Our concise best office chairs for lower back pain buying guide sifts through the clutter of fake reviews and insufficient expert analysis by using data and real-world testing. We scrutinized 67,646+ reviews (customer & expert) from 31+ office chairs. Our research revealed that 91% of experts fall short in their testing, but we’ve identified the credible few. This meticulous process has allowed us to curate a list of top-performing 5 best office chairs for lower back pain, providing you with the confidence to make an informed decision based on reliable test data and genuine insights.
Below is our list of the 5 best office chairs for lower back pain. In addition to focusing on lower back support, our broader selection of the best office chair options cater to various ergonomic needs, ensuring comfort and productivity throughout the workday.
How Did We Rank the Best Office Chairs?
While we leveraged data from 200+ trusted sites, there was not enough testing data available to produce a guide that builds off important test criteria like the actual angle of recline or actual seat height maximum, so our guide instead is based on an important specification and leans on our True Score system to highlight the best possible products.
🛠️ Minimum Specifications
- Lumbar support must be adjustable or self-adjusting
Latest Updates
- 04/26/2024: Republished the list to include the best office chairs for lower back pain based on our True Score system.
Top Office Chairs for Lower Back Pain For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To qualify for our selection, an office chair must have lumbar support that is either adjustable or self-adjusting. If a chair fails to meet these criteria, it won’t be featured in our guide.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
The Branch Verve
Best For Lower Back Pain
The Branch Verve is a mid-range option of excellent value for average-sized people with lower back pain, providing ergonomic features and adjustability for good posture and comfort for long hours.
True Score
90913Experts
8555Customers
Cosmic Wonder
$589.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Incredibly comfortable design
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Impressive build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks a few key features
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max 30" Armrest Height Min 27.5" Backrest Height n/a Backrest Width n/a Frame Construction Metal and Plastic Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest No Lumbar Support Yes Piston Type Pneumatic Cylinder Recline 20° Seat Depth 16.75-19" Seat Height Adjustment 16.5 – 20.5" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 16.5" Upholstery Foam Weight Limit 275 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 17 Max Seat Height (Inches) 21 All Retailers
$589.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re an average-sized person experiencing lower back pain, The Branch Verve is a fantastic mid-range balance between price and ergonomic performance. Compared to the Mirra 2, the two chairs share several adjustable measurements, but the Verve is a much more affordable option without compromising on lumbar support for your back. The Mirra 2 supports heavier people, but the Verve is still a great value for what you get if you spend long hours seated at a desk.
If you’re average height, you’ll find its seat height adjustability—from 16.5 inches to a max of 20.5 inches—beneficial for maintaining an ergonomic posture, which enhances comfort and minimizes the risk of strain during prolonged sitting. Its adjustable seat depth, from 16.75 to 19 inches, allows you to adjust the seat so it isn’t too close or far away from the back of your legs. With lumbar support and adjustable armrests, it promotes comfort and proper spinal alignment, alleviating back and shoulder tension over extended periods.
If you have slimmer hips, you’ll likely be able to fit in this chair’s 16.5-inch wide seat, which is the smallest on the list. Unfortunately, its 275 lb weight capacity is not enough to support heavier users. Constructed from metal, plastic, and foam padding, the Verve is built to last, offering both ergonomic flexibility and comfort for extended use. If you want to relax in your chair, know that it lacks a head and footrest.
While it only suits average-sized people, the chair’s overall ergonomic advantages and adjustability features at a mid-range price make it an outstanding choice for corporate employees, remote workers, students, and professionals who seek a blend of comfort, durability, and long-term usability.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Herman Miller Mirra 2
Best For Big And Tall
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is a fantastic premium chair for average-height, heavy professionals and students with lower back pain. It offers adjustable ergonomic support and durable build quality for work or educational settings.
True Score
88894Experts
85185Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $70$1,299.99$1,229.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional adjustability and ergonomics
- Adjustable lumbar support
- High-end materials
Reasons to Avoid
- Does not include a headrest
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max n/a Armrest Height Min n/a Backrest Height 22.91" Backrest Width 21" Frame Construction Metal and Plastic Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest No Lumbar Support Adjustable Piston Type Pneumatic Cylinder Recline Yes Seat Depth 16.5 – 18.5" Seat Height Adjustment 16.5 – 20.5" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 21.5" Upholstery Foam Weight Limit 350 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 0 Max Seat Height (Inches) 0 All Retailers
- $1,229.99$1,300Save $70
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re working in an office or educational setting, the Herman Miller Mirra 2 is an exceptional choice, especially if you’re seeking relief from lower back pain. Despite its premium cost, it justifies its price with unmatched ergonomic support, superior build quality, and customizable features tailored for those with specific back support needs. Compared to the Herman Miller Embody, it’s cheaper and supports heavier users with wider builds thanks to its unmatched weight capacity of 350 lbs, backrest width of 21 inches, and 21.5-inch seat width.
