You can spend 8 or more hours sitting in your office chair. If it doesn’t give you proper support and forces you into the wrong posture, you’ll feel the pain everywhere: back, neck, even your wrists and legs
That’s even more true for people who have scoliosis. Since your spine curves to the side, your head and pelvis aren’t in the right position. You may even unconsciously compensate for this by leaning forward or to the side, or tilting your pelvis.
Holding this position actually uses up a lot of energy, leads to muscle pain, and even puts pressure on your knees. That’s why it’s important to invest in a good office chair for scoliosis. Even children with very mild symptoms should start using one right away, to avoid developing a habit of bad sitting posture.
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What to look for in an office chair for scoliosis
1. The right height
Ideally, the chair must be about 18 to 22 inches high and let you adjust the height so you can sit with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Lower back support
Scoliosis affects the lumbar region, which is the lower part of your back. Get an office chair with built-in lower back support, and designed to follow the shape of your spine and keep it in a natural position. One way to check is to sit down and then lean back. Are your ears, shoulders and hips aligned? Does your lower back feel cushioned and stable, even when you move?
3. Stable arm rests
While this is as critical as height and back support, arm rests can help prevent fatigue and encourages proper posture. You’ll sense when you’re tilting or putting too much weight on one side of your body—and be able to correct your posture and lean on the arm rests for more support.
4. Good cushions
Normally, the spine acts like a natural shock absorber whenever you move. But because scoliosis affects spine alignment, your bones and joints can get more “stressed”. A good cushion can help compensate for that. Look for one that’s comfortable, but isn’t so thick that you end up sagging or leaning forward to balance yourself.
What to avoid in an office chair for scoliosis
Some chairs look pretty or come at a cheap price, but they create posture problems that will aggravate any pain or muscle tension that you already experience because of scoliosis. Avoid these chairs as much as possible—your health and comfort come first.
- Bucket chairs or very deep chairs
- Very low or very high chairs
- Soft sofa chairs
- Straight-backed chairs
- Chairs made of thin or flimsy material
Best ergonomic office chairs for scoliosis
Have you been looking for a good office chair for hip pain? we have another article about the best office chair for hip pain.
1. Flash Furniture Mid-Back Office Chair
Who says you need to spend a lot of money to get a good ergonomic chair? This mid-back office chair won’t hurt your budget or your back, thanks to its excellent support. The comfortable cushion will also relieve the discomfort of people who suffer not just from scoliosis, but hip or pelvic injury.
You can pull the pneumatic lever to change the height of the chair, and then twist the knob to customize the backward tilt. While there’s a limited range of adjustment, these little tweaks can help you find the perfect seating position based on your height or the length of your legs.
The mesh back also feels cool and airy, even on a hot day. This is great if you don’t work in an air-conditioned office, or if you have a tendency to sweat. Unlike other flimsy chairs, the mesh is strong enough to give good lumbar support.
We particularly like the padded armrests, which you can flip down to rest your elbow, or flip up when you want more space to move around. You can 9also improve leg circulation by occasionally placing your feet on the chrome footrest.
The office chair also comes in a wide variety of colors—from a classic black to bolder colors like pink—to suit your preference and room décor.
While the chair is affordable, it may not be as durable as others made from more heavy-duty materials. It may not be able to carry people with very heavy weight, and you will likely have to replace it after a few years when the cushion and mesh back start to sag.
2. Office Star ProGrid
This is durable and reliable office chair for people with scoliosis. The high back supports your whole back and shoulders, to encourage proper spine alignment and prevent back pain.
And thanks to its multi-functional control, you can adjust the chair according to your needs and preferences. That includes the height of the chair, the angle of the back, and even the tilt. The tilt is particularly useful if you’re using a computer or laptop, because don’t have to lean forward to type or read the screen. You can avoid back and neck pain, eyestrain and carpal tunnel.
You can also adjust the seat depth, or how far the back is from the actual bottom cushion. That can be useful if you’re very tall or very short, since you can find the distance where your buttocks, knees and thighs can be at the most natural and comfortable position.
It’s easy to adjust the seat—you just need to pull the levers until you find the right position. Once you’re happy with the configuration, lock it into place.
The mesh back gives a lot of ventilation, and doesn’t trap heat or sweat. However, the mesh is a little thin. One review said that it has too much give, and if you really push and lean back you may feel the frame.
