Top 5 office chairs for back problems
If your team spends hours sitting in the wrong chairs, back problems and dips in productivity are bound to follow. The right chairs for back problems not only ease discomfort but also improve focus and help prevent long-term injury.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ve reviewed five of the best ergonomic office chairs on the market – purpose-built for professionals who sit for long hours and need serious back support. From adaptive mesh backs to custom lumbar systems, these chairs deliver on comfort, adjustability, and commercial-grade performance.
What is lumbar support?
Lumbar support refers to design features that maintain the natural curve of the lower spine. Without it, the lumbar spine can slump, flatten, or strain, leading to lower back pain. Office chairs with built-in or adjustable lumbar support help reduce spinal pressure and improve posture.
What is a lumbar support chair?
A lumbar support chair is any office chair designed to support the lower back (lumbar region) effectively. These chairs may offer fixed or adjustable lumbar pads, flexible mesh backs, inflatable cushions, or even synchronised tilt systems that adapt to your body’s natural movements. They’re ideal chairs for back problems, particularly in environments where employees sit for 6+ hours per day.
Did you know? Lower back pain is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years old. Explore our range of ergonomic office furniture to support better posture and keep your team comfortable throughout the day.
What is the best office chair for back problems?
Here’s our expert shortlist of the top five office chairs for back problems, all available from DBI Furniture Solutions now.
1. FreeFlow Task Chair (FRF740MF) for back support
Best for all-day comfort with minimal manual adjustments
If you want a back-friendly chair that automatically adapts to each user, the FreeFlow Task Chair is a standout. Inspired by the natural spine movement of fish, its Auto-Adaptec® technology synchronises the chair’s movement with yours, offering continuous upper and lower back support without constant tweaking.
Key features of the FreeFlow Task Chair:
- Dynamic, self-adjusting ergonomic mechanism
- 60mm seat depth adjustment for personalised leg positioning
- Height-adjustable arms with multi-functional pads
- Technical knit and moulded PU foam for comfort and durability
- Available in a range of fabrics and frame colours.
Why the FreeFlow Task Chair is great for back problems
The FreeFlow Task Chair provides continuous lumbar and upper back support that adjusts automatically to your movements. This helps maintain proper posture throughout the day, reducing spinal strain and preventing long-term discomfort, especially in busy, fast-paced offices or shared desk environments.
2. Orthopaedica (OC97HA) Chair
Best for customisable medical-grade back support
The Orthopaedica (OC97HA) is engineered for users with serious postural needs or ongoing medical conditions. This chair provides a fully customisable ergonomic experience, including optional inflatable lumbar and thoracic supports, coccyx cutout, air tech seat, and depth control.
Key features:
- Independent mechanism with back and seat locking
- Height-adjustable ratchet back
- Large seat width (510mm)
- Optional advanced features for therapeutic use
- Choice of colours and base options
Why the Orthopaedica (OC97HA) is great for back problems
The OC97HA is built to support a wide range of lumbar-related needs, making it a great choice if your team includes people dealing with back pain or posture issues. It’s easy to adjust, comfortable to use, and a solid option for any office that wants to improve day-to-day seating.
3. W11 Diffrient World Chair
Best for lightweight support and posture-friendly mesh design
The W11 Diffrient World chair brings a sleek, minimalist design, created by renowned industrial designer Niels Diffrient. It features a tri-panel, form-sensing mesh back that intuitively adjusts to the user’s posture without levers or complicated mechanics.
Key features:
- Mechanism-free recline for weight-balanced support
- Breathable mesh for airflow and spinal contouring
- Low-abrasion fabric protects clothing
- Optional upholstered seat for improved comfort
- 14kg lightweight frame, easy to move and reposition
Why the W11 Diffrient is great for back problems
It provides natural lumbar reinforcement and encourages movement, reducing static pressure on the spine. Ideal for hotdesking environments, open-plan offices, and modern fit-outs where you need seamless ergonomics without overcomplicating the user experience.
4. Pluto Plus Mesh (PPM90HA)
Best for value and fast delivery
The Pluto Plus Mesh Chair blends affordability with back-friendly design, making it a fantastic entry-level solution for teams experiencing discomfort. It includes much-needed ergonomic features like adjustable lumbar support, a synchronised tilt mechanism, and a 3D mesh backrest, all packed into a clean, compact form.
Key features:
- Adjustable seat depth and lumbar support
- Synchronised backrest recline for movement-friendly comfort
- Height-adjustable arms and gas lift
- Clean modern design with quick delivery in selected colours
- Optional multi-functional arm pads
Why the Pluto Plus Mesh is great for back problems
The Pluto Plus is a budget-conscious ergonomic chair that doesn’t sacrifice lumbar integrity. With wide adjustability, it’s perfect for small office upgrades or temporary fit-outs where back support is a priority.
Top tip: With Quickship delivery options available, you can get your Pluto Plus Mesh in as little as 2 weeks!
5. Ousby Task Chair (OUS2740HA)
Best for versatility, sustainability, and team-wide comfort
The Ousby Chair from Senator is designed with organically shaped mesh and dynamic lumbar support that adjusts with your posture. A back-locking recline supports various working styles – from upright focus to laid-back collaboration – while the wide seat and sturdy frame accommodate a range of body types.
Key features:
- 70mm lumbar support with 5-position recline lock
- Height and width-adjustable arms
- 300lb weight capacity and robust base
- 60mm seat depth adjustment and moulded seat foam
- Available in multiple colours and sustainable materials
Why the Ousby is great for back problems
The Ousby Chair balances ergonomic performance with broad usability. It’s a great all-rounder for those who need seating that works across departments and desk types, without compromising on back health or posture.
Need help choosing the right chair for your team?
Looking for office chairs that actually solve back problems? At DBI Furniture Solutions, we make it easy to upgrade your workspace with ergonomic seating that delivers real results. Whether you’re fitting out a single workstation or rolling out a full office upgrade, our team will help you choose the right office furniture, fast. With free virtual consultations, short lead time, flexible payment options, and real-time delivery tracking, we handle everything from selection to setup. Explore our full range of office chairs now!
Office chairs for back problems FAQs
What is the best office chair for lumbar support?
The best office chair for lumbar support is one that offers adjustable lower back support, a contoured backrest, and ergonomic features like seat depth adjustment and tilt control. Chairs such as the Orthopaedica OC97HA and the FreeFlow Task Chair are top-rated for lumbar support, as they adapt to the natural curve of your spine and provide continuous lower back relief throughout the workday.
Where should chair lumbar support be?
Lumbar support on an office chair should be positioned to fit into the natural curve of your lower back, typically around 5–7 cm above the seat pan. When seated properly, the lumbar support should maintain the neutral S-shape of your spine, providing gentle pressure in the small of your back to reduce slouching and relieve spinal tension.
What chairs do chiropractors recommend for an office?
Chiropractors often recommend ergonomic office chairs that offer adjustable lumbar support, seat height and depth adjustment, and a backrest with tilt or recline function. Chairs like the W11 Diffrient World Chair and Ousby Task Chair are frequently suggested due to their ability to promote dynamic sitting and support healthy spinal alignment. Chiropractors also emphasise the importance of choosing a chair that fits the user’s body type and allows movement, rather than staying locked in a static position.
What type of chair is best for back pain?
The best type of chair for back pain is an ergonomic task chair with built-in or adjustable lumbar support, a flexible backrest, and a seat that encourages proper hip and knee alignment. Mesh-back chairs with dynamic recline, like the Pluto Plus Mesh Chair, offer breathable, posture-friendly support, while orthopaedic chairs provide added customisation for chronic back issues.