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The best office chairs for back pain: Shop our top 5 favorites

If you suffer from aches and pains while sitting in front of the computer, it’s time to invest in a supportive office chair to get some relief.

Published Aug 08, 2023
6 min. reading time
Image of 3 black colored office chairs with blue background

If you work on a computer during the day, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced back pain as a result of all the sitting. And while many of us would rather not have to sit for such long hours, there’s often no real way around it — especially if you work a 9 to 5 job.

Ready to nip your back pain in the bud? The first step is to invest in a supportive office chair that will correct your sitting posture and alleviate discomfort.

Our editors rounded up the best office chairs for back pain to help you feel better in your body. We’ve got ergonomic options with a range of features to help you find the right model for your needs.

Read more: Browse our favorite home office desk options

Browse the best chairs for back pain

white cushioned chair
Our top pick overall
Pinksvdas High Desk Chair with Executive Chair with 2-Point Massage
$233.99 at Home Depot
BestOffice Black Contemporary Ergonomic Adjustable Height Swivel Mesh Executive Chair
Best budget-friendly option
BestOffice Black Contemporary Ergonomic Adjustable Height Swivel Mesh Executive Chair
$52.74 at Lowe's
black office chair
Best for spinal support
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair
$65.99 at Walmart
Black leather chair in classic design
Most stylish chair for back pain
High Back Traditional Fully Tufted Black LeatherSoft Executive Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair
$824.99 at Target
Pros & Cons
  • Offers lumbar and high-back support

  • Easy to assemble 

  • Features a two-point massage function

  • Warranty does not include normal wear and tear

  • Returnable only up to 90 days

The high back and supportive cushion of the Pinksvdas High Desk Chair allow you to sit comfortably for hours as it disperses pressure on the spine and relaxes your back muscles. The lower back bracing also makes it one of our favorite office chairs with lumbar support. 

Impressively, this chair comes with a two-point massage function. Also, because it can be adjusted back and forth up to 130 degrees, you can sit at varied angles during the day to get comfortable. 

Additionally, its casters are made from used plastic bottles and can rotate 360 degrees. And the legs are a stylish champagne color — and can be adjusted up and down. The seat is constructed from high-end faux leather on the seat, making it extra comfortable and breathable.

Best budget-friendly option

If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly office chair that's as practical as it is stylish, you've just landed on it. The BestOffice Black Contemporary Ergonomic Adjustable Height Swivel Mesh Executive Chair is a best-seller at Lowe's — and for good reason.

Reviewers rave about the affordable price point — and how easy it is to assemble without extra tools. Others mention that it's comfortable and lightweight.

With this chair, you get a comfy mesh back support. Plus, it has sturdy armrests for added comfort and lock height control, so you can adjust it up or down.

Did we mention users love it? So far, it's received a 4.3-star average rating, which is impressive given the price point.

Best for spinal support

black office chair
Photo: Walmart

SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair

You save $74.00 (52.86%)
$65.99$139.99
Pros & Cons
  • Budget-friendly office chair for back pain

  • Designed to fit in tight spaces

  • Adjustable design for back support

  • Can be challenging to assemble 

  • Limited armrest adjustability

When we were searching for the best office chair for lower back pain on a budget, we were impressed to find this option from Walmart. The SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair is a reasonably priced solution to help with aching backs and spinal support. It’s also a great choice for smaller workspaces and adjusts to people of all shapes and sizes. 

The cushion is made with breathable cotton material and has adjustable lumbar support to fit your body type and sitting habits. Whether you’re a remote worker, a gamer or a streamer, this is the perfect desk chair for back pain.

Most stylish chair for back pain

Pros & Cons
  • Elegant, stylish leather finish 

  • Easy to clean 

  • Provides high back and lower back support

  • Not as budget-friendly as other options 

  • Armrests are not adjustable

The High Back Traditional Swivel Ergonomic Office Chair will make you look and feel like an executive in your home office. It’s undeniably elegant and comes in a black, leather finish that’s simple to clean using water and a mild detergent. It provides high back support and relieves tension in the lower back. 

What makes this back support office chair even more attractive is how easy it is to assemble.  You can adjust this chair's height and enjoy 360-degree swiveling as you move around your office.

