6 Best Office Chairs for Upper Back Pain

Sitting for long hours at work can lead to upper back pain, which may also spread to your shoulders and worsen existing issues. Prolonged static sitting places stress on your back, shoulders, arms, and legs, affecting your spinal discs and muscles. 

The right office chair with upper back support can alleviate and prevent these problems, helping you work more comfortably. While ergonomics can be tricky for beginners, investing in an office ergonomic chair designed for upper back pain is a smart move to improve both comfort and productivity. 

Let’s dive into finding the best chairs for thoracic back pain!

Best Ergonomic Chairs For Upper Back Pain

Discover the finest ergonomic chairs meticulously crafted to ease upper back pain and elevate your comfort during long hours at your desk. Each of these office chairs with upper back support offers specific features that ensure comfort and support throughout your workday.

A Quick Glance

1. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro

Muscle overuse, poor posture, and tendon or ligament inflammation are some of the most common causes of upper back pain. Unfortunately, this can disrupt your life by restricting your movement, causing problems with sleeping, and affecting your work engagement.

However, there are proven ways to prevent or reduce upper back pain. Using an ergonomic chair for back pain, such as the ErgoChair Pro, is one of them.

Autonomous considered everything you need to protect your body while working when designing this office chair. That's why it has an adaptable and flexible frame that adjusts to your silhouette and comes with several accessories that will provide extra comfort as you move during the day.

Is the ErgoChair Pro the best office chair for upper back pain? Check out its features and benefits to make a smart decision!

ErgoChair Pro

2375 reviews

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Key Features

• Height adjustment mechanism
• Headrests, armrests, backrests, and seat tilt mechanisms
• 100% earth-friendly materials
• 300-lbs support
• Two-year warranty
• Five caster wheels
• Six color options

What we love

Thanks to its flexible and adaptable frame, which is made of resistant materials, this chair can relieve discomfort in the upper back by enhancing your natural mobility and ensuring postural health. Plus, it can recline up to 22° for extra comfort.

This ergonomic office chair for upper back pain also comes with a flexible lumbar support for office chair that supports and protects your spine by adapting to its natural curve, which can relieve stiffness and pain.

Besides that, the ErgoChair Pro offers the following benefits:

• Promotes optimal airflow and breathability
• Is eligible for the brand's discounts
• Has a modern and elegant design
• Complements any space or style
• Requires easy assembly

What to consider

Although the ErgoChair Pro is an excellent office chair for upper back pain, there are a few potential drawbacks that should be considered, including the following:

• Armrest pads cannot be locked in a fixed position. Instead, they move freely.
• The seat is rigid and may be slightly uncomfortable.

• 

  "After sitting on this thing for 6 hours straight, this thing is AMAZING. I have no back pain which is my main issue when sitting on a desk. The features this chair has are pretty awesome! I often just raise the head rest, lean all the way on it and shift my seat forward. I code like that. Pretty sweet!" - David H.
• 

  "As someone who works at a desk for 6-8 hours per day, 7 days a week, my experience with the ErgoChair over the past 3 weeks has been enough to justify a solid recommendation." - Jake R.
• 

  "After months of back pain, I’m so happy to have a new chair. It honestly feels like a sofa compared to my old one, I’m thrilled with it! It even has my dog’s approval! I’m also planning to get a standing desk from Autonomous soon."

  - Ellie

2. Herman Miller Aeron

If you're looking for the best desk chair for upper back pain, the Herman Miller Aeron Chair is one of the most popular options you'll find. This seating solution is among people's favorite choices because of its attractive appearance and cutting-edge style. However, there are many other things to learn about it.

The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is highly adaptable and offers superior comfort. It has a Pellicle mesh structure that contours your body for a pleasant sitting experience.

Additionally, this chair comes with armrests, a height-adjustable seat, and lumbar support to help you maintain a healthy posture while working, reducing stress on your muscles and relieving back pain.

However, the Herman Miller Aeron Chair is available for a high price, starting at $1,000. Is it worth choosing such an expensive furniture piece? Take a look at the information below to answer that question.

