Good office chairs to reduce back pain

Hunching, slumping, perching, slouching - it’s easy not to sit in the best posture when you’re working. Even if you start in a good position, you can end up slumping when you’re sitting down to work for long periods of time.

Many of us end the workday with nagging low back pain, a stiff neck or general body aches. On a daily basis, 73% of British people struggle with back pain according to the British Chiropractic Association (BCA). In addition, nearly a quarter have taken up to five months off work due to bone and joint pain.

More and more people are experiencing back and neck pain. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) state that 2.9 million people had problems linked to their back or neck. In 2019, it was 2.6 million. An ONS spokesperson said, “In recent years we’ve seen a sharp rise in the number of people citing back or neck problems as the main reason for being out of the workforce long-term.”

But how can you avoid back pain? Choosing a good office chair with adequate back support is a great starting point whether you work from a home office or workplace. Here, we’ll explain the ergonomic (ergo) features to look out for that will help to reduce back pain.

Why buy an ergonomic office chair?

Throughout your working day, you may be undertaking an array of tasks. There may be desk-based computer work, group discussions where you need to swivel around to talk, a face-to-face conversation which requires you to raise or lower your height to their level - and perhaps a quick scroll of Instagram or Amazon in between. All of these tasks need you to adjust your seating position to avoid causing back pain.

Ergonomic office chairs are designed to enhance and support good posture. They do so in multiple ways, including:

1. Better posture: Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide back support with sculpted backrest, and to encourage good posture throughout the workday. The addition of a footrest can ensure you’re alignment is optimised for your height.

2. Comfortable chairs: These chairs tend to provide lumbar support , headrests and cushioning (foam seats) which make them more comfy when you’re sitting for long hours.

3. Customisable positions: It’s easy to alter your seating position to fit your body better with height adjustments, adjustable armrests and adjustable lumbar support, or even the option to recline.

4. Less likely to cause pain: With high rates of back problems amongst workers, using an ergonomic chair is one way to reduce that risk.

5. Movable chairs: If you like to move around while you work - perhaps between workstations and workspaces - task chairs with casters and good swivel motions are beneficial.

6. Cost-effective investment: A high quality ergonomic chair might be pricey, but can mean to lower healthcare costs as well as increased productivity over time.

7. High quality materials: The ideal desk chair uses a breathable mesh back with durable fabric elsewhere. A memory foam seat cushion can provide comfort and breathability.

Modern styles of office chair

Just as workspaces have evolved over the years, so has office furniture. The work environment is increasingly diverse so our desks and chairs need to branch out and meet those different needs.

The task chair remains a global solution for companies. But if you use a sit-stand work station (an increasingly popular option), then a standing desk chair or adjustable task stool is a better option.

For those who suffer from severe back pain, a kneeling chair takes some pressure off your lower back. It also repositions your pelvis for better spine alignment and engages your core.

The high back executive chair provides similar support to a task chair, but it has a more high end look and feel. A gaming chair offers similar ergonomic properties, but is less of an executive status symbol.

What features should I look for in an office chair to prevent back pain?

• Adjustable lumbar support to help maintain spine alignment and prevent lower back pain

• Adjustment options that can tilt the seat for better pelvic positioning

• Adjustable seat height to keep feet flat on the floor and arms level with your desk

• Adjustable armrests to reduce shoulder strain and arm fatigue

• Adjustable seat depth to align your knees correctly with the edge of the seat

• A recline mechanism to tilt your upper back away from your legs for a natural curvature

• A headrest to support your neck.

Our top picks of ergonomic office chairs

Every product we create is comfortable, functional, durable and cost-effective with a 5 to 20 year warranty. Our customers are central to our design process, so your posture and back health are carefully considered along the way. Whether it’s an ever popular mesh office chair or the super mobile and adjustable task stool, we’ve got high performance seating solutions to suit your needs.

Explore our office chair solutions and more seating options.