Top-rated option users love

Pros & Cons
  • Flexible reclining chair 

  • 360-degree swivel design

  • Durable mesh material

  • Some buyers say the chair can be noisy

  • Limited color availability

More than 3,500 customers have given this chair a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon. According to the reviews, this is largely due to its adjustable office chair lumbar support, height options and cushioned seat. Thanks to its reclining function, you can relax throughout the day and tailor it to fit your working style. 

Because of its mesh design, it can easily be integrated into any office furniture setup. To save space, you can flip up the arms and put them under the desk. In addition to its 360-degree swivel capability, this chair is able to support up to 300 pounds.

Best ergonomic chair for gaming

Pros & Cons
  • Features a retractable footrest

  • Seat height adjusts

  • Holds up to 330 pounds

  • Aesthetic may not suit every room

  • Armrests are not retractable

The Costway gaming chair changes the game — for both casual and serious gamers. Because it features an ergonomic design, this cushioned chair will allow you to sit for hours on end, whether you’re gaming or streaming shows.

How? It features a high backrest, comfy headrest, waist pillow and retractable footrest. So, as you’re working on the computer or playing your favorite games, your body will get a much-needed break — thanks to the support and features it boasts. 

The cherry on top is that it’s easy to assemble, so you won’t have to worry about hassling with it while putting it together.

As an added plus, it’s designed with waterproof and wear-resistant material, making it easy to clean with a damp cloth. And it comes in six color variations, so you can choose the look that suits your work or gaming space best.

What to look for when buying a desk chair

When it comes to choosing the best computer chair for back pain, there are several factors to consider. Ergonomic chairs promote healthy posture, take pressure off of your lower back and prevent further damage, especially when you’re sitting for prolonged periods of time. 

Here are a few things to look for when considering your next office furniture purchase: 

  • Lumbar support: Your lumbar spine is the lower back region of your backbone. Many ergonomic chairs have adjustable seat features to accommodate various body types and sizes. What you’re looking for is an office chair for back pain that allows for even weight distribution. This ensures that your chair is comfortable to sit on and fits your body and back shape. You want a chair that swivels easily so you can move around your workspace smoothly and efficiently.

  • Height adjustability: It’s vital that your upper and lower back are supported. Some chairs have a mechanical height adjustment tool that allows you to easily customize your chair. When you’re considering a back support office chair, the chair should be able to accommodate your height - short or tall.

  • Backrest support: Many chairs have back support that are large enough to provide mid-back and upper-back support. For optimal ease and comfort, it’s ideal that your upper back is supported as well. The back of the chair should not interfere with your ability to move your elbows behind the torso.

  • Recline functionality: Adjusting your back and your seating position helps maintain a healthy spine. Look for chairs that allow you to easily recline so that you can rest in different positions. Research studies confirm that using an office chair that supports a variety of sitting postures is healthier than a rather static posture.

  • Armrests: It’s best that the armrests on your chair are adjustable. Ideally, you’ll be able to rest your arms comfortably on the chair and work or game with relaxed shoulders. 

Which office chair for back pain should you buy?

Working long hours doesn’t have to be a pain in the back. Comfort and productivity can go hand in hand, and our recommendations for the best office chairs for back pain are proof of that. While all of our picks are strong contenders, there are two options that get our backing: 

  • Pinksvdas High Desk Chair with Executive Chair with 2-Point Massage: Named as our top overall office chair, this seat is all about customization and comfort. It’s a highly rated massage-meets-office chair that’s designed with your health and comfort levels in mind.

  • Costway Office Computer Desk Chair Gaming Chair Adjustable Swivel w/Footrest: This is the best chair for lower back pain and relaxation. Not only does it feature a comfy headrest, waist pillow and back support, but it also has a posture-enhancing footrest. You can read, game and work all in the same seat.


    The information presented above is accurate as of 09/13/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices. The Smart Shopper 'featured' badge indicates sponsored content, and we may earn a commission when you make a purchase.

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Written by
Jada Bowman

Jada Bowman is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. Through her work, Jada aims to make the lives of her readers better by guiding them toward the most exceptional products and lifestyle choices.

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