Its adjustable lumbar support allows for personalized back comfort and posture support for those concerned with lower back pain. This, along with the chair’s large backrest (21 inches wide and 22.4 inches high), ensures that larger users can find the same level of comfort and ergonomic benefits, promoting proper posture and spine health. If you have an average height, it has adjustable seat depth ( 16.5 to 18.5 inches) and seat height ( 16.5 to 20.5 inches), providing support for optimal spinal alignment.
If you tend to sweat a lot at work or school, the airweave seat material offers a breathable sitting experience, preventing discomfort from the heat. Constructed with metal and plastic and equipped with casters, the chair is both lightweight and durable, offering ease of movement and longevity.
If you’re a heavier professional or student who needs a chair to support your back health for years to come, the Mirra 2 is a wise investment for its ergonomic design, breathable materials, and adjustable features specifically catering to lower back pain relief.
Did you know 91% of Office Chair reviewers are untrustworthy?
Our research found only 9 of 97 office chair reviewers as of April 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every office chair review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
67,691Office Chair Reviews Analyzed
31
Total Products Analyzed
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
MCQ Ergonomic
Best For Scoliosis
The MCQ Ergonomic Chair is an affordable, fixed chair for tall users with lower back pain in home offices and educational environments. Its adjustable lumbar support and recline feature enhance comfort.
True Score
82820Experts
8485Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $14$90.71$76.80Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great for comfort
- Sturdy build quality
- Good stability
Reasons to Avoid
- Average adjustability and ergonomics
- No lumbar support
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Fixed Armrest Height Max n/a Armrest Height Min n/a Backrest Height 24.4" Backrest Width 28.3" Frame Construction Metal and Plastic Head Pillow n/a Head Rest Integrated Lumbar Support Adjustable Piston Type Gas Spring Pump Recline 110° Seat Depth 23.81" Seat Height Adjustment Yes Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 19.68" Upholstery PU Leather Weight Limit 250 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
All Retailers
- $76.80$91Save $14
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re a tall professional or student with lower back pain who’s on a budget, the MCQ Ergonomic Chair is a great chair that offers solid value if you’re prioritizing comfort over adjustability. It suits home offices, co-working spaces, and educational settings, where comfort is key. It’s the cheapest option on the list that offers best-in-class adjustable lumbar support for proper spine alignment and comfort. If you’re tall, this would be a great fit for you since the fixed, unmatched seat depth is 23.8 inches, and the large backrest is 30.7 inches high and 28.3 inches wide.
If you work or study for long periods, it has comfortable foam seat padding, a recline feature up to 110°, and a generous seat width of 19.68 inches, keeping your sitting sessions comfortable over time. However, the fixed armrests might limit some users’ ability to customize their sitting position fully.
The chair’s construction ensures durability and stability when moving it around. It has a 250-lb weight limit, which doesn’t accommodate heavier people, but its overall performance still makes it a reliable chair.
This is excellent for those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution to reduce lower back pain. While it prioritizes fundamental ergonomic features over customizability, it offers a comfortable, supportive seat for long work or study hours. Best suited for students, remote workers, and professionals in less demanding physical environments, it’s a practical compromise between price and performance, ensuring accessibility and comfort.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
For individuals with specific seating needs, finding the right chair is crucial. The best office chair for scoliosis provides targeted support for spinal alignment, while the top big and tall office chair accommodates larger body types with enhanced durability and space. Office chairs for short people are tailored to fit lower heights comfortably. For those who prefer a stationary option, a desk chair without wheels offers stability and firm positioning.
Beyond seating, office efficiency is key. Invest in one of the best paper shredders to securely dispose of sensitive documents. For relaxation and ease, consider one of the top lift recliners, perfect for anyone needing extra assistance from their seating.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Herman Miller Embody
Best For Streamers
For short to average-height individuals with lower back pain, the Herman Miller Embody is a superb premium chair that blends ergonomic features and durability, making it ideal for demanding work environments.
