12 Best Office Chairs for Back Pain

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by Stephanie Faris

Updated April 18, 2024

Sitting at a desk for hours at a time can wear on your joints, especially if you don’t have things set up correctly. By designing your office setup correctly, you can ensure your body gets the support it needs — in practical terms, what this means is getting a quality chair that will help you find the right position to stay comfortable throughout the workday. This list of the best office chairs for back pain will guide you to the ideal option for your workspace.

What to consider when buying an office chair for back pain

Comfort

When you’re seated for long periods, comfort is essential, but Sonoran University medical director Dr. Klee Bethel, MD SCNM PRC, points out that a chair with plenty of cushioning has other benefits, too. “A seat with appropriate cushioning and breathable material can help distribute pressure evenly across your hips and legs, reducing strain on the lower back,” says Bethel.

Flexibility

Sitting for long stretches can be tough on the back. When you can’t get up and move around, a chair that lets you switch positions can ease the strain. “Select a chair that allows you to tension the backrest such that you can change positions effortlessly, without thought or the need for adjustment,” says Jonathan Puleio, M.Sc. CPE, a board-certified professional ergonomist and global vice president at Humanscale. “Even better, select a chair that automatically adjusts the backrest tension based on your body weight.”

Body positioning

Consider your positioning when you’re choosing an office chair. The right chair will help promote better posture, but you’ll also need to take a look at where your keyboard, mouse and computer monitor sit. “I prefer a person’s elbows to fall directly below their shoulders when typing, with an open upper body/shoulder posture,” says Lisa Orr, CPE, senior human factors consultant at Sedgwick.

Seat depth

Most chairs have dimensions listed. If you’re buying a chair online, measure your current desk chair and note where your body falls when using it. This will help you determine how much you need to adjust for the new chair to be comfortable. “Make sure the seat is deep enough to support your thighs without putting pressure on the back of your knees,” says Bethel.

Stability

It can be easy to focus on the seat cushion and back, but the base is important as well. Does it have wheels? Will those wheels move easily on your office floor? The base is also essential to stability. “A stable chair with a sturdy base is less likely to tip over or cause accidents,” advises Bethel.

Swivel base

Bethel has one more area that can easily be overlooked: As you’re researching desk chairs, pay close attention to how the chair moves with you as you navigate around your office. “A chair with a swivel base makes it easy to reach different areas of your workspace without twisting or straining your back,” he adds.

Our picks for best office chairs for back pain

Best office chair for lower back pain: Staples Sorina Ergonomic Bonded Leather Swivel Executive Chair

Best for lower back pain

Staples Sorina Ergonomic Bonded Leather Swivel Executive Chair

One of the biggest factors in back comfort is positioning. The Staples Sorina ergonomic swivel chair features an adjustable seat height that lets you easily control your leg positioning. “You should be able to sit with your feet firmly supported by the floor, and your knees and hips at about the same level,” says Orr. The chair also features padded, adjustable armrests and has tilt and tension locking to help achieve optimal comfort and position. Bonded leather and a quilted fabric cover the supportive seat cushions and backrest.

Specifications:

Material: Bonded leather back and quilted fabric.
Overall dimensions: 42.8-46.6 inches high x 28.7 inches wide x 29.8 inches deep.
Seat dimensions: 16.8-20.5 inches high x 20.7 inches wide x 17.6 inches deep.
Back dimensions: 28.9 inches high x 20.7 inches deep.
Color: Gray.
Recline: Yes.
Warranty: 7-year limited warranty.
Maximum capacity: 275 pounds.
Price on publish: $199.99.

What we like:

Quilting for extra cushioning.
Flip-up arms make exiting the chair easy.

What we don’t like:

Assembly can be complicated.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

A sturdy chair that provides comfort while also supporting your back, for up to 10 hours of recommended use per day.

Get it here: Staples Sorina Ergonomic Bonded Leather Swivel Executive Chair

Best affordable office chair for back pain: Boss Office Products High Back Black Leather Executive Desk Chair with Built-In Lumbar Support

Best affordable

High Back Black Leather Executive Desk Chair with Built-In Lumber Support

This high back leather desk chair from Boss Office Products is a great option for buyers on a budget, featuring Italian leather and plenty of cushioning. One of the highlights is its soft, padded armrests. As Orr points out, the armrest is an essential feature of an ergonomic desk chair. “Adjustable armrests are good,” says Orr. “But at a minimum, the armrests should support your arms as they are naturally relaxed at your sides and should not interfere with moving closer to your workstation.”