Office Chairs for Back Pain

Sitting in front of a computer all day at work can really hurt your back. It's important to get a chair that helps control your back pain (see Reference 1).
  1. Why Sitting Hurts

    • Just because you're sitting doesn't mean your back isn't working. It still has to support the rest of your upper body, so if your spine isn't aligned properly you're adding extra strain to your back (see Reference 1).

    Ergonomic Office Chairs

    • An ergonomic chair is designed to support the physiology of the human body, which will automatically support proper posture. The right chair is good, but the right posture is better (see Reference 2).

    The Backrest

    • The right office chair should have lumbar support, which will help align and support the base of your spine. Your backrest should be at least 12 inches tall, adjustable, supportive, and padded (see Reference 3).

    The Seat

    • The seat should be at least 17 inches wide, 16 inches from the ground, and with a depth sufficient enough for you to be able to lean against the backrest with about 2 inches between your knees and the seat (see Reference 3).

    Important Things to Remember

    • Little things like armrests, padding, materials, and swivel chairs make a huge difference for your back and improve comfort. Make sure your chair is supportive, adjustable, and comfortable (see Reference 3).

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