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Degenerative disc disease occurs when your spinal discs (which act as shock absorbers) become worn or damaged. This can occur in both the neck and lower back areas of your body and cause significant pain. As the name suggests, the disease happens due to aging; however, it can happen earlier than usual due to poor posture.
Another similar disease is a herniated disc disease which is nearly the same. The only difference is that in this case, your spinal disc isn’t worn out; instead, it’s bulging, consequently causing a different type of pain. However, both diseases have the same primary causes.
Unfortunately, desk workers often work in poor posture for prolonged hours due to lazy, incorrect positions. Luckily, many office chair brands make special, ergonomic office chairs that promote healthy posture maintenance. Finding a good ergonomic office chair can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Therefore, our team of experts compiled a list of the best office chairs for degenerative disk disease through an extensive comparison of performance, durability, warranty, comfort, reviews, and pricing.
What Makes an Office Chair Good for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Maintaining a proper posture when working for prolonged periods is vital to lowering the chances of degenerative disk disease and potentially relieving you of its painful symptoms. For that reason, office desk workers should choose ergonomic office chairs which promote a healthy posture. These office chairs usually come with a long list of adjustable ergonomic features to help with this task. The essential office chair features to look for when trying to combat degenerative disk disease are:
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- S-shaped Backrest
- Fully Adjustable Headrest
- Adjustable Forward Seat Tilt
- Adjustable Armrests
- Adjustable Seat Height
Our team of experts ensured that all our recommended office chairs in this guide have all or most of these features, so you pick a chair that fits the task. Keep reading to see our recommended options for the best office chair for herniated discs, learn more about what to consider when choosing an ergonomic office chair, and the benefits of these office chairs.
Best Office Chairs for Degenerative Disc Disease
- Autonomous ErgoChair Pro Series Office Chair – Top Pick
- ObjectChair ErgoPro Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Value
- Sidiz T80 Ergonomic Home Office Chair – Premium Pick
- Samofu Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair – Best Under $200
- Emerson Ergonomics Goliath Series Office Chair – Best for Gamers
After our team comprehensively scanned the market, we found that these five options are the best for degenerative disk disease. Scroll down further for an in-depth description of each chair, including its pros & cons, key features, and specifications.
First on our list of the best office chairs for degenerative disc disease is our top pick, the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro Series. Made by a highly reputable brand, this particular model offers a sturdy structure, a decent warranty, and a long list of healthy posture-promoting features.
To begin with, the chair has a very stylish professional look featuring a grey, black and white color scheme. It has an ergonomic s-shape with a mesh backrest for optimum airflow. The grey fabric seat is padded with high-density foam for extra comfort. If you don’t like this color, the chair is also available in five other trendy color schemes.
So why is this office chair suitable for degenerative disc disease? Well, it has all the ergonomic features that promote a healthy posture which can potentially relieve symptoms of the disease. Its ergonomic features include; adjustable lumbar support, an adjustable headrest, 3D adjustable armrests, a forward seat tilt feature, a five-setting recline, and pneumatic seat height adjustment.
One of Autonomous ErgoChair’s main advantages is how sturdy it is. The white backrest frame and wheelbase are both made from heavy-duty nylon. This allows for a respectable 350 lb maximum weight capacity. Furthermore, Autonomous offers a decent 2-year manufacturer’s warranty covering all chair parts.
Another bonus is the chair’s price. Although it’s not priced super-low, it’s still relatively affordable if you consider the reputation of the Autonomous brand. If you’re interested in more similarly-priced options, feel free to read our best office chairs under $500 guide.
All things considered, the Autonomous ErgoChair series is a top contender for the best office chair for herniated disc disease. It’s fully ergonomic, relatively affordable, and made by a top-rated brand. Indeed, an option worth putting on your list.
