The 6 Best Living Room Chairs for Back Pain Sufferers

If you suffer from back pain, your choice of a living room chair may be more important than you think.

Why?

Because a good ergonomic (orthopedic) living room recliner chair, with lumbar support, conforms to the natural alignment of your spine, keeps you in the proper posture, prevents back pain, and even relieves existing backaches.

It’s super comfortable as well.

In this post, we’ve researched and found the top 6 living room chairs for back pain sufferers, all of them are high quality, sturdy and built to last, easy to clean, and reasonably priced.

👉 In a Hurry?

Here are our research results in a short comparison table. Below you’ll find our full reviews for the best living room chairs for back pain!

Living Room Chair	Review	Key Features	Price
La Z Boy Jasper Rocker Recliner	Best Large Recliner	Extra Large 2 Reclining types - Manual/Power 2 motion types 3 reclining positions	✅ $498 at Slumberland
Human Touch PERFECT CHAIR	Best Zero Gravity Recliner for Back Pain	1 Reclining type - Manual (Push-Back) Zero gravity Highly adjustable High weight capacity Beautiful design	✅ Best Price on Amazon
Irene House Lift Chair	Best for Back Surgery Recovery	Backrest at all angles Power lift	✅ $898 at Walmart
Da Vinci Piper Swivel Reclining Glider	Best Rocker Recliner with Lumbar Support	1 Reclining Type - Manual 2 motion Types - Swivel/Glider 2 reclining positions	✅ $399 at Project Nursery or Amazon
Three Posts Power Lift Recliner	Best with Heat & Massage	1 Reclining type - Power (Remote Control) Zero gravity With heat & massage	✅ $380 on Wayfair
Homall Manual Recliner with Massage	Best Budget	1 Reclining type - Manual (Push-Back) With lower back massage 3 reclining positions Narrow & smaller	✅ Check Price on Amazon

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Are Recliner Chairs Good for Back Pain?

Nothing feels better than coming home at the end of the day and putting your feet up in a super comfortable chair.

However:

The wrong living room chair can cause or aggravate back pain, hip pain, and neck pain, while the right recliner can relieve and prevent back pain from muscle stiffness, sciatica, Herniated disc, and back surgery.

In fact:

A study performed by the University of Alberta Hospital in Canada suggests that the best sitting position for your back is somewhat reclined, sitting at a 135-degree body-thigh position.

“Sitting in a sound anatomic position is essential, since the strain put on the spine and its associated ligaments over time can lead to pain, deformity, and chronic illness.”

The 6 Best Recliners for Back Pain Sufferers

And now, here are the 6 best chairs for back pain at home:

👉 Struggling with Ankylosing Spondylitis? see how to sit and sleep with Ankylosing Spondylitis

1. La Z Boy – Best Recliners for Low Back Pain

La-Z-Boy recliners are a common sight in living rooms around the world.

However:

Most people are not aware of the health benefits of relaxing in a La-Z-Boy.

Research done by the New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Center shows that La-Z-Boy recliners have helped minimize back pain and leg injuries.

La-Z-Boy Recliners have seven patented features you’ll only find on their recliners, and the most important ones enable the seat and the back of the chair to move together so a gap doesn’t develop when you recline.

Best of all:

La-Z-Boy Recliners have a patented mechanism that allows you to recline your back without having to lift your footrest!

La-Z-Boy chairs support and align your spine in all reclining positions and make sure your back is comfortable, rested, and supported.

No matter where you’ll purchase a La-Z-Boy recliner, you’ll be able to choose the fabric, handle option, and cushion upgrades.

And:

We love the fact that La-Z-Boy is a 100% handcrafted chair, made in America for 90 years now, and comes with a lifetime warranty!

So, what’s the best La-Z-Boy recliner chair for back pain?

La Z Boy Jasper Rocker Recliner 

La Z Boy Large Recliner – view at Slumberland

For bigger people suffering from back pain, choosing a larger recliner would be best, because when your recliner is too small for you, it won’t hit your pressure points properly, and won’t keep a good posture.

The La Z Boy Jasper recliner is larger than average, has a wider seat, and comes with pillow arms and a stitched back cushion that supports your back when you rock, sit, recline, or take a nap.

Extra-large & excellent recliner

We love that it’s a super fluffy reclining chair – in all the right places, yet supports the back and prevents stiffness, aches, and pains.

The Jasper easily reclines with a convenient side handle (or you can choose the power version that only requires a push of a button), the back reclines with or without raising the leg rest, and you can choose the chair type, motion type, and fabric color.

👉 Jasper Recliner Pros

• Extra-large recliner – fits bigger users
• Reclines with or without raising the leg rest (3 optional positions)
• Ultra-plush chaise seat, very comfortable, luxury experience
• The footrest can be extended outwards
• Lifetime warranty
• Durable and made with high-quality materials, USA-made
• Easy assembly
• Certified free of flame retardant materials!

