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10 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs That'll Save You From All That Back Pain
...or butt pain, tbh.
If you're working from home these days (more like for the past year), and the whole sitting-in-front-of-your-laptop-for-hours-on-end thing has been really wearing on you, it's maybe time for you to invest in an ergonomic chair. I know, you probably have some questions, so let us field 'em for you!
What exactly is an ergonomic chair?
Glad you asked! "Ergonomic means relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment," says Candace Morton, doctor of physical therapy at ProRehab Physical Therapy. When it comes to chairs, that means it has modifiable settings to best fit your posture while performing seated tasks. "Some adjustments can include the height of armrests, tilt of the seat, and modifiable lumbar curvature along with chair height," Morton explains.
She says finding a chair that properly fits your body is imperative to help decrease the potential for conditions induced by poor posture—including sciatica, hip pain, low back pain, neck pain, and cervical headaches. Ouch! So if you're a person who spends about six to eight hours a day sitting at a desk and are starting to experience any of these signs, you might want to consider swapping your office chair for something better suited for WFH tasks.
What happens if I don't use one?
Sitting in a non-ergonomic chair for hours every day leads to bad posture. And according to Morton, that could reduce the natural inward curve of your lumbar spine, which affects its shock-absorbing powers while you walk, sit or do any upright activity. Bad posture can also cause muscle tension and fatigue, resulting in an overall not-so-good time for your spine. And if your shoulders aren't hitting the right place in the chair, you might also feel pain in your neck and shoulders.
What should I look for in an ergonomic chair?
There are a number of factors you should consider when shopping for the best ergonomic chair for you. Michael Escobar, regional director at Fit For Work, a job safety consulting firm, says support and sturdiness are key, but below are some other features he recommends:
- Minimum of five legs for stability
- Seat that supports the lower, middle, and upper back
- Comfortable seatback and seat pan (i.e., the flat part you sit on) padding
- Height adjustability for the seat pan height and seatback
- Breathable chair covering
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Adjustable armrests
- Adjustable backrest angle
- Adjustable seat pan depth
- Adjustable seat pan angle
Escobar also emphasizes that you take frequent micro-breaks and stretch over the course of the workday to maintain your blood flow. So make sure you're not glued to your chair the whole time, even if it is supportive! And if you want to look into other ways to make your work life more comfortable, Morton recommends other ergonomic accessories like specific keyboards, mice, and standing desks that will help promote the right posture.
Now that you're basically an expert after all this info, here are 10 ergonomic office chairs that will transform your WFH setup.
A mesh back will feel super breathable when you're on it for the whole day. And this sleek white one also has lumbar support and swivels and tilts in so many different directions no matter how you're sitting.
SIHOO Ergonomics Office Chair Recliner Chair
Not every ergonomic chair has a high back. And if you're on the taller side, you might want one that better fits your stature. This one has an adjustable headrest, curves with your spine, and even has a footrest you can slide out in case you want to prop your feet up for a bit.
Williston Forge Albaugh Executive Chair
Williston Forge Albaugh Executive Chair
Need something a little more sophisticated for your Zoom meetings? Or a style that better fits your aesthetic? A brown leather executive design has a high curved back for support and tilt adjustments that move with you. This one also comes in two other colors!
This Autonomous one has a fun pop of color and comes in six shades. Plus, it has a mesh back and a comfy headrest that will keep you alert and energized while working away at your computer.
Hbada Ergonomic Desk Chair with Lumbar Support
You ever get on a chair and the arms are never at the right height? This one will solve that for ya. The arms are completely adjustable and can even flip up. This design also has extra lumbar support that you can move up or down your back.
Steelcase Steelcase Series™ 1 Office Chair
Steelcase Steelcase Series™ 1 Office Chair
Whether you're sitting upright or more reclined, this chair will shape to whatever position you're in. It has built-in flexors that bend with every movement. And you can also choose the style if you have carpet versus wood floors for smooth rolling.
FRNIAMC Professional Saddle Stool with Wheels
FRNIAMC Professional Saddle Stool with Wheels
A saddle style helps straighten your posture, which will reduce any neck and back pain throughout the day. Also, if you have a smaller office or apartment, the portable size of this one might be better suited for your space.
Not everyone likes rolling chairs, and that's okay! If you'd prefer a simple four-legged one, this Noho design is just as comfy. It's made with an eco-friendly material that is wayyy flexible, so while it might not look like it, you can stretch v far back on it without losing your balance.
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair in Black
Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair in Black
Anyone else get a sore tush every day or is it just me? More padding can really help in that department, so this simple black style will save you pain when you're sitting for most of the day. The seat itself is also contoured for extra comfort, and it has three different levers to tilt the seat and adjust the height.
Papafix Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Papafix Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
If you want to try something more unconventional, a kneeling chair might be the thing for you. This keeps your feet elevated and the angle promotes great posture even if it doesn't have a back to it. The padding is thick as well so it'll contour to your body.
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
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