True Score
80794Experts
85459Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$1,199.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional ergonomics and adjustability
- Great build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Lumbar support may not be for everyone
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max n/a Armrest Height Min n/a Backrest Height 24" Backrest Width 13" Frame Construction Metal and Plastic Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest No Lumbar Support Adjustable Piston Type Pneumatic Cylinder Recline 120° Seat Depth 15 – 18" Seat Height Adjustment 15.5 – 20.5" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 21.5" Upholstery Fabric, Leather Weight Limit 300 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 0 Max Seat Height (Inches) 21 All Retailers
- $1,199.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re an average-height person who works long hours with lower back pain, the Herman Miller Embody is an exceptional choice that balances a premium price with ergonomic features and solid build quality, making it a smart investment for demanding jobs. In contrast to the Mirra 2, the Embody is more expensive, but it caters to shorter people with a best-in-class 15.5-inch seat height minimum, unmatched seat depth adjustment from 15 to 18 inches, and adjustable lumbar support, all contributing to improved spinal alignment and reduced back strain for a more comfortable sitting posture.
The full seat height adjusts from 15.5 to 20.5 inches, and the weight capacity is 300 lbs, making it customizable for those who are short, average height, or on the heavier side. The best-in-class 21.5-inch seat width allows users with wide hips to be supported properly and not feel squished between the armrests. However, the chair would best suit users with narrow backs since its 13-inch wide and 24-inch tall backrest might not suit broader backs or be supportive enough.
If you work in a corporate or co-working space, the chair uses a metal and plastic frame and foam upholstery, so it’s durable and comfortable enough to support you for the whole day and for years to come. The recline ability of up to 120° also offers customized comfort for longer sitting sessions.
Ideal for professionals of short to average height without wide backs, this chair prioritizes ergonomic support and comfort. While it’s the priciest option available, its adjustable features and durability make it a worthwhile investment in order to alleviate lower back pain and enhance your office experience for the long term.
Category Snapshot
Office Chairs
- Total Brands/Products Tested
17 Brands, 31 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Steelcase, Herman Miller
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$100-$1,000
- Average True Score
80.92
- Important Criteria
Adjustable Lumbar Support
Tilt/Recline Angle
- Most Trusted Testers
- Top Office Chair Experts
- Typical Warranty
1-2 years
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Hon Ignition 2.0
The Hon Ignition 2.0 suits tall, heavy people with lower back pain who work long hours by providing extensive adjustability and lumbar support at a mid-range price.
True Score
69665Experts
832kCustomers
Meh
SAVE $192$589.00$396.95Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good ergonomics/adjustability
- Comfortable lumbar support
- Robust construction
Reasons to Avoid
- No neck support
- Tall for individuals under 5’2″
- Cushion padding flattens out
Specifications
Adjustable Armrests Yes Armrest Height Max 20" Armrest Height Min 11.2" Backrest Height 24.25" Backrest Width 19" Frame Construction Steel Has Footrest No Head Pillow No Head Rest Adjustable Head Support Lumbar Support Yes Piston Type n/a Recline Yes Seat Depth 16.75-19" Seat Height Adjustment 17 – 22" Seat Padding Material Foam Seat Width 20" Upholstery Fabric, Mesh Weight Limit 300 lbs Wheel Type Casters All Specs
Test Results
Max Recline (Degrees) 0 Min Seat Height (Inches) 0 Max Seat Height (Inches) 0 All Retailers
$396.95$589Save $192Availability
Not availableFree Shipping
Yes- $425.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re tall, suffer from lower back pain, and prioritize adjustability, the Hon Ignition 2.0 is a superb option. It’s similar to the MCQ Ergonomic Chair, except that it’s fixed and cheaper. The Ignition 2.0 offers substantial support and adjustability for a good mid-range price. It has a best-in-class maximum seat height of 22 inches and a max seat depth of 19 inches, making it great for tall users in corporate and home offices and classrooms.
Its range of adjustments includes seat depth from 16.75 to 19 inches, seat height from 17 to 22 inches, and adjustable armrests, ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide range of body sizes. It has a backrest width of 19 inches, a backrest height of 29 inches, and a 20-inch seat width, again emphasizing how it’s a good fit for tall users. The seat width should accommodate average-sized hips to enhance comfort further.
With a 300 lbs weight capacity, it accommodates heavier users and the lumbar and head support to encourage better posture and alleviate discomfort during prolonged periods of sitting. Built with a durable steel frame, it’s designed for longevity in demanding workspaces. Its foam padding and upholstery add to the chair’s comfort, making it an ideal choice for long work or study hours.
If you’re a tall professional or student who’s on the heavier side, the robust build and ergonomic adjustments make it an excellent investment. It provides a balance of comfort, adjustability, and support for those prioritizing relief from lower back pain without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.