Cons

• Some users stated that the color is slightly lighter than it seems in the pictures
• Other users say that the chair makes some noise when you put the leg rest down.

✅ Available at Slumberland ($498)

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The Complete Guide to Low Back Pain Relief – at Home!

2. Human Touch PERFECT CHAIR  – Best Zero Gravity Recliner for Back Pain

Human Touch Perfect Chair – view on Amazon

Although the Perfect Chair by Human Touch is more expensive than the others on this list, we couldn’t help but notice the many consumers that experienced immediate back pain relief when sitting on this zero-gravity stylish recliner.

Here are some of the testimonials we’ve found:

“Very good engineering, quality materials and craftsmanship, and oh, so very comfortable

This chair is better than a sleeping pill

Superbly comfortable and takes the weight and pain away

No more headaches or back aches. This chair has eliminated them.

The Perfect chair is a true zero gravity recliner that looks amazing with its wooden legs and classic leather cover.

Zero gravity comfort, with your feet above your heart

The adjustable ergonomic headrest supports your neck, and the lumbar cushion is also adjustable (magnetic adjustability)

👉 You can choose from 3 versions of the Perfect Chair: Comfort/Performance/Supreme, with different upgrades:

👉 Human Touch Perfect Chair Pros

• True zero gravity reclining (neutral body posture)
• Adjustable and customizable to make it perfect for your needs
• Excellent lower back support and back aligning /full neck support
• Very comfortable
• Stylish classic design, beautiful wooden legs
• Extended armrest for optimal support when reclining
• 5-year warranty on Relax the Back

Cons

• Expensive
• CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning

✅  Available at Walmart ($2399), and on Amazon ($2229)

3. Irene House Lift Chair – Best Recliner for Back Surgery

Irene House Lift Chair – view on Walmart

The Irene House Lift Chair is the only recliner on this list that can be adjusted to any positioning angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

The footrest is also highly adjustable – and anything can be done via the remote.

Choose any reclining angle between 90 to 180 degrees

Unlike most living room recliners, this one is powered by three motors, each of which is very quiet and stable.

The power lift helps you get up easily from the chair – without added stress on your back, knees, and joints – which is necessary for people recovering from surgery.

Lift chair feature to prevent back and knee strain

Consumers have pointed out the good comfort level of the Irene House Lift Chair, with its extra padded arms and wide backrest, the added lumbar support pillow, and the fact that it supports up to 300 lbs.

The lumbar support pillow that you get helps you keep your back aligned when you sit, recline or lay down to sleep. Without the pillow – you’ll have a gap between the chair and the backrest.

Irene House Power Lift Chair Pros

• Can be adjusted to any angle from sitting to lying down – can be used for sleep
• Side pockets for storage
• Smooth operation
• Quiet and has wheels for portability
• Good lumbar support, extra padding all around
• Supports high weight
• Power lift feature

Cons

• There’s a gap between the chair and the backrest if you do not use the lumbar pillow
• The footrest does not lift up to a horizontal position

✅ Available at Walmart ($898)

4. Da Vinci Piper Swivel – Best Rocker Recliner with Lumbar Support

Da Vinci Swivel Reclining Glider – view on Amazon 

The Piper Swivel Glider has a rather firm back that supports the spine and also comes with a lumbar support cushion.

It can be used as both a recliner and a glider (360-degree swivel motion) that moves smoothly back and forth.

The reclining mechanism is aesthetically hidden and adds to the modern design, and the chair reclines with an easy access handle on the inner side of the chair.

Along with the plush popup leg rest, this is a great living room chair that can prevent back pain, help nursing moms with back pain, and is stylish and well built.

👉 Da Vinci Swivel Glider Pros

• Stylish and modern, hidden reclining mechanism
• Supports the back and keeps a good posture
• Chemical-free and safe for adults and babies – Greenguard gold certified (tested for more than 10,000 chemicals)
• Supports the lower back – comes with a bonus lumbar pillow
• Easy to assemble (1-step), no tools required
• Doesn’t take a lot of space, fits in a smaller corner
• Comfortable (the feel of the fabric is great)
• Throw pillow included (when you buy on Wayfair)

Cons

• Some users stated that it is a bit difficult to get the chair to recline (the handle is hard to pull)
• The leg rest may not be able to handle bigger people

✅ Available at Project Nursery ($399), and on Amazon (same price)

5. Three Posts Power Lift Recliner – Best Power Lift Chair with Massage

Power Lift recliner with heat and massage – view on Wayfair

The Three Posts lift-assist power recliner with massage and heat is perfect for anyone suffering from chronic back pain, arthritis, and back injuries, and for people recovering from surgery.

