The 6 Best Office Chairs for Back Pain & Sciatica

If you suffer from back pain or sciatica, your office chair might be the reason.

(Let’s be real—your current chair is basically a medieval torture device disguised as a “work” chair.)

With more of us working from home, an ergonomic office chair is a game-changer for preventing back pain and sciatica caused by poor posture and sitting in an awkward position.

In this post, you’ll find:

• The highest-rated office chairs for back pain and sciatica
• Why ergonomic chairs are better than regular ones
• How to choose the best one to keep your spine aligned and happy

In a Hurry?

See our short comparison table, followed by our detailed ergonomic chair reviews:

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How to Choose the Best Office Chair for Back Pain

The right chair can:

• Align your spine and reduce pressure on your lower back
• Support your muscles to prevent stiffness and pain
• Encourage better posture to keep you comfortable for long hours

Your office chair should be an adjustable, high-back chair with lumbar support, a headrest (to support the neck), and a reclining option (preferably up to 135 degrees).

• Adjustable lumbar support – Keeps your lower back aligned
• Reclining feature (preferably up to 135°) – Reduces spinal pressure
• Adjustable armrests & seat height – Promotes proper posture
• Breathable mesh or cushioned backrest – Keeps you cool & comfortable

Here’s why:

According to Mayo Clinic, to sit properly, you’ll need to adjust the height of the chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor or footrest and your thighs are parallel to the floor.

You’ll also need to adjust the armrests so that your shoulders are relaxed when you rest your hands on them.

Finally, A reclining option and a headrest will allow you to get a few minutes of rest from work and help your back muscles to fully relax.

This is especially vital for people with sciatica and lower back pain.

Using MRI scans, Canadian researchers concluded that the ideal biomechanical sitting position to reduce spinal pressure and disc wear is in a chair with the backrest reclined 135 degrees, with your two feet planted on the floor.

The 6 Best Office Chairs for Back Pain & Sciatica

Ergonomic office chairs are best when it comes to proper back support and preventing sciatica pain.

They are highly adjustable high-back chairs, and the curve in the back keeps you in optimal posture without pressure on your shoulders, hips, and neck.

A mesh backrest is breathable, dynamic, doesn’t trap heat, and sort of bends and moves with you throughout your workday as you change positions.

See how to sit and sleep with ankylosing spondylitis

1. Herman Miller Aeron Chair – Best for Back Pain & Sciatica

Unmatched adjustability and breathable support – if only it came with a softer backrest and a friendlier price tag

VIEW ON AMAZON $899

The best way to find a neutral posture and full support for your back (to prevent sciatica pain) is by sitting on a fully adjustable task chair, such as the award-winning Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

Sitting on the Aeron chair (Made in Michigan at a 100% green-energy facility), you can fully adjust the lumbar support, the seat, and the armrests.

The durable mesh backrest is breathable and comfortable and helps support your back muscles and spine.

If that’s not enough, the Aeron adjustable office chair (which comes in 3 sizes for all body types) has an adjustable tilt and reclines up to 135 degrees (the optimal reclining angle for low back pain/sciatica relief).

This chair is amazingly comfortable, with a top-quality finish and fit, and it makes you feel you get what you paid for.

While it’s more expensive than average, the Herman Miller Aeron chair’s benefits (optimal back support, high-quality materials, and 12-year warranty) add up and make it the best (and most copied) ergonomic office chair of 2025.

Herman Miller is the best choice for back pain, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis, coccyx pain, and any back pain.

Do not order before you take some measurements to decide the right size for you. You don’t want a chair that’s too big or too small for you.

This means this may not fit other people in your home.

Also, if you are looking for extra padding on the backrest, this chair is not for you.

Available on Amazon ($899)

Pro Tip

Use a donut pillow or a coccyx pillow if you suffer from tailbone pain – see the best donut pillows for tailbone pain!

2. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Herman Miller Alternative

Budget-friendly with a unique lumbar dial and headrest – but not ideal for taller or broader folks

VIEW ON AMAZON $269

The Duramont is also a highly adjustable mesh chair, but this one comes with an adjustable headrest, which is helpful for those moments of relaxation and for supporting your neck when you are reclining (up to 120 degrees).

It also features rollerblade wheels that glide easily over the floor (but not so easily on carpets).

You can adjust the headrest height and angle, the lumbar support height and depth, the armrest height and distance from the seat, the seat height, the backrest tilt, and the tilt tension.

However, shorter people may struggle to reach the floor due to the seat depth.

The mesh backrest allows for cool air to circulate, keeping your back sweat-free, and we liked that the reclining tension knob is very easy to reach and gives you a wide range of adjustments.

For the price, the Duramont chair just can’t be beaten.

With the 90-day money-back guarantee and 5-year warranty, this is a risk-free purchase for working at home or anywhere.

Plus, many users love the fact that you get extra hardware and everything you need to assemble the chair with ease.

The lowest setting of the armrests may be too high for shorter people, and this may cause shoulder muscle tension.

