If you’re working for longer hours than 5-6hrs every day, it can mean torture for your lower and upper back. That’s why you need a more specific chair that can address these particular needs. You have to take this seriously.
If you have lower back pain, an office chair that offers lumbar support is a must-have.
Of course, it’s even better if you can buy a sit-stand desk
Sometimes, you’ll need to break your wallet in order to improve your health
Let’s talk about the comfortable chair first
Best office chairs for back pain – Recommended by our Experts
Humanscale Freedom Executive Chair
- Weight capacity up to 300 lbs
- Limited warranty for parts up to 10 years
This Humanscale chair is perfect for those who need stronger support for the lower back. Those with such need a more pronounced lower back area, otherwise, it can be a disaster for the back.
That’s the first thing that you will notice with the Freedom chair, this has quite a pronounced lumbar support. Also, it has a pivoting function, meaning that as you move the chair back and forth, the lumbar back also moves with you. So you also get that nice support wherever you move. The backrest is quite flexible, it is a more intuitive chair. It can adjust itself to the needs of the user. As you move back, you will still have your back supported, thus preventing back pain. So we see this as perfect for working longer hours.
Keep in mind though that the armrests are connected to the seat via a ring that runs around from one end of the chair to the other.
Steelcase Gesture
The Gesture has tons of adjustable features that can make the chair fit for more folks. Even if you move a lot, you can find a sweeter sport.
As for the back support, it’s called the 3D LiveBack Support. This can make the chair a bit more intuitive and can support your spine by following its full range of motion. So this is also a chair that you can sit for longer hours on end. The backrest is quite flexible and has decent give. So even if the chair doesn’t look flexible, you’ll be surprised at how it is. This is also the Steelcase chair that is for you if you want to recline further back but still feel supported throughout.
Haworth Fern
- Weight capacity: 325lbs
- 12 years of warranty
- Beloved by so many Experts & Redditors
Haworth Fern is really worth to buy even it’s super expensive. The digital knit version not only adds a layer of aesthetic to the chair but also makes it softer and more pleasant. The additional cushion can be a warm treat for those who are going to work for longer hours. The Mesh Fern chairs can be uncomfortable and tend to feel too firm and stiff when sat on for longer hours, especially if you are on the heavy side.
With Fern, there are 2 main versions you should know
- The Fern digital knit with headrest, forward tilt, lumbar, 4D arms, usually aluminum base
- The Fern mesh, with lumbar support, 4D arms, and plastic base
Our experts agree that the Fern chair, featuring a fully optioned digital knit with headrest, stands out as a highly impressive seating solution for folks with a bad back. Of course in our point of view there are certain areas where Haworth could enhance its product to meet the high expectations associated with its premium price point.
Build Quality and Packaging
The digital knit variant has received feedback regarding the alignment of the seam around the seat back frame. Misaligned seams can detract from the perceived quality, though this issue is fixable if addressed. A more concerning issue was the presence of minor scratches on the base of the chair. For a chair in this price range, such imperfections are almost unacceptable, even if located in less visible areas. While Haworth’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging is commendable, these scratches likely occurred during assembly rather than shipping.
Features and Comfort
We have evaluated all available configurations of the Fern chair, including various materials (mesh, leather, and digital knit), with and without headrest, lumbar support, and forward tilt. We highly recommend the digital knit back with both lumbar support and forward tilt.
- Seat Material: The leather version was the least favorable as it lacked the grip provided by other materials.
- Lumbar Support: really highly beneficial, especially for 8-12hrs long sitting periods due to a lower back condition.
- Headrest: adds value for home use, although its necessity can vary depending on personal preference and context. For gamers, IT folks, it’s a must have, no doubt
Hon Ignition 2.0
- 300lbs of weight capacity
- Beloved by Wirecutter NYtimes, Forbes and other big media sites
- Redditors describe it as one of the most comfortable office chairs they've ever sat in
HON is a solid middle-tier brand. Many of their chairs mimic proven design strategies from big-name chairs, and they don’t try to reinvent the wheel. The Ignition itself has many options: there’s the reflex back, the fabric back, the mesh back, and the mid and high backs. HON makes their chairs from many components that they mix and match onto the same general framework.
It’s very hard to recommend any one individual chair from them due to this, but we generally find the Ignition to be a chair that’s well-rounded. The mesh version should be the suitable option for general folks, but for big heavy & tall guys, the Ignition 2.0 Big & Tall is a good fit
How these chairs made the cut
If back pain has been plaguing you, it’s time to ditch your old office chair and get a more comfortable one. Now these babies are very diving for your entire back, you’ll not experience a sore back at the end of the day.
And this is how we chose these chairs.
Comfortable for both the tush and the back
Pain and discomfort in the butt can lead to a sore lumbar or lower back. So this is one feature that you should not overlook.
That’s why we choose office chairs that have a quite comfortable seat. Whether it’s a cushioned seat or a mesh one, the seats are designed after the natural curve of the butt. Some are made of a more plush or a more firm and supportive seat while others have a mesh one. So whether you’re a fabric or a mesh type of person, you’ll find the more comfortable one for your butt and back.
Specific Back support
This Is the most obvious parameter on how you should buy chairs. But remember that back comfort and support needs can be subjective. What one might find comfortable for their back might not do any good for others. That’s why we have a range of office chairs that offer different types of lumbar technology.
You can find a handful that have a more intuitive and dynamic lower back support. We also picked office chairs that have a more pronounced back support should you need a more aggressive one. The backrests are also designed after the shape and curve of the spine. So no matter what your need is, you can find the perfect chair.
Sturdy and solid
All these office chairs have a robust and solid construction. More solid chairs are not only built to last, but they can also hold integrity, helping the chair hold itself together. This makes the ergo features work for one another, helping you maximize the benefits
Can you sit for 8 hours and not have any back pain?
Given that you choose the suitable chair for your back needs then yes. You may be able to do a full day’s work and still come home with a pain free back.