Ergonomic office chair for back pain: what to look for

If your back aches after a day at the desk, the chair is often part of the reason. A good ergonomic chair won’t fix everything on its own, but the right features, set up properly, make sitting for long hours far more comfortable. Here is what to look for.

• Official dealer for Herman Miller and Interstuhl in Cyprus
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Please note: this guide is general advice about chairs, not medical advice. If you have ongoing or severe back pain, see a doctor or physiotherapist.

The six features that matter most

1. Lower-back (lumbar) support you can adjustYour lower back curves inward. Good support fills that curve so you don’t slump. Look for support you can move up and down, or set in depth, so it sits where your back needs it.
2. Adjustable seat depthIf the seat is too deep, you slide forward and lose the backrest; too shallow and your thighs aren’t supported. Adjustable seat depth (or a chair made in sizes) lets you sit fully back with two to three fingers of space behind your knees.
3. Seat height with your feet flatYour feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at about hip height. Check that the chair’s height range suits both you and your desk.
4. A recline that moves with youSitting perfectly still is hard on the back. A tilt with adjustable tension lets you lean back and move during the day, while a tilt lock or limiter keeps you upright when you type.
5. Arms that support without lifting your shouldersAdjustable arms take weight off your shoulders and upper back. They should reach your forearms with your shoulders relaxed.
6. The right fit for your bodyA chair that is too small or too large undoes everything else. That is why the Herman Miller Aeron comes in three sizes, and why trying a chair before buying is worth the visit.

Chairs with these features

Herman Miller AeronView chair → Herman Miller EmbodyView chair → Interstuhl DAILY/RUNNER 152IIView chair → Studio Office FluxView chair →

Set it up, then keep moving

Even the best chair needs five minutes of setup. Follow our office chair setup guide: seat height, seat depth, lower-back support, tilt and arms, in that order. Then change position often and stand up every half hour or so. Moving regularly matters as much as the chair.

Common questions

More guides

• Which Herman Miller chair is right for you?
• Aeron or Embody?
• Mesh or upholstered office chair?
• How to set up your office chair