There are adjustable arm rests that are made of light but durable titanium. However, they’re not that wide or stable. While the ability to change the height is definitely a benefit, even if they’re locked you can still feel them jiggle.
That’s not a big issue if you’re just typing or using a computer, but it can be distracting if you’re doing crafts or any other activity where you move your arms and hands often as you work.
The cushion is a bit hard, but wide and durable enough for all body shapes and weights. You can also select the color.
3. Nouhaus Ergo 3D Chair
This chair isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every cent. Its ergonomic design is on point. The three-dimensional lumbar support system follows the natural curve of the spine, and there’s appropriate support for both the back and even your head. Just lean back and you get perfect posture—no muscle fatigue, no matter how long you have to work at your desk!
And if you need a break, the chair has what it calls the “Super Lounge Recline” option. That gives you up to 135° of tilt, enough for a short but comfortable power nap.
The back is made of a very breathable mesh—but not any mesh, mind you. The patented ElastoMesh fabric allows enough airflow so you don’t sweat or feel warm. But it’s still sturdy enough so that you don’t feel the frame when you lean back, and yet smooth enough that you don’t feel like you’re sitting on wire.
You can adjust the height and the tilt of the headrest. The arms are also fully adjustable, and in ways that you can’t get from other chairs. You can move them forward to the side, and even set the angle or tilt.
That kind of range means that your arms and shoulders will always be at the perfect height— even for those with severe scoliosis, which has developed to the point where one shoulder is higher than the other.
The office chair is also very stable, because of the five-point base. It can handle a maximum weight of up to 275 pounds, for full support for all sizes. The wheels are also well constructed so you can glide across the floor without any effort or annoying squeaky noises.
Because of these features, the Nouhaus Ergo 3D chair is one of the best office chairs for people with scoliosis. Yes, you will have to invest more money, but you will feel a difference in your comfort. It’s also durable enough to last for years—in the end, it gives more value for money than a shoddy chair that you’ll have to replace soon after purchase.
5. Modway Articulate Ergonomic Office Chair
For its price, the Modway office chair gives great value for money. The back gives adequate support, and its cushion is actually very high quality: thick padding, with a six-inch mesh and shaped to comfortably follow the shape of your buttocks and thighs.
The mesh material feels comfortable, and doesn’t feel as “scratchy” or irritating as other chairs. The frame does take up most of the lower half—which limits the ventilation, but provides sturdier and stronger support to the back. That’s a reasonable trade-off for people with scoliosis, but take it into consideration if your office tends to get very warm.
You can adjust the height with just one touch of the lever, though it does have a limited range compared to other office chairs. However, it can hold a maximum weight of 331 pounds, and the base is quite stable.
The chair allows 360-degree swivel, and has five dual-wheel casters so you can glide across your floors with ease. Enjoy full movement and convenience!
This is a good chair for its price range. The padded cushion and the ergonomic design ensure that you’ll be comfortable while you work. It may not be as durable as other chairs, but if you just need an affordable chair for a home office that you only occasionally use, this will do just fine.
6. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair
If you’re looking for a high-quality office chair that will relieve severe back pain, then this definitely should be on your shortlist.
First, let’s look at its amazing lumbar support. You can actually adjust the curve of the chair, so it fits perfectly around the curvature of your spine. Just twist the knob at the back, and voila, it looks like the chair was customized for you.
That feature alone makes this chair worth every penny, because you get full support exactly where you need it the most. This is the part of the spine that gets the most stress, especially for people with scoliosis.
That’s not all. You can change the angle and height of the head rest, so your head is supported and your neck is always at the right angle. Combined with the adjustable lumbar support, this guarantees that you’ll maintain the best posture as you work.
You can also adjust the height and distance of the arm rest from the seat. This supports your arms, and keep your wrist at the best position to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. It also means that you never have to feel cramped with the arm rest—if you need more room, you get more room!
The chair also lets you adjust the height, tilt and even the tilt tension. So you can sit up straight straight while you work at a computer, and then recline it a bit as you think or read a book.
The high quality mesh allows air to circulate freely, and feels soft and smooth against the skin. It has just enough “give” to help you feel like the chair wraps around you when you lean back, but is stable enough so that your back always gets the support that it needs.
The chair can also carry a maximum weight of 330 pounds, and the durable materials will last for years. In fact, it comes with a five-year warranty and a money-back guarantee. You have the option to try the chair for 30 days, and then return it if you’re not 100% satisfied with it.
