushioned seat
• Breathable mesh
• Has a lever to lock or unlock the rocking motion.

Cons

• Has some cheap plastic parts
• No armrest padding.
• Lumbar support is not adjustable

When it comes to quality office chairs on a budget, then you definitely have to check out this Hbada Office Chair. This chair has most of the features of a luxury chair at an affordable price. It is lightweight, has moveable armrests, and a breathable mesh backing.

The Hbada comes with a separate headrest that can be attached or removed depending on the user’s preference. You can adjust the headrest’s height for more head and neck support. It also uses a waterfall design to give added support to the thighs and legs which are an often overlooked cause of back pain.

Things to Consider When Looking for an Office Chair

Your Sitting Habits

The way you sit will greatly affect your seat choice and comfort. If you like sitting in different positions over time, then you need a highly adjustable chair. There are also office chairs that exist specifically to fix your posture. Also, an office chair with good back support isn’t going to fix the problem if you don’t also sit correctly.

Your Build

Although most chairs are built to suit a variety of body builds, it is important to consider your own personal build. This will tell you the kind of adjustments you need and whether the chair’s dimensions will fit you right. For example, a good office chair for back pain for a short person may not be ideal for the exceptionally tall.

Do You Need Lumbar Support?

The lumbar support is meant to give you more support for your lower back, but lumbar support is not always good. Some low-end and mid-end will have a lumbar system that is too pronounced that will do more damage than good for your back.

On the other hand, there are chairs that do not have the lumbar support system, but have a naturally curved flexible backrest that adapts to your back. These types of office chairs are better for your back depending on your needs.

Adjustability and Ergonomics

Although most office chairs suit a wide range of bodies, you still need to be able to make adjustments to fit your body, sitting style, and preferences. Some chairs come with all the available adjustments that can possibly come in an office chair, and some are fairly limited.

However, not all office chair adjustments are necessary for you, especially if they come at an extra cost. You need to know which adjustments you need and which ones you can do without before buying an office chair.

Some examples of adjustments that you may not necessarily need include

• 4 way armrest adjustment
• Tilt lock adjustment
• Seat back height adjustment

Warranty and Return Policy

Make sure to check the warranty and return policy before you buy an office chair. Buying an office chair is an investment and the warranty of the chair reflects the value.

The warranty may also have specific exclusions like the parts which cannot be replaced or the sitting time.

The return policy is just as important as the warranty in case you are unsatisfied with your chair. You need to consider the return policy time, the conditions required to return the product, and the packaging.

Also, check for any added costs like shipping. You need to check all this before you purchase an office chair; otherwise if you end up not being satisfied with the chair, you might be unable to return it.

Upgrades

Some office chairs come with all the parts in one go, while others have separate upgrades. When you want to buy your chair make sure to do more research on the upgrades and how necessary they are for your needs. Some upgrades include headrests, adjustable lumbar support, adjustable arms, and stools. In most cases, features like an upgraded headrest are not necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Office Chairs Help with Back Pain?

Yes, they can. A good ergonomic office chair doesn’t only help with back pains, they also help with neck pain, thigh and hip pressure, and blood circulation. In general, a good office is beneficial for your overall health.

What is the Best Chair for Sitting Long Hours?

The best chair for long hours would be the Vera Eurotech. It is not too soft or too firm, which means it has a good balance for long hours. It also offers good back support so that there aren’t adverse effects on your back after sitting for a long time.

How Do You Sit Well in an Office Chair?

The most important thing when sitting on any chair is your posture. Here are some things to consider:

• If you slouch too much, you will definitely develop or worsen your back problems.
• You are allowed to have freedom in your sitting positions, but it is usually advised to have the height of your chair in a way that your feet are planted flat on the ground.
• Some leg positions can decrease the blood flow to your feet.
• Keep your upper back straight to reduce spinal pressure and your lower back slightly curved.
• It is better to recline back than to lean forward because leaning forward will make you slouch.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, price correlates to the quality of office chairs. If you buy a cheap chair, you will have to compromise on the build quality, warranty, and adjustability. However, people are different, and you will be the one sitting on the chair, so choose what’s best for you based on your budget and our reviews. The best office chair for someone else may not be the best for you so consider carefully before making your purchase.

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