KEY FEATURES:
- Trendy Modern Design
- Strong Nylon Wheelbase
- 2-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Forward Seat Tilt Function
- Mesh Back for Optimum Airflow
- 3D Adjustable Armrests
- Pneumatic Height Adjustment
- S-shaped Backrest
- Adjustable Headrest
- Five-Setting Recline
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 29″D x 29″W x 50″H
- Seat Height: 18” to 20”
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Material: Fabric, Mesh, Foam, Nylon
- Weight: 48.5 lbs
- Warranty Length: 2 Years
- Manufacturer: Autonomous
PROS:
- Complete Lower Back & Neck Support
- Decent Warranty
- High Weight Capacity
- Excellent Reviews
- Reputable Brand
- Fully Ergonomic
CONS:
- Slightly Above Average Price Tag
Second on our list of the best office chairs for degenerative disc disease is our best value choice, the ObjectChair ErgoPro Ergonomic Office Chair. It offers a stylish look, many posture-promoting features, and a long warranty, all for a low price tag.
Firstly, this office chair is another stylish option. It has a sleek s-shape and is finished in a beautiful blue color. To match everyone’s taste, it’s also available in burgundy, black, and grey. The whole sitting area, including the seat, headrest, and backrest, is made from high-quality mesh, a breathable material that keeps your back well ventilated.
So how can the ErgoPro Series help with degenerative disc disease? Well, it has a long list of features that keep your posture healthy. This includes adjustable lumbar (lower back) support, a fully adjustable headrest, an S-shaped backrest, 4D armrests, pneumatic seat height adjustment, and adjustable recline tension.
One of the chair’s main selling points is its five-year-long manufacturer’s warranty offered by ObjectChair. It covers all chair parts. Another cool feature is the chair’s premium rollerblade wheels which are smooth-rolling and don’t damage hard-surface floors or carpet.
However, this office chair also has a few downsides. Although the chair’s wheelbase is made from steel, it only has a 260 lbs weight capacity which is quite low compared to competing brands. Secondly, this model lacks a forward tilt feature which is highly beneficial for lower back and buttock pain.
All in all, this ObjectChair model is definitely a suitable office chair for degenerative disc disease with its long list of ergonomic features and affordable price tag. Are you interested in more affordable options? Check out our best office chairs under $300 guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stylish Ergonomic Design
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- 5 Years Warranty
- Breathable Mesh Backrest
- Strong Steel Wheelbase
- 90-135 Degree Recline
- 4D Adjustable Armrests
- Fully Adjustable Headrest
- Silent RollerBlade Casters
- Pneumatic Gas Lift
- Adjustable Tilt Tension
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 34″D x 30″W x 49″H
- Seat Height: 19.5” to 23.5”
- Weight Capacity: 260 lbs
- Material: Mesh, Nylon, Steel, Foam
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Warranty Length: 5 Years
- Manufacturer: ObjectChair
PROS:
- Affordable Price Tag
- Fully Ergonomic Adjustability
- Good Reviews
- Long Warranty
- Premium Wheels
- Steel Wheelbase
- Available in 4 Trendy Colors
CONS:
- Lacks a Forward Seat Tilt Feature
- Weight Capacity (260 lbs)
Third on our list of the best office chairs for degenerative disc disease is our premium pick, the Sidiz T80 Series Ergonomic Office Chair. This option offers the high performance of German mechanics, a high-quality structure, and a very stylish professional appearance, all covered by a long warranty.
First of all, the Sidiz brand has a good reputation amongst office desk workers, although it is a relatively new company compared with other premium brands such as Steelcase and Herman Miller. Sidiz T80 Series is a stylish, elegant, and professional-looking office chair similar to the Steelcase Gesture Series (which is double the price).
The chair has a foam-padded seat for ultimate comfort and a mesh backrest for airflow, which stops excess sweating on your back. If you’re interested in mesh office chairs, in particular, consider reading our best mesh office chairs guide.
So, why is the Sidiz T80 helpful for degenerative disc disease? Well, it’s simply built for ergonomics and has all the innovative ergonomic features which promote healthy-posture maintenance over prolonged periods. These features include adjustable lumbar support, forward seat tilt function, a fully adjustable headrest, 4D adjustable armrests, an S-shaped backrest, adjustable seat depth, and a 4-stage recline function.
Thanks to a strong nylon wheelbase and frame, the T80 model has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. Additionally, Sidiz offers a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty with an optional 2-year extension period.
Another great feature of the T80 model is its height. Measuring 51.9 inches tall at full extension, it’s large enough to accommodate users up to 6 feet and 3 inches tall. Check out our best office chairs for tall people guide for more tall options, even some for people up to 6 feet 8 inches tall.