Key Features

• Comfortable mesh seat
• Breathable Pellicle backrest
• Sturdy structure with an aluminum frame
• Noiseless casters
• 12-year warranty

 What we love

The Herman Miller Aeron Chair offers the best of both worlds: functionality and comfort. Also, it has a modern design that fits any style and can improve your office's appearance.

Thanks to its sturdy frame and high-quality construction, this ergonomic chair for back and neck pain will support your long work sessions and last for years! Furthermore, the brand offers a generous 12-year warranty, which demonstrates its commitment to manufacturing long-lasting products to ensure customer satisfaction.

Still wondering if this is a good office chair for upper back pain? Consider the following benefits:

• Promotes temperature regulation through its ergonomically designed mesh seat
• Boasts a beautiful and elegant but environmentally conscious design
• Includes adjustable office chair accessories, such as armrests
• Has smooth and noiseless casters for an optimal experience
• Comes in different colors and configurations

What to consider

While it may be a good option if you're looking for an office chair with upper back support, this seating solution comes with some drawbacks, such as:

• The Aeron Chair doesn't include an office chair headrest attachment.
• Its price is too high compared to other options.

Herman Miller Aeron Chair Review

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3. Steelcase Leap Chair

We have the Steelcase Leap Chair. This ergonomic office chair for upper back pain provides an innovative back support system that allows you to decide which specific part of your back you want the pressure to be in and configure how much lumbar support you want.

This feature makes the chair a great asset to your office and your goal of getting the best office chair for upper back pain you can ask for.

This fully adjustable chair also provides a decent reclining system along with a minimalist design that makes it fit with most office aesthetics, making it a chair that doesn't shine for having a showy design, but for its utility and back support. 

Steelcase Leap

487 reviews

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4. Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2

The Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2 is engineered for those seeking the best ergonomic chair for upper back pain, offering a blend of innovative materials and biomechanical design. Unlike traditional chairs, it features a 4-layer matrix seat, inspired by endurance cyclists' saddles, combining breathable mesh, memory foam, TPE, and a spring matrix. This structure evenly distributes pressure across the seat bones, eliminating discomfort from prolonged sitting.

What makes this desk chair for upper back pain stand out is its adaptive backrest, designed with flexible ribs that remove hard edges. This allows for smooth posture adjustments, ensuring proper spinal alignment whether you're leaning forward or reclining. The invisible X-shaped lumbar support promotes posture alignment, keeping the lower back supported while allowing the shoulders to move naturally, reducing upper back strain.

Breathability is another highlight, thanks to Air Mesh technology, which is 3-5 times more breathable than standard mesh. This keeps you cool and dry, even during long hours of focused work. Combined with adaptive support and posture correction, the ErgoChair Ultra 2 provides a balanced ergonomic experience, making it one of the best office chairs for upper back support.

For those experiencing upper back tension from poor posture or long sitting hours, investing in an ergonomic chair for upper back pain like the ErgoChair Ultra 2 can help alleviate discomfort and enhance long-term spinal health. Its biomechanical design, breathable materials, and flexible support make it a top choice for professionals looking to work comfortably and efficiently.

ErgoChair Ultra 2

152 reviews

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Specs

Dimensions (w/o headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 41” - 46”H
Dimensions (with headrest)	28”L x 28”W x 49” - 58”H
Seat dimensions	18”L x 18”W
Seat depth range	18” - 20.5”
Seat height	18” - 23”
Headrest	8" - 12"
Back dimensions	20”W x 23”H
Tilt range	25°
Armrest height	7” - 11”
Armrest height (from the floor)	23.5” - 27.7”
Caster wheel diameter	2.56 inches
Number of caster wheels	5 pieces
Materials	100% TPE and polyester fabric upholstery with ABS plastic frame, aluminium base
Colors	Onyx Black, Dover Gray
Weight capacity	320 lbs
Item weight	36.5 lbs
Shipping dimensions	28”L x 17”W x 31”H x 45 lbs
Assembly required	Yes
Warranty	2 years
Free returns	30 days
Adjustability	Headrest, armrest, back tilt angle and tension, seat height.