Our Approach to Evaluating Office Chairs for Lower Back Pain
We’ve redefined office chair buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach normally uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, aggregating testing data to help know what chair you should buy. Sometimes, however, there just isn’t enough testing data – or any data at all.
When it comes to office chairs for lower back pain, we don’t have a lot of testing data to go off of, so we turn to using purely our True Score system to lead the way in identifying the best possible products. We’ve also included some important spec data that will help you better make a decision on a chair that not only fits your budget, but also your body.
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 95+ office chairs reviewers and while 9 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Score above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for office chairs.
- Jenny McGraths – Business Insider, MuckRack, Twitter
- Benjamin Hickok – TechGearLab
- Ciprian Adrian Rusen – Digital Citizen, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every office chair review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Scores from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Office Chair Spec Data
1. Weight Limit Spec Data
Weight Limit
> 300 lbs
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much weight the chair can support.
Units of Measurement: lbs (pounds)
Tools to Measure: Manufacturer provided specification
Why It’s Important:
Weight limits tell you the rough weight a person can be and still safely and comfortably use a chair.
Manufacturers commonly provide a weight limit specification that lets you know the weight the chair will support before parts start breaking or it becomes unsafe to sit in the chair.
Higher weight limits usually reflect a more expensive chair, as more material (or stronger material) is used to improve the weight limit of the chair. For example, different pistons, or chair legs that are made of metal instead of plastic.
Weight Limit (in pounds; higher is better)
2. Seat Width Spec Data
Seat width is a manufacturer-provided measurement that indicates how wide the actual seat of the chair is.
Width is largely preferential, with the best seat width being the one that best suits your body. Buying a chair with an extremely wide seat might be uncomfortable or odd if you have a narrow frame, while extremely narrow seats are uncomfortable or impossible to sit in if you’re wide.
Seat Width
Varies
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The width of the seat.
Units of Measurement: ” (Inches)
Tools to Measure: Manufacturer provided specification.
Why It’s Important:
Seats need to be wide enough to be comfortable to sit in.
Seat Width (in inches)
3. Backrest Height Spec Data
Backrest height is a manufacturer-supplied specification, and, as the name implies, indicates how tall the backrest on a chair is.
Much like seat width, the backrest height on a chair should match your body, meaning there’s no “ideal” size. If you have a long torso, a taller back is better, but if you’re on the short side, a shorter back is better.
Backrest Height
Varies
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The height of the chair’s backrest.
Units of Measurement: ” (Inches)
Tools to Measure: Measuring Tape
Why It’s Important:
Seat backs need to be high enough to support most or all of your back.
Max Seat Height (in inches)
Best Office Chairs for Lower Back Pain: Mistakes To Avoid
- Neglecting Ergonomic Design: Choosing a chair without considering its ergonomic features can exacerbate lower back pain. Look for chairs with adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, and backrest angle to ensure proper alignment and support for your lower back. Additionally, select models that offer adjustable seat height and tilt to aid in office chair leg circulation to maintain blood flow and prevent discomfort during long periods of sitting.
- Ignoring Adjustability: Chairs with limited adjustability may not accommodate your specific needs and preferences. Ensure the chair offers multiple adjustment options for seat height, armrests, and lumbar support to customize your sitting experience. Additionally, knowing how to sit correctly in an office chair is crucial, as proper positioning ensures ergonomic alignment and comfort throughout the day.
- Sacrificing Quality for Price: Opting for a cheap chair without considering its build quality and materials may result in insufficient support and discomfort. Invest in a high-quality chair made from durable materials that can provide long-term relief for your lower back pain. For those looking for a mid-range option, the best office chair under $500 proves that you do not need to compromise on quality, offering ergonomic features and sturdy construction that can greatly enhance your comfort and productivity without breaking the bank.
- Disregarding Comfort: Prioritizing style over comfort may lead to dissatisfaction and increased pain. Look for chairs with ample padding and breathable upholstery to ensure comfort during extended periods of sitting. Additionally, enhancing your seating arrangement with the best office chair cushions can provide extra support and improve posture, further alleviating discomfort during long hours at your desk.
The Best Office Chairs for Lower Back Pain Tests & Specs Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Maximum Recline (Degrees)
|
Minimum Seat Height (inches)
|
Maximum Seat Height (inches)
|
Backrest Height
|
Seat Depth
|
Seat Width |
Lumbar Suppot
|
Adjustable Armrests
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $589.00 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $1,229.99 $1,300 $70 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
| $76.80 $91 $14 | |||
| 80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $1,199.00 |
| 69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $396.95 $589 $192 |