In summary, the Sidiz T80 model is one of the best, if not the best chair for l5-s1 herniated discs. It offers the ideal lower-back, neck, and buttock support to combat the disease. Additionally, it’s built to last with quality materials and is covered by an extended warranty. Perhaps the only downside is its high price; however, it’s nowhere near as expensive as brands such as Steelcase or Herman Miller.
KEY FEATURES:
- Elegant Modern Design
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Forward Seat Tilt Adjustment
- Solid Nylon Wheelbase
- Pneumatic Seat Lift
- 30-Day Free Trial
- 3-5 Years Warranty
- Adjustable Headrest
- 3D Adjustable Armrests
- Recline Tilt-Tension Knob
- Adjustable Seat Depth
- Floor-Friendly PU Casters
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 21.9”D x 28.9”W x 51.9”H
- Seat Height: 15.5” to 19.5”
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Material: Plastic, Mesh, Foam
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Warranty Length: 3-5 Years
- Manufacturer: Sidiz
PROS:
- Built to Last
- Great Warranty
- High Weight Capacity
- Fully Adjustable
- Reputable Brand
- Good Reviews
- Available in 4 Colors
CONS:
- Premium Price Tag
It’s time for the next choice on our list of the best office chairs for degenerative disc disease, our best under $200 pick, the Samofu Ergonomic Office Chair. Despite the bargain price, this option offers many posture-improving features, a stable structure, and a long warranty.
When it comes to looks, the chair is nothing special. It has a simple grey and black finish with a classic ergonomic s-shaped. Like most ergonomic office chairs, its backrest is made from mesh and the seat from foam-padded fabric.
This Samofu office chair has many ergonomic features that help users maintain a proper posture for prolonged periods which can help prevent and relieve degenerative disc disease. The chair’s ergo-features include; adjustable lumbar support, adjustable headrest, flip-up armrests, an S-shaped backrest, and a 90-135 degree recline.
However, there are always some downsides to such a low price. For instance, the chair lacks an adjustable seat depth and seat forward tilt feature. Secondly, the chair’s armrests are only flip-up and cannot be lifted up and down, rotated, or tilted.
Despite the low price, this chair offers a respectable 300 lbs weight capacity thanks to a sturdy wheelbase. Even better, the chair is covered by a fantastic five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
All things considered, this option is ideal for those in need of an ergonomic office chair with a low budget. If you’re interested in more similarly-priced options, check out our best office chairs under $200 guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Simplistic All-Black Design
- Five-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Flip-Up Armrests
- 90-135 Degree Recline
- S-shaped Backrest
- Breathable Mesh Material
- Adjustable Headrest
- BIFMA Certified
- 360 Degree Swivel
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 30″D x 30″W x 48″H
- Seat Height: 20” to 22.8”
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Material: Mesh, Fabric, Foam, Metal, Nylon
- Weight: 41.5 lbs
- Warranty Length: 5 Years
- Manufacturer: Samofu
PROS:
- Bargain Price Tag
- Long Warranty
- High Weight Capacity
- Great Reviews
- Optimal Lumbar and Neck Support
CONS:
- Lacks a Forward Seat Tilt Feature
- Armrests cannot be Tilted or Rotated
Last on our list of the best office chairs for degenerative disc disease is our top choice for gamers, the Emerson Ergonomics Goliath Gaming Chair. This option offers an outstanding warranty and numerous healthy posture-promoting features. It’s not just a good option for gamers but also for office desk workers.
Firstly, the chair has a sleek, interactive red and black style featuring a mix of black reinforced mesh and red leather areas, making the chair very easy to clean. Just by looking at the chair, you can tell it’s a high-quality product. Emerson Ergonomics back this up as they state that all the materials used for this chair are premium-quality and sourced from countries such as Germany and Japan.
When it comes to ergonomics, the chair is highly adjustable; it has features that even other premium-branded chairs do not have. For example, the chair has an innovative paddle-shift control system. This system allows users to regulate the chair’s seat height, backrest height, recline position, and headrest height by simply using paddles and buttons located on the chair’s 3D adjustable armrests.