 

• 

  "Feel like it's from the future. There's still some foam lining the top of the seat, but the springs are doing plenty of work to make this chair comfortable. A rubbery liner separates these two layers to spread your weight more evenly across the springs, and it all sits atop an inch-high air gap that allows for better shock absorption." - Adam S.
• 

  "I like the chair. It's comfortable and can be configured as needed." - Wayne H.
• 

  "Great for someone over 6 foot with long torso Loving the new Ultra 2! Finally found a chair the actually makes my back feel better when I'm setting in it. I typically have an issue with the lumbar support being way too long on my back. Not with the Ultra 2, the design of the backrest fits to my back like a glove."

  - Heath L.

5. Anthros Chair

The Anthros Chair is designed for those seeking a customizable and supportive desk chair for upper back pain. Its ergonomic features and adjustability ensure a comfortable sitting experience tailored to individual needs.

Anthros Chair

220 reviews

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Key Features:

• Fully adjustable lumbar support to target specific areas of discomfort
• Ergonomic backrest for continuous spinal support
• High-density foam seat cushion for added comfort
• Breathable mesh backrest to keep you cool during long work sessions

What we love

The Anthros Chair provides a high level of customization with its adjustable lumbar support and backrest, making it one of the best office chairs for upper back and neck pain. Its breathable design ensures long-term comfort.

Drawbacks

• The modern design might not appeal to those who prefer a more classic look for their office.
• It can be considered a higher-end office chair with upper back support, so the price may not fit every budget.

6. Steelcase Gesture Chair

Many brands claim to offer the best desk chair for upper back pain, including Steelcase. This manufacturer has designed a seating solution that manages to keep your body in a comfortable position for hours.

Steelcase wanted to create an ergonomic office chair with headrest with several adjustability options to allow users to customize it based on their needs. Moreover, it comes with many ergonomic features.

Since it has been manufactured with high-quality materials, the Gesture Chair is highly durable. Unlike other options, it has plastic components for added flexibility. However, its structure is still solid.

This chair has a beautiful and elegant design that provides a cleaner appearance. It'll fit any modern or minimalist design.

However, the Steelcase Gesture Chair is quite expensive. Actually, many users consider that it's a "premium" option that requires a significant investment. Do you want to know if it's still a good choice? Read on for more information!

Key Features 

• Several ergonomic features, such as a comfortable backrest and recline
• Innovative lumbar support mechanism
• BIFMA LEVEL® 3 and indoor air quality (IAQ) certifications
• Manual adjustments to control seat height and depth
• Durable polished aluminum base

What we love

Do you want to make sure the Steelcase Gesture is the best office chair for upper back pain and neck pain you'll find? These are its advantages:

• This chair is made with high-quality materials and can last for years, even if you use it every day for hours.
• The Steelcase Gesture's metallic components have been covered with molded plastic for a smoother appearance.
• It features highly adjustable armrests. You can move them in almost any direction or angle to make sure you're always in a comfortable position.
• This chair can keep your body comfortable for hours.

What to consider

Are you considering buying this chair? Check out its disadvantages before making a final decision:

• This chair's price is above $1,200, which means it'll require a significant investment.

Steelcase Gesture Review

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What To Look For In An Ergonomic Chair For Upper Back Pain 

When looking for the best office chair to alleviate upper back pain, it's essential to keep in mind several key features that will cater to your specific needs. 

To ensure comfort and support in a desk chair for upper back pain, make sure it includes the following attributes.

• Adjustability: The office chair for upper back pain should allow you to adjust the seat height, backrest angle, and lumbar support to suit your body’s needs.
• Full Back Support: Look for a chair that supports not only your upper back but also your entire spine, promoting better posture.
• Breathable Materials: Mesh chairs or breathable fabric office chairs help regulate temperature and ensure comfort during long sitting sessions.
• Ergonomic Design: Choose a chair with an ergonomic structure that promotes natural spinal alignment and reduces muscle strain.
• Lumbar Support: Make sure the chair has proper lumbar support to relieve pressure on the lower back and prevent discomfort in the upper back.

These features in the best chair for thoracic back pain will help you maintain a healthy posture, reduce strain, and improve overall comfort throughout your workday.

Additionally, if you’re curious about how ergonomic chairs can contribute to your overall well-being, you can explore the benefits of using ergonomic chairs in more detail through this comprehensive guide.