It has everything you need for a speeded recovery:

• Ergonomic design that supports your spine when you sit or recline
• 4 vibration massage areas and 5 massage modes (2 massage intensities to choose from)
• Zero gravity reclining (takes all the pressure off your spine)
• Soothing heat at a push of a button
• Easily release the footrest and recline the chair using the remote (back and footrest work together)
• A balanced powered lift mechanism can lift the entire chair up to assist the user to stand up easily and safely.
• Wide headrest
• Thick foam padding footrest
• Adjustable footrest

A balanced power lift mechanism

Plus, the Three Posts Power Lift recliner comes with some great bonuses, such as 2 cup holders (to minimize trips to the kitchen)

Cons

• About 20 minutes to assemble, help is required
• The massage option is not as good as the best zero gravity massage chairs
• The seam is not perfect, and the warranty is only for 6 months (but we expect that from a lower-cost recliner)

✅ Available at Wayfair ($379)

6. Homall Manual Recliner – Best Budget

Homall Reclining Chair with Massage – great value – view on Amazon 

The Homall racing-style massaging recliner has a modern gaming chair look, is very comfortable, supports the back, and most importantly – offers a good lower back massage you can operate via the remote control.

This great value (and low cost) recliner chair can recline up to 170 degrees (more than the average 160 degrees), has an adjustable backrest angle and foot pedal and is very easy to put together.

However:

Note that the Homall manual recliner doesn’t fit taller and bigger people, and the weight capacity is 265 lbs (lower than the average 300 lbs).

👉 Homall Massaging Recliner Pros

• Good lumbar support, firm back support, yet comfortable
• Low back massage option
• Doesn’t take a lot of space
• Perfect for preventing back pain from gaming
• Reclines up to 170 degrees
• Adjustable functions

Cons

• Push-back recliner (no handle or button)
• Narrow, lower weight capacity, doesn’t fit tall people

✅ Available at Walmart ($199), and on Amazon ($159)

How to Choose the Best Living Room Chair for Back Pain

What features should I look for in a living room chair to help with back pain? you’ll find them below:

1. Lumbar support

A good ergonomic recliner will not have a gap between your lower back and the chair – when you lift your feet up. If there’s a gap, your back will sink into the middle of the recliner and cause you to slouch. This puts a strain on your low back muscles and ligaments.

2. Feet Elevation

A good recliner for back pain will elevate your legs above your heart level (zero gravity), which fights gravity and helps blood flow travel back to your upper body. The blood flow boost brings pain-relieving and anti-inflammation blood components to your entire back and neck.

3. Recliner Size

Sitting for long hours in a living room chair that doesn’t fit your body can cause unnecessary back strain or discomfort.

For example, If the back of your recliner is too short, the top cushion will push your head forward and may cause neck discomfort without you knowing it. Choose a recliner chair that fits your height and weight.

Recliners come in different sizes, from petite ones (for 5’4″ and under) to small ones (5’5″ – 5’9″) to tall (5’10” – 6’2″ and extra tall (6’3″ and up)

4. Build

Recliners with a hardwood base, a four-sided frame, and a mesh layer between the cushion and springs are well-made, durable, and will last for generations.

5. Manual/Electric (Power) Recliners

Power recliners will cost several hundred dollars more than traditional manual recliners. This is primarily due to the motor and mechanisms included in the construction.

👉 Related: The Top 5 Zero Gravity Massage Chairs  in 2023)

Should You Choose a Soft Recliner or a Firm Recliner?

Most people automatically connect softness to relaxation and relief. However, a recliner that is too soft can cause you to sink in and develop a slouched posture, which can make your back pain worse.

A medium-soft recliner is better for people with back pain caused by pressure on the nerves because the cushioning will not press against pressure points.

On the other hand, a firmer recliner is better for people with poor posture and lower back pain, because it will distribute the weight evenly and keep their spine aligned in a neutral position.

Recliners for Back Pain FAQ

What is the Best Living Room Chair for a Bad Back?

The best living room chair for a bad back would be an ergonomic, orthopedic recliner that leaves no gap between your back and the chair when you recline – to fully support your spine and keep it in the correct posture.

Are Recliners Good for Lower Back Pain?

According to the latest research, sitting somewhat reclined (preferably in a 135-degree body-thigh position is better for your lower back than the common 90-degree chairs.

Is it o.k to Sleep in a Recliner if You Suffer From Back Pain?

Sleeping in a recliner is generally safe if it is ergonomic and has proper lumbar support. People with back pain may find that they get better sleep in a recliner than in a bed.

What’s your experience with sitting on a recliner and back pain? We’d love to know!

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team

References

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20061129/back-pain-eased-by-sitting-back

Zemp R, Taylor WR, Lorenzetti S. In vivo spinal posture during upright and reclined sitting in an office chair. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:916045. doi:10.1155/2013/916045