While this chair does fall in the premium price range, the ergonomic design and ability to customize it to achieve perfect support and posture will make a huge difference. It relieves the back and neck pain, and can help even those with moderate to severe scoliosis.
7. Amazon Basics Classic PureSoft
This ergonomic office chair is affordable, and looks really stylish too. But the big question is whether or not it provides enough support for someone with scoliosis or back problems.
For mild scoliosis, yes. While the chair isn’t specifically designed to follow the curve of the spine, there is enough padding to provide a stable and comfortable support for your back. However, if you already suffer from moderate to heavy pain, this chair may not be the best option for you—you need more support in the lower back, which it doesn’t provide.
As for the chair cushion, it’s comfortable but still firm enough so you don’t sink. If you’re the type who hates very hard office chair, you’ll be very happy with the thick foam and the curved shape. You’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug.
You can adjust the height of the chair, but not the arm rests. It also only comes up to your mid-back, so you don’t get support for your shoulders and neck.
The leather padding is easy to clean, and has a very modern and sleek look. However, it does retain heat and is not breathable like mesh. That isn’t an issue if you work in an air-conditioned office, or if you live in a place with a consistently cool climate.
The chair can carry a maximum of 275 pounds, and has a one year limited warranty. Reviews are generally positive, with people saying that for its price it is a decent office chair. But understandably, it is not as durable—there are complaints of the zippers breaking or the padding becoming flatter after a year or so.
Nevertheless, it’s a good deal for the price. If you have mild scoliosis, or don’t foresee yourself needing an office chair every day—perhaps it’s just for a home office or library you rarely use—then it is a functional and practical choice.
8. Steelcase Gesture Chair
This sleek ergonomic office chair looks very modern, and the compact size will fit even in a very small cubicle or home office space.
But it doesn’t just look good—it has several features that can help you remain comfortable all throughout your work day.
You can adjust the height of the chair and the depth of the seat. You can even rotate the arms up to 360 degrees, supporting your arm’s full range of motion. If you use different devices as you work, or have a dual-monitor set-up where you constantly have to turn, this will give you plenty of room while making sure your arms are always parallel to your table.
You can choose from 4 reclining positions, so it’s easy to switch a position based on how you work—or even when you need a rest. The seat and back also move synchronously, so your body always maintains the right posture and gets the support it needs.
The upholstery is made of 100% polyester, which is easy to clean but is not breathable or hypo-allergenic. If that isn’t a concern, then this chair is a really good buy. Aside from its ergonomic design, you get a 12-year warranty—proof of how durable this chair is, and the kind of quality of its materials and craftsmanship.
Tips for Protecting your Posture and Back while working
- Take breaks. Be sure to stand up, stretch and walk around at least once every hour. Aside from relieving any muscle tension and stress, it gives a much-needed boost to your blood circulation.
- Make sure your table is the right height. Even if you buy the best ergonomic office chair for scoliosis, it’s not going to do you much good if your table is too high or too deep. That forces you to hunch your shoulders, hold your wrists at a wrong angle, or lean forward to look at your computer—all of which worsen your posture, and aggravate scoliosis pain.
- Do thoracic exercises. Doctors recommend that people with scoliosis do this exercise if they are seated for more than an hour.
- Sit forward in your seat, put feet flat on the floor, and bend your knees so that they are at a 90-degree angle.
- Place your palms and about half of your forearm under your desk. Make sure that your elbows remain at 90 degrees.
- Gently push against the desk, as you rock your hip or pelvis forward, and your back extends.
- As you hold that position, elongate your neck. Remain in this position for 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
- Keep feet flat on the floor. Avoid crossing your legs, twisting them around the chair legs, or leaning forwarded on a leg. Many people are unaware of these mannerisms and can unconsciously maintain that position for long periods of time. However, these all push your spine out of proper alignment and can lead to back pain and muscle tension.
- Take note of the angle of your gadget. If you are constantly looking downward as you type at the keyboard or write in a notebook, you may end up leaning forward or putting strain on your neck and shoulders. This posture can be very uncomfortable for people with scoliosis. Consider using a laptop or book stand, so you can work while keeping your head, neck, and spine straight.
- Add support to your back, if needed. If your office chair does not have adjustable back support, you can place a small pillow or a rolled-up towel in your chair. Just make sure that it isn’t so thick that you lean forward.
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