We’ve now established that this office chair has impressive posture-maintaining features; however, its warranty impressed us even more. Emerson Ergonomics offers a fantastic 10-year-long manufacturers warranty which is on par with industry leaders such as Steelcase or Herman Miller.
Other than that, the Goliath model has a strong aluminum wheelbase enabling a 330 lbs maximum weight capacity. Furthermore, the chair is BIFMA Level 4 approved, which means it has passed extensive tests on safety and durability.
Overall, the Emerson Ergonomics Goliath Series is an excellent, built-to-last option that promotes healthy posture, thus potentially helping with degenerative disc disease. We would put it on par with the Sidiz T80 model (our premium pick). Considering its semi-affordable price and outstanding warranty, it’s incredible value for money. If you’re interested in more similar options, check out our best big & tall gaming chairs guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stylish Gaming Design
- 10-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Adjustable Backrest Height
- High-Grade Reinforced Breathable Mesh
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Strong Aluminum Wheelbase
- Paddle-Shift Control System
- 3D Adjustable Headrest
- BIFMA Level 4 Tested
- Adjustable Armrests
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 18.5″D x 19.7″W x 50.5″H
- Seat Height: 18.5” to 21.7”
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Material: Mesh, Synthetic Leather, Foam, Metal, Nylon
- Weight: 40.3 lbs
- Warranty Length: 10 Years
- Manufacturer: Emerson Ergonomics
PROS:
- Outstanding Warranty
- Made from High-Grade Materials
- High Weight Capacity
- Easy to Maintain
- Full Ergonomic Support
- Well Ventilated Backrest
CONS:
- Slightly Expensive
Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Office Chair for Degenerative Disc Disease
To pick an ergonomic office chair that fully meets your needs and expectations, there are numerous vital factors you have to consider. Below are the most crucial questions you should ask yourself before buying.
Is the chair fully ergonomic?
As mentioned earlier in this article, good office chairs for degenerative disc disease must have some vital ergonomic features. By that, we mean features that promote a healthy posture. The more of these features a chair has, the better. However, the most vital to look for are; adjustable lumbar support, an S-shaped backrest, an adjustable headrest, adjustable seat height & depth, and also adjustable armrests. If a chair has all these features, we consider it fully ergonomic.
What are the chair’s dimensions?
Most ergonomic office chairs come in a regular size of about 50 inches tall and 21 inches wide. Those dimensions are suitable for average-sized people or, in other words, people who are not extra-tall or extra wide. On the other hand, plus-size people need extra-wide office chairs. Please read our best office chairs for plus-size people guide if you fit that category.
How much weight can the chair handle?
To determine how much weight an office chair can handle, you can check the maximum weight capacity. This is particularly important if you’re a heavy person as regular office chairs may not be able to support your weight. In this case, heavy-duty office chairs are a good option as they have weight capacities of 400 lbs or more. If you’re interested in heavy-duty options, feel free to check out our best office chairs for heavy people guide. In summary, the maximum weight capacity is a good indicator of how strong the wheelbase and the frame of an office chair are.
Does the chair have good online reviews?
Another important factor to consider when choosing an ergonomic office chair is the online reviews. They give you an insight into what previous buyers think about the product they purchase. You should read the reviews thoroughly. For best results, you should only pick office chairs with a good overall rating (at least four stars) from at least over a hundred unique reviewers.
How long is the manufacturer’s warranty?
Many online shoppers often forget to check the length of the manufacturer’s warranty, a vital factor when purchasing any piece of kit. The warranty covers buyers of the chair, or any of its parts or mechanism fails. If this happens, the manufacturer will give the customer a refund, replacement, or repair service as long as the failure occurred within the warranty-covered period. Therefore, the longer the warranty, the better. We recommend going for office chairs with a warranty of at least five years long.
Benefits of Ergonomic Office Chairs for Degenerative Disc Disease
Incorporating a high-quality ergonomic office chair has many physical and mental benefits leading to improved daily performance. Below are the five main benefits.
- Healthy Posture – Ergonomic office chairs have adjustable features which support your body from your neck to your legs. This enables users to maintain a healthy posture throughout prolonged periods of desk work.
