Photo: getty
Protect your back at all costs!
By Aly Walansky — Written on Oct 11, 2019
Sitting all day, especially uncomfortably, is never a good thing. There's a ton of evidence that tells us that sitting in a chair too long can lead to everything from heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, anxiety, back pain, and even cancer.
Obviously, if we're working during the day at a desk, we'll need to use a chair, at least to some extent. That's why an ergonomic chair is a good thing to consider. This is a chair that has a range of adjustable parts that help to enhance maximum comfort during sitting and also (correctly) support of your posture, weight, and lumbar.
Dr. Kelly Wright, chiropractor and owner of Big Wave Chiropractic, "An ergonomic chair eliminates abnormal stress placed on the spine that can be caused by poor posture. It supports the natural kyphotic curve of the thoracic spine and the lordotic curve of the lumbar spine. Support of the natural curvature of the spine promotes proper posture, which leads to minimized risk of pain and discomfort. Establishing an ergonomic work environment will translate into less pain, discomfort and stress outside of the workplace."
Not sure of the best ergonomic chair for you? Here are some great options.
1. ErgoErgo Ergonomic Stool
Activate your core, relieve your back and expand your breathing. ErgoErgo encourages us to sit as nature intended. Snatching up awards left and right, these stools are sturdier than unpredictable exercise balls (certainly more sanitary) and improve balance and flexibility.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
2. Humanscale Freedom Office Chair
Designed to eliminate the need for manual controls, it features a sophisticated weight-sensitive, self-locking recline mechanism. This model Freedom chair comes with black color and wave textile.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
3. Easy Posture Lumbar Back Support
The mesh material is lightweight breathable fabric designed not to retain heat and allow great air circulation for your back. It's therapeutic and allows air circulation while you are driving or sitting at your desk.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
4. Incline Fit Yoga Exercise Ball Base
Select between one piece balance ball holder or four piece fitness ball base. Store your yoga ball, use as an accessory for your anti-burst core ball, or use to stabilize the ball if you choose to utilize it as an office chair or desk chair.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
5. Brenton Studio Radley Task Chair
Create a home office that makes it easy to work on DIY projects, type at your laptop, balance your budget and more with this task chair. Designed with contoured features, this comfortable chair from Brenton Studio is easy on your back and legs to help make extended work sessions that much easier.
(Office Depot, $149.99)
6. Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
Created by leading health and fitness experts to improve overall well-being, it provides an active outlet for having to sit for long periods of time.
(Walmart, $69.99)
7. Trideer Exercise Ball Chair
Trideer Exercise Ball Chair offers you different combinations to choose for workout. The balance ball is made of eco-friendly, hypo-allergenic material, first-class processing.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
8. Vivora Luno Sitting Ball Chair
Perfect for ab engagement, yoga, back stretching, posture workouts, therapy, and physioball balance training routines, it also promotes flexible joints for healthy lifestyle.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
9. Gaiam Balance Disc
Place the disc on top of any chair or seat to add instability to strengthen your core, all while improving posture and sitting comfortably.
(Target, $21.99)
10. Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
According to Daniel Paull MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, “The ideal ergonomic chair is adjustable to fit ideally and efficiently into your desk. I like the Duramont because it is height adjustable, has good lumbar support with a tiltable backrest, and adjustable armrests.”
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
11. Pavilion Chic Swivel Chair Shorncote in Leather
Accent your home office with the Pavilion Chic Swivel Chair Shorncote in Leather. Abstract in shape and design, this leather swivel armchair offers deep comfort with a supportive back, making it ideal for use as a statement accent chair or as an alternative accompaniment to a study.
(Pavilion Broadway, $1,205)
12. Kensington SmartFit Conform Back Rest
“The SmartFit System lets you measure, adjust and fit the back rest to your ideal comfort color setting. It's also height adjustable for customized lumbar support, and has independent springs conform to fit your body shape and articulate with your posture,” suggests Jake Hay of PopShorts.
(Walmart, $83.99)
13. Embody Chair by Herman Miller
The Embody Chair promotes good posture and makes you feel like you’re floating, providing ergonomic support while allowing you to move. Its narrow back allows you to twist and reach while its “spine” automatically adjusts to your body’s curve.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
14. Serta Mid-Back Office Chair
The Air Lumbar flexes and pivots with your body as you lean and twist, providing a continuous support experience. The soft and supple upholstery in smooth black eco-friendly bonded leather, as well as the deep, ergo layered body pillows with perforated comfort zones, offer the body a tranquil seating experience.
(Walmart, $186.99)
15. Alera Elusion Swivel Chair
Ergonomic design adjusts to fit multiple users. It has a cool, breathable mesh back, contoured seat cushion with premium fabric upholstery, and waterfall edge to help relieve pressure on legs.
(Walmart, $138+)
16. Balt Butterfly Executive Chair
Stylish and breathable mesh back includes angle adjustment, tilt-lock in three positions, and tilt tension control. Contoured to provide optimum and natural lumbar support.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
17. Viva Office Mesh High-Back Chair
Black mesh covers both the padded seat of the chair, as well as the back of the chair. The mesh material allows heat and moisture to be released, making it more comfortable to sit in this chair for an extended period of time.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
18. AmazonBasics Mid-Back Office Chair
This adjustable office chair helps promote a comfortable seated position, which is important when at your desk or in front of the computer for long stretches of time.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
19. Haworth Zody Chair
Light in scale and thin in silhouette, Zody demonstrates that a comfortable, ergonomic chair can also be sophisticated with a strong aesthetic appeal.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
20. Modway Veer Drafting Chair
The Veer Drafting Stool features a form-fitted breathable mesh back and padded waterfall mesh seat to keep your back and thighs posture perfect. Securely lock your back in place with a user-friendly seat tilt plus tension control knob–perfect for adjusting the chair to correctly fit your body weight.
(Walmart, $124+)
More for You:
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.