Original Publish Date: 12/12/2021
Updated Review by: Jessie Glennon PT, DPT
Sciatica is a widespread medical condition that affects many individuals. People with sciatica feel pain in their lower back, buttocks, thighs and legs.
It can be very uncomfortable or even debilitating at times. If you are experiencing sciatica symptoms like tingling, numbness or pain in your leg, it may be time to invest in an ergonomic office chair for sciatica relief!
As a licensed physical therapist, I know what to look for and what may help my patients find some relief when they complain about low back pain and sciatic symptoms.
So I've updated our original list and compiled 11 top picks for the best chairs for sciatica based on comfort and ease-of-use so you can start sitting comfortably again right away.
This blog post begins with a short sentence describing what Sciatica is, followed by seven bullet points about the best office chairs for Sciatica.
In this article, I will also discuss the features that you should look for when choosing the best office chair for sciatica, as well as some tips on how to properly use and adjust your new chair so that you can get the most relief possible.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a common type of low back discomfort and pain that affects millions of people every year. It can be caused by injury or stress on the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower spine to your feet.
Can an Office Chair Cause Sciatica?
While there is no one definitive answer to this question, it is generally agreed that sitting in an uncomfortable or poorly designed office chair can certainly aggravate symptoms of sciatica.
If you are looking for an office chair that is specifically designed to help with sciatica pain, then check out our list of the seven best office chairs for sciatica.
Each of these chairs takes into account different factors that can help relieve your sciatica pain, such as:
- Seat height
- Lumbar support
- Armrests
- Weight capacity
- Swivel base
- Tilt function and more.
Each of these chairs can help to make sitting for long hours more comfortable and may help to reduce or eliminate sciatica pain.
The following are seven of the best office chairs for sciatica, based on comfort and ease of use:
Best Office Chair for Sciatica Pain
To stay current with the market and new products, my updated list of best office chairs for sciatica pain were selected by researching articles, user feedback, and studying the chairs myself.
Below are the chairs I’ve found to be positively reviewed while providing ample opportunity for adjustments, comfort, and support.
#1) From our original list, the Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair, High Back Desk Chair is an ergonomic chair that provides four supporting points to the head, hips, back, and hands.
It also has proper lumbar support and is easy to adjust. You can change the seat height, backrest, headrest, and flip-up arms according to your different needs.
These features are what makes this chair suitable for sitting long hours and what makes this best office chair for sciatica nerve pain.
Best Ergonomic Office Chair for Sciatica
2.) The Steelcase Gesture Chair is our go-to if you both prioritize ergonomic function and sciatica relief.
This chair is adjustable in every possible way, with a seat that moves forward and back, a tilt control knob at the bottom side of the seat for how much you want to lean back, plus a hip-tilt/tension dial underneath.
The Steelcase Gesture Chair can suit just about any body type out there, which makes this the best mesh office chair for sciatica.
Best Office Chair for Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
Let's talk about the best office chair for sciatica sufferers as rated by users who have suffered from back pain and sciatica.
3.) The best office chair for lower back pain and sciatica is the Duramont Office Chair.
No matter how long you sit on this chair, your back won't become stiff or sore since it offers incredible lumbar support, something that most chairs don't have.
This chair has been a favorite among workers for years because of its "butt-sitting support," which is the best office chair for lower back pain and sciatica sufferers.
Best Desk Chair for Sciatica
4.) Another good office chair for sciatica is the Modway EEI-757-BLK Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair.
This chair is breathable and can release your back's heat to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
It will not only provide excellent lumbar support but has a flexible seat that will allow you to move freely without compromising your health in any way.
This chair has been dubbed as the best desk chair for sciatica pain by several individuals diagnosed with sciatica, and it is easy to see why.
If you are looking for a comfortable and healthy sciatica chair, then either of the two chairs mentioned above would be perfect for you.
Kneeling Chair for Sciatica
Have you ever heard about kneeling chairs? Yes, they exist. If you are looking for an ergonomic chair that will take the pressure off your spine, then a kneeling chair is perfect for you.
Kneeling chairs are designed to put your body into a kneeling position, which is great for people with back pain.
Does a kneeling chair help sciatica?
Sitting in a traditional office chair all day can be really bad for your back, especially if you have sciatica or some other back problem.
With a sciatica chair, you can still work at your desk in the office without putting any strain on your back.
If you are looking for an ergonomic chair setup to deal with your chronic lower back pain when sitting, then the best chairs for sciatica would be kneeling chairs.
5.) DRAGONN by VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair, Adjustable Stool for Home and Office, is a good example of a high quality kneeling chair.
This Ergonomic Kneeling Chair is a great alternative to an office chair because it will allow you to sit with good posture even when sitting on your computer or office chair.
Best Gaming Chair for Sciatica
Do you prefer a gaming chair because it is more comfortable than a regular gaming chair?
6.) You'll probably enjoy RESPAWN RSP-110 Racing Style Gaming, Reclining Ergonomic Chair with Footrest.
It has a built-in lumbar pillow and a headrest pillow for extra comfort.
It is made with fabric and leather that makes it easy to clean and durable. The chair can recline up to 180 degrees, and it has a built-in footrest so you can really relax in it.
The height and armrests are also adjustable, so you can customize them to fit your body type and your desk.
This chair is perfect for people who want to game or work in comfort without sacrificing their health.
Best Office Chair for Piriformis Syndrome
7.) The Oline ErgoPro Ergonomic Office Chair is an excellent option for those looking for a good ergonomic office chair.