- Increased Productivity – Recent government guidance points out that implementing ergonomic workstation solutions improves employee comfort and productivity.
- Reduced Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms – The latest government research shows that poor posture is one of the leading causes of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Ergonomic office chairs have adjustable lumbar support, which helps to maintain good posture in the lower back region.
- Good Ventilation – Most ergonomic office chairs have a breathable mesh backrest which enables good airflow. This stops excess sweating problems, which often occur when working for prolonged periods.
- Reduced Neck Pain – Ergonomic office chairs have fully adjustable headrests enabling users to regulate them to a position that maintains a correct posture. Good posture reduces and prevents neck pain.
Consider a Standing Desk to Fight Degenerative Disc Disease
Although, for the most part, degenerative disc disease is caused by poor posture, in some cases, it’s actually caused by simply sitting for too long. It’s common knowledge that office desk work is not the most healthy job. Most office desk workers often work in the sitting position for 8 hours per day, sometimes even longer. Having breaks certainly helps. However, if you really want to make your office job healthier, consider a standing desk.
In recent years, standing desks have gained a lot of popularity. These desks allow users to regulate the desk’s height with a touch of a button, thus enabling work in both the sitting and standing position. Most standing desk users switch positions every 15 or 30 minutes, so they don’t sit or stand for too long. Implementing this kind of daily routine has many physical and mental benefits that affect your overall health and performance. If you’re interested, read one of our many standing desk guides.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, investing in a proper, ergonomic office chair should be a no-brainer if you’re suffering from degenerative disc disease and work at a desk. It can reduce the painful symptoms and potentially get rid of them altogether. Especially if, in your case, the disease is caused by poor posture, not aging. Before you make your final decision, please pay close attention to the things to consider when choosing an ergonomic office chair area in this article. It has some crucial information that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Thanks for reading. We hope that our guide on the best office chairs for degenerative disease has helped you find the ideal chair. If there are any comments or suggestions, you would like to add, please reach out to us. Below, you can find some frequently asked questions about the topic, which you may find helpful.
FAQs
What is the best type of chair for degenerative disc disease?
Ergonomic office chairs are the best type of chairs for degenerative disc disease. They have many adjustable features that help users maintain a healthy posture which can potentially reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Can a standing desk help with degenerative disc disease?
Standing desks allow users to work in both the sitting and standing position. Government research shows that implementing a sit/stand routine can reduce lower back pain, common with degenerative disc disease.
How should I sit with degenerative disc disease?
If you have degenerative disc disease, you should always sit in an upright posture and avoid lazy positions that arch your back or neck.
How We Review: Our Office Chair Ratings Methodology
At Overheard on Conference Calls, we take pride in how we review office chairs. Our team of office chair experts spend hours researching and reviewing dozens of products before they even start writing their review or article. Our goal is to bring you honest and unbiased information to help you make an informed choice that will be the best for you. Our recommendations are not for sale and they are not influenced by any of the manufacturers we review.
When reviewing an office chair, there are numerous factors we analyze to determine our recommendations. Here are our four most important:
- Comfort: Comfort is key to a good office chair. It’s likely you’ll be sitting in it for hours so you’ll want something that won’t cause you aches and pains after hours of use. We gauge comfort by testing for 4+ hours as well as looking at the thickness of the seat cushion and its material.
- Durability: Not all office chairs are built the same. Our durability factor looks at the quality of the materials and how sturdy the chair is after assembly. Because we have a limited tested period, we also conduct customer research of longtime users.
- Lumbar Support: While this is an ergonomic feature, we made this its own separate rating factor because of how important it is to your overall posture, health, and comfort. We analyze each chair for its lumbar support or lack thereof.
- Ergonomic Features: In addition to lumbar support, we also look at other ergonomic features such as the armrests, height adjustment, reclining, seat ergonomics, and more. The better it is for your ergonomics and the more features/adjustability, the better.
Why isn’t price included on that list? Fair question! We do consider price in the order of our recommendations but because everyone has their own budget in mind, we won’t rule a chair in or out just because it has premium or budget price.
Our team has researched and reviewed hundreds of chairs and we’re confident in our recommendations. We strive to only recommend the best products and we periodically refresh our reviews and rankings.