FAQs

1. How can I stop upper back pain at my desk?

Management of upper back pain while seated can be corrected by adjusting your desk and chair. Set a position that supports your spine properly and won’t cause you to hunch over or slouch. Then restore your posture by aligning your spine against the chair backrest, or add a brace attachment on that backrest.

For more tips on maintaining proper posture, check out this guide on how to correct your sitting posture while writing.

2. How do you adjust a desk chair for upper back pain?

To adjust the chair, place your upper arms parallel to the spine. Then, place your hands on the desk and see if your elbows form a 90° angle. If your elbows are lower or higher than this 90° angle, readjust your chair or desk's height till it's completely straight. Standing desks give you the optimal height irrespective of your seating position or height.

3. Can sitting cause upper back pain?

Yes, prolonged sitting can lead to upper back pain. Poor posture and static positions put pressure on the muscles, joints, and spinal discs. Over time, this can result in stiffness and discomfort, particularly in the upper back.

4. When should I worry about upper back pain?

It begins as a mild tweak or twinge that’s very easy to ignore and actually goes away once you’re standing. However, it could worsen if overlooked at the initial stages, which prevents you from working or moving easily. If you stay seated for too many hours at your desk, look out for these symptoms: stiffness, pain, tightness, headache, and tender muscles.

The pain originates from the thoracic spine that’s connected to the ribs. It could spread to the shoulders, shoulder blades, and lower back closer to your hips. Other symptoms might even include pain in the lower legs, the lower back, leg weakness, and bladder and bowel leakage.

5. What is causing your upper back pain?

Upper back pain can stem from various factors, including:

• Poor Posture: Prolonged sitting, especially in poorly designed office chairs for upper back pain, often leads to slouching or hunching, which stresses the upper back muscles and spine.

• Muscle Strain: Overuse of back muscles or a lack of flexibility can cause strain, leading to discomfort.

• Spinal Cord Compression: Excessive pressure on the spinal cord or discs can radiate pain across the back and shoulders.

• Inactivity: Sitting for extended periods without moving can lead to stiffness, contributing to upper back pain.

Understanding the underlying cause of your discomfort can help you select the best ergonomic chair for upper back pain to address your specific needs.

6. Are office chairs good for upper back pain?

Yes, office chairs with upper back support are beneficial for upper back pain. They offer critical features such as lumbar support, adjustable backrests, and seat depth, which help maintain proper posture and reduce strain on the upper back.

7. How to sit at a desk with upper pain?

To sit comfortably at a desk with upper back pain:

• Adjust Your Chair: Ensure your office chair with upper back support supports your lower back and upper back. Lumbar support should fit the curve of your spine.

• Keep Feet Flat: Your feet should rest flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle.

• Sit Back in the Chair: Avoid leaning forward, as this can strain your upper back. Ensure your back is fully supported.

• Adjust Your Screen: The top of your monitor should be at eye level, so you don’t have to strain your neck or back to look at it.

For added comfort, consider exploring must-have office chair accessories that can enhance your sitting experience and further alleviate upper back pain.

8. What is the best chair for thoracic back pain?

The best chair for thoracic back pain should provide support to the mid-back and promote good posture. Look for ergonomic office chairs with adjustable backrests and lumbar support that can be positioned to fit the natural curve of your thoracic spine.

Features like a reclining option and a firm seat cushion can also help reduce strain on the thoracic area, preventing discomfort during long sitting sessions.

Conclusion

Choosing the best office chair for upper back pain can make a significant difference in your daily comfort, posture, and overall well-being. Whether you opt for the adaptive support of the ErgoChair Pro, the breathable mesh of the Herman Miller Aeron, or the dynamic ergonomics of the Steelcase Leap v2, the right chair helps alleviate strain and encourages healthier sitting habits.

A well-designed desk chair for upper back pain offers adjustable lumbar support, a contoured backrest, and breathable materials, ensuring comfort during long work hours. For enhanced lumbar support, you can explore some of the best lumbar supports for office chairs.

For those experiencing upper back pain from office chairs, making small ergonomic adjustments and incorporating chair exercises for the upper body can help relieve tension throughout the day. Additionally, integrating stretches for upper back tightness can further improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.