This ergonomic office chair is suitable for particular needs or conditions because it has the following features:
- breathable mesh back,
- waterfall front edge to help reduce pressure points on your legs and thighs,
- adjustable seat height and tilt tension
These features will allow you to sit on your computer or office chair for extended hours without feeling fatigued.
8.) Branch Ergonomic Chair with a Breathable Mesh Backrest ($329)
This chair was most often referred to as the best office chair.
It offers adjustable seat height, adjustable armrests, adjustable headrest, adjustable seat, and back tilt to allow the user to customize the chair to their specific needs.
It is made of nylon mesh and a high-density foam seat cushion to keep you cool and supported throughout your workday.
It even comes with a removable lumbar rest you can choose to use on the days you need a little extra support.
9.) Autonomous Ergochair Pro chair has over 1500 five-star reviews on the website, many of which rave about the comfort and adjustability of the chair.
It offers adjustable height, adjustable armrests, adjustable headrest, adjustable seat, and back tilt.
Many of the reviews state it provides ample lumbar support and is made of breathable mesh to keep you cool when sitting for long periods of time.
10.) Branch Verve Chair with Contoured Seat Back & High Density Foam Cushion
Much like its Branch counterpart mentioned at the beginning of this list, this chair offers adjustable seat and depth height, adjustable armrests, adjustable lumbar height, and adjustable tilt and tilt tension.
Its 3D knit material allows you to stay cool when seated for long periods of time.
While it doesn’t offer a headrest, many reviews still praise it for the comfort, support, and adjustability.
11.) Steelcase Series 1 Office Chair
Slightly less adjustable but still comfortable and supportive, the Steelcase Series 1 is a good option when looking for an office chair to relieve low back pain and sciatic symptoms.
It offers adjustable height and adjustable armrests and is made of mesh to allow for breathability and comfort while still offering excellent lumbar support.
Many of the reviews touch on the comfort of this chair in relation to low back pain.
Key Factors to Choosing the Best Office Chair for Sciatica
Do you suffer from sciatica? If so, you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. But did you know that there are specific office chairs that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort of sciatica?
When it comes to choosing the best office chair for sciatica, there are a few key factors you need to consider.
Good support for your spine
The most important factor is finding an office chair that will provide good support for your spine. You want to find an office chair with a lumbar support cushion that will help to keep your spine in its natural curve.
Adjustable height and armrests
Make sure that your new office chair is adjustable, so you can easily change the height as needed. You should also be able to customize and adjust the height of your desk, too, which will allow you to do work from a seated position or standing up if necessary.
It would help if you also looked for an office chair that has adjustable height and armrests so you can customize it to fit your body size.
Having a good chair and a good desk will let you choose how you want to work each day, which will improve your productivity and mood dramatically!
Type of material the office chair is made from
Another key factor to consider when looking for the best office chair for sciatica is the type of material the office chair is made from. You want to choose an office chair that is made from a breathable material like mesh or cloth, so you can stay cool and comfortable while you work.
Soft, comfortable, cushioned seat
The best office chair for sciatica will also have a soft, comfortable, cushioned seat so you can sit comfortably for long periods. Make sure to choose an office chair that is easy to move around, so you can easily get up and walk to the printer or water cooler.
Stimulate blood circulation while you work
This is optional, but if you have extra savings to spare, you can choose a chair that stimulates blood circulation, so your body doesn't ache. Look for an office chair with weight-activated massage, adjustable lumbar support and adjustable headrests.
Ergonomically designed
Another important key factor to look for is an ergonomically designed office chair. The best office chairs for sciatica will have the proper support in the right areas so you can sit comfortably and work productively all day long.
The best office chairs for sciatica will be ergonomically designed to fit your specific size so you can work without pain and discomfort all day long. If the seat is too big or too small, it could cause problems with your back and legs.
Removable lumbar support pillow
Some best office chairs for sciatica will have a removable lumbar support pillow so you can regulate pressure on the lower part of your spine during long periods of sitting. Lumbar pillows can also help support your lower back more comfortably as it eases pressure on the spine.
When seated, your lower back should be fully supported but not so much that it causes poor posture or more pain than comfort. You will be able to find the perfect balance with a good office chair for sciatica.
Armrests and knee rest
Many best office chairs for sciatica will have armrests and/or knee rests built into the design so you can sit comfortably without too much weight on one area of your legs and give them some rest by providing support at crucial points during long periods of sitting.
This feature is especially helpful for those with bad backs who need immediate relief from discomfort in order to continue working productively.
Height and tilt adjustment
It is important that your office chair be adjustable so you can find the perfect position for your body. The height should be adjustable so you can sit with your feet flat on the floor, and the tilt should be adjustable so you can find a comfortable position for your back. If the chair does not have these adjustments, it will not be ideal for long-term use.
Fabric or leather
Many people prefer leather chairs because they are durable and easy to clean, but fabric chairs are often more comfortable. Choose the material that will make you most comfortable so you can sit in your chair for hours at a time without feeling any pain.
Weight capacity
Make sure the chair you choose can support your weight. The average weight capacity for office chairs is 250 pounds, but some chairs can support up to 350 pounds. If you are heavier than this, make sure to find a chair that can accommodate your weight.
This is not an exhaustive list, and all these factors may or may not be found in one chair. You should find a chair that will work for you while you take each of the factors into consideration.
Bookmark our website and subscribe to our blog if you are looking for more tips and advice regarding sciatica and back support. We will keep you up-to-date with the latest research, products and information.
