Best Office Chairs for Back Pain (UK)
Three office chairs that provide proper support
and reduce back strain during long working days.
Best overall, best value and premium choice.
Best overall – Herman Miller Aeron
Best value – SIHOO M57 Ergonomic Office Chair
Best premium – Steelcase Leap
Treeyo reviews and updates guides periodically to reflect product changes and long term reliability.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Products considered: 8
Unsure which office chair is right for you? Read: Are Expensive Office Chairs Worth it? → A simple guide.
If your office chair is causing back pain, it’s usually not because you’re sitting too long — it’s because the chair isn’t supporting you properly. Over time, poor lumbar support and weak posture add up. The right chair doesn’t just feel better — it actively reduces strain throughout the day. The biggest shift usually isn’t immediate comfort — it’s how you feel after a full day without constantly adjusting your position.
What you are paying for? With office chairs, you are paying for proper lumbar support, adjustability, and long-term comfort. Cheaper chairs often look similar, but they do not hold their shape or support you properly over time.
Where cheaper options fall short. Most budget chairs flatten quickly, lack real lumbar support, and become uncomfortable after a few hours. They can be fine short-term, but not for daily work.
Real-world difference. A good chair does not just feel better – it reduces fatigue. Instead of constantly shifting position or getting up to relieve discomfort, you can sit for longer without strain. That is where the difference becomes obvious. If you are already dealing with back pain, it is worth prioritising support and adjustability over aesthetics or minor features.
If you want the safest all-round choice → Aeron
If you want something more affordable → SIHOO
If you want maximum adjustability → Leap
BEST OVERALL
Herman Miller Aeron
A balanced, highly supportive chair designed for long hours without strain
This chair is the benchmark in ergonomic design — this is what most other chairs are trying to approximate.
The mesh back keeps pressure off your spine which means you don’t sink into it – So your posture stays consistent without effort – keeping your body aligned.
Typical price £1,100 – £1,500
Price checked April 2026
BEST VALUE
SIHOO M57 Ergonomic Office Chair
A strong ergonomic option that fixes the main causes of back pain at a much lower price.
A strong ergonomic option that fixes the main causes of back pain at a much lower price. It doesn’t feel premium, but it solves the two things that actually matter — lumbar support and airflow, which is where most discomfort comes from.
Best for: improving posture without overspending.
Typical price £160 – £230
Price checked April 2026
BEST PREMIUM
Steelcase Leap
Highly adjustable with excellent lumbar control, making it easier to fine-tune your seating position.
Once set up properly, this chair reduces strain better than most. The key difference is control — you can fine-tune the support to your body rather than adapting to the chair.
Best for: tailored support and long hours.
Typical price £1,010 – £1,150
Price checked April 2026
ALSO WORTH CONSIDERING
If you want a slightly softer, less structured feel:
FLEXISPOT OC3 Ergonomic Office Chair
The Flexispot OC3 is amore relaxed chair with good comfort, but has less precise lumbar support than the main picks. Better if you prefer cushioning over structured posture.
View here →
Why these three?
Comfort over long hours isn’t about softness — it’s about whether the chair keeps supporting you as you get tired.
These three focus on the fundamentals:
– consistent lumbar support
– breathable materials that reduce fatigue
– structure that holds up over long sessions
That’s what actually makes a difference day to day.
Not sure if you need this level of chair take a look at: Are expensive office chairs worth it? →
Sitting for long stretches and just want something that stays comfortable all day? See our guide to chairs for long hours →
Buying advice
If you sit for long periods, prioritise support over everything else. If you’re unsure, go with the Best Overall — it’s the safest choice because it works without needing to think about it.
FAQ
Do office chairs help with back pain? Yes – if they provide proper lumbar support and allow you to sit with good posture.
Do you need an expensive chair? Not necessarily, but cheaper chairs are less consistent over long periods.
This guide may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Popular guides