Available on Amazon ($269 with code under the price)

3. NOUHAUS Ergo3D Office Chair – Best for Short-Average Users

Adaptive lumbar and 3D armrests at a great value – just don’t expect a beauty queen 

VIEW ON AMAZON $369

The Nouhaus Ergo3D office chair is fairly customizable (except for the headrest), almost like its top luxury competitor – the Aeron chair – yet costs less than half its price.

Why?

Because it is not the prettiest office chair around, the brand is unknown, and it won’t fit bigger and taller people.

However:

The self-adjustable backrest automatically adjusts its tension based on the pressure you apply and cradles your back and neck whether you lean back or forward.

The headrest takes care of your neck at any angle, the adjustable tilt allows for up to 135 degrees reclining, the 3D armrests move in 4 directions, and with the waterfall seat, this is one of the most versatile office chairs in this price range and recommended even for 8+ hours of work.

The lever on the right side of the chair allows you to lock the chair in the upright position, semi-recline, and full recline.

Bottom line, the NOUHAUS is a great fit for small-average users and is made with high-quality materials that will last for years.

Cons

No padding between the edges of the frame and the mesh may cause leg pain if you lean into the chair for long periods.

Available on Amazon ($369)

4. Modway Articulate Mesh Office Chair – Best Under $200

Affordable and padded with all the basics – just don’t count on it lasting a decade or cradling your neck

VIEW ON AMAZON $88-$161

For a far less expensive option, the Modway Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair offers a surprising level of comfort and adjustability for an affordable price.

The back height, seat depth, and armrests are easily adjustable, and the chair also includes tilt tension and lock functions to recline comfortably.

The seat is generously padded (6” thick mesh seat cushion), and it comes in many fun colors like blue, orange, and purple –  great for high school or college students.

For under $200, we recommend the Modway Chair as a good new mesh chair that won’t empty your pockets, but it’s not our #1 or #2 choice for sitting 8+ hours of work on it and doesn’t feel as durable as the other computer chairs on this list.

As for the warranty, we had to contact the company and found there is only a 1-year warranty, and only for the chair frame.

Available on Amazon ($88-$161)

5. RESPAWN 110 – Best Gaming Chair for Back Pain

Plush recliner with a footrest and tilt – though it may get toasty without a mesh back

$149 AT RESPAWN

VIEW ON AMAZON $123

The Respawn 110 features a cushioned back, making it more comfortable compared to mesh.

The headrest is detachable and so is the lumbar support cushion, and you can also adjust the height of the seat and armrests.

The respawn chair reclines up to the optimal 130-degree angle (and more – up to 155 degrees)  and locks in position (3-position tilt lock), and the Full 360 degrees of swivel rotation enable dynamic movement.

This great-looking gaming chair provides luxury and comfort, whether it’s used for intense gaming sessions or long workdays, and is backed with a lifetime warranty by Respawn.

While it’s not as adjustable as some other mesh chairs on this list, the price is relatively low (less than $150!), making it a great-value work-at-home/gaming chair for back pain prevention.

Available at Respawn ($149) and on Amazon ($123)

6. Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair – Best for the Money

Great adjustability and easy setup for less – but that headrest is a no-go if you’re over 5’8.”

VIEW ON AMAZON $180-$269

The Gabrylly ergonomic mesh office chair’s best features are the 4 supporting points, including lumbar support and a headrest.

The first support point is in the backrest, which has just enough curve and some lumbar support.

The second point is the curve and shape of the seat to relieve pressure on the hips, and there’s the adjustable headrest.

Another great thing about this chair is the deep 120-degree tilt and the flip-up armrests that come with removable padding (if you do not want to use it).

The high-quality mesh keeps this chair cool and is easy to clean, and the 360-degree swivel is great (the chair moves smoothly and quietly).

And here’s something important for people who don’t like complicated assembly: users have reported that this chair takes no more than 5 minutes to assemble, instructions are straightforward, and you may not even need them!

Amazon buyers love this chair and give it high reviews consistently.

The headrest is clearly stated to only fit people up to 5’8 or shorter, so many people may not be able to use it.

Available on Amazon ($180-$269)

How to Sit Properly On an Ergonomic Office Chair

Many people already have an ergonomic chair but still sit incorrectly. Follow these steps:

✔ Adjust seat height – Feet should be flat on the floor or a footrest
✔ Check seat depth – There should be at least 1 inch between your knees and seat edge
✔ Position lumbar support – It should fit snugly in your lower back
✔ Relax shoulders – Adjust armrests so your arms are at a 90° angle
✔ Align headrest – It should support your head without pushing it forward

Here’s a short video demonstrating how to sit on an ergonomic chair:

What is the Best Office Chair for Low Back Pain? 

If you suffer from sciatica or chronic back pain, choosing the right office chair is a game-changer.

• Our top pick for 2025 is the Herman Miller Aeron chair – Premium quality & top-tier support.
• Best Herman Miller alternative – the Duramont Mesh office chair – Highly customizable
• Best Under $200 – the Modway Articulate – A solid pick
• Best for Shorter People – the NOUHAUS Ergo3D Office Chair
• Best for Gaming – Respawn 110 – budget-friendly and comfortable

Pro Tip: No chair is a magic fix—pair it with proper posture & movement breaks for the best results!

We hope we’ve saved you some time and money with this research. Feel free to ask us anything in the comment section below.

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