Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common condition affecting millions of Americans every year. It causes back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and even paralysis.
Sitting all day long can cause DDD. But not everyone has the same symptoms. Some people experience only mild discomfort while others suffer from debilitating pain.
The problem with most chairs is that they don’t adjust well to individual needs. They either support your body poorly or make your spine feel worse.
This means that you may find yourself sitting in a chair that doesn’t work for you. In fact, many people end up spending hours each week trying to get comfortable in a chair that makes their back hurt.
There are several reasons why this happens. First, some chairs have poor lumbar supports. These are designed to help keep your lower back straight. However, if you’re sitting in one of these chairs for an extended period of time, your lower back will start to curve forward. This puts pressure on your spinal discs which can lead to painful conditions like DDD.
Another reason why you might be experiencing problems with your chair is because it’s too low. If you sit at a desk for a long period of time, your knees will begin to bend. This forces your hips into an unnatural position. When your hips are forced into an uncomfortable position, your spine starts to curve.
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Table of Contents
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDDs) is a condition that occurs when the cartilage between your vertebrae becomes damaged. The result is that your spinal discs lose their ability to cushion your bones. As a result, your spine begins to deteriorate.
When this happens, your discs become thinner and more fragile. Over time, they’ll break down completely. This leads to nerve damage and other health issues.
Symptoms of DDD include:
- Numbness and tingling in your legs
- Pain in your neck and shoulders
- Weakness in your arms and hands
- Difficulty walking
- Back pain
The best office chair for degenerative disc disease
1. Herman Miller Aeron
In order to ensure proper posture, movement, and ease of adaptability, the Aeron features their patented 8Z elastomeric weave that stretches across both the backrest and seat. This mesh is soft and allows for full-body support through your movements.
The Aeron has a mesh back that allows you to stay cool, as well as a mesh suspension in the chair, which will give you better circulation and keep you comfortable. Not to mention, this chair features reclining ability so you can easily find the ideal position.
Consider the Herman Miller Aeron chair’s unique PostureFitSL lumbar support system. It consists of two adjustable lumbar to stabilize your spine and relieve pressure. The support flexes separately from each other, making them much more comfortable to use.
Pros
- A sturdy frame provides long-lasting durability.
- The mesh back keeps you cool and comfortable.
- Adjustable headrests and armrests provide maximum comfort.
- Recline feature lets you find the perfect sitting position.
- Ergonomic shape and contours allow for easy movement.
- Available in multiple colors.
Cons
- Price
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2. Autonomous ErgoChair Pro Series Office Chair
Our Second pick for the best office chair for degenerative disc disease is the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro Series. The product features a sturdy structure and a healthy portfolio of features that promote good posture.
The chair is elegantly designed with a professional, sleek style and a grey, black and white color scheme. It features an ergonomic s-shape with mesh backrests for optimum airflow. The seat is padded with high-density foam and can be adjusted to fit your personal preferences – if you don’t like the color scheme of this most popular model, there are five other trendy styles available as well!
For those suffering from degenerative disc disease, this office chair would be a smart investment. It has all the features that promote good posture and potentially relieve symptoms. Some of these 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 the big benefits of Autonomous is how sturdy it is. The frame and wheelbase are both made from heavy-duty nylon, so you can use this chair with a respectable 350 lb maximum weight capacity. And, you’re guaranteed a manufacturer’s warranty for as long as 2 years, covering all parts constituting the chair.
Although the Autonomous ErgoChair series is not perfect, it still has a few points of excellence. It’s affordable, ergonomic, and made by a top-rated brand; however, it would be wise to keep in mind that minor flaws exist.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Adjustable lumbar support
- 5 different colors
- Mesh backrests for optimal airflow
- Five-setting recline
- Three-dimensional adjustable armrests
- Pneumatic seat height adjustment
- 350 lb max weight capacity
- Two year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Heavy set people should not try this.
3. Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair
The Ticova ergonomic office chair has an array of adjustable features making it a surprising purchase. You can adjust the seat height, headrest height and angle, lumbar and backrest height, recline angle up to 130 degrees, a rocking function, armrest height, position, and forward or backward. These adjustments ensure that you get the right position for your needs.
The chair was designed to provide great comfort. It features a high-density seat cushion with three inches of foam and is designed with a W-shape along with a waterfall seat edge. The waterfall seat edge slopes downward and will relieve pressure on your back, which improves circulation in the lower limbs and relieves pressure on your hips and tailbone.
The mesh back is the best part about this chair. It has great ventilation for those hot days and it’s also breathable. The lumbar pad is also adjustable to fit in your curve, promoting a healthy posture no matter what position you’re in.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed to improve your posture.
- Adjustable seat height, backrest height, and tilt.
- Mesh back promotes airflow.
- Breathable mesh back.
- High-density foam seat cushion.
- Waterfall seat edge.
- The lumbar support pad adjusts to fit your curves.
Cons
- In the lowest position, the arms are too long, and the back is stiff.
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4. Sidiz T80 Ergonomic Home Office Chair
The Sidiz T80 Series Ergonomic Office Chair is our premium pick for the best office chairs for degenerative disc disease. This chair offers high performance, a quality structure, and a very stylish professional appearance all covered by an extended warranty.
First of all, the Sidiz brand has a good reputation amongst office desk workers because it’s relatively new. It doesn’t have such a wide range variety of chairs like Steelcase, Herman Miller, and other popular premium brands like them. The Sidiz T80 Series is similar to the Steelcase Gesture Series in appearance, but more affordable- priced at half the price of their competitors.
If you’re into mesh office chairs, you’ll love this one. The chair has a foam-padded seat and an airflow mesh up the backrest to stop excess sweating on your back. Sitting a lot can cause back and spine problems, including degenerative disc disease. The Sidiz T80 features innovative ergonomic features to promote healthy-posture maintenance for prolonged periods. These features include adjustable lumbar support, a forward seat tilt function, a fully adjustable headrest, 4D armrests, an S-shaped backrest, adjustable seat depth, and a 4-stage recline function.
The t80 model offers a strong nylon wheelbase and frame. It also has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, which includes having a guarantee throughout the life of the product and up to a 2-year extension. Another great feature of the T80 model is its height. Measuring 51.9 inches tall, this model can accommodate people up to 6 feet and 3 inches tall. Read our full guide on the best office chairs for tall people here!
The Sidiz T80 model is one of the best, if not the best seat 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.
Pros
- Adjustable lumbar support promotes healthy posture.
- Forward seat tilt function promotes proper spinal alignment.
- Fully adjustable headrest provides comfort and support.
- 4D armrests provide additional comfort and support.
- An S-shaped backrest supports your back.
- 4-stage recline mechanism allows you to adjust the level of recline.
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
- Nylon wheel base and frame.
- Quality materials used in construction.
- Extended warranty included.
Cons
- Pricey
- Instead of pivoting at an angle, arm rests move horizontally
5. Steelcase Gesture
Sciatica refers to the pain that runs along the sciatic nerve, which enters your back from your lower back, and branches into your buttocks and hips. The Steelcase Gesture features a contoured backrest that will align with your spine so that it elegantly falls into its natural “S” shape.
It also offers 3D LiveBack technology, which mimics and adapts to every movement you make whether it be twisting, turning, or shifting. Thanks to this technology, there is no area of your body under stress as you move; instead, the entire chair provides equal support.
With its various recline capabilities, the Gesture offers all the necessary adjustments to ensure a great, intuitive recline experience.
These adjustments are also available in degrees enabling you to find the perfect tension that balances your weight. With a convenient backstop and unique tilt mechanism, you’ll be able to recline with minimal effort and still have enough support for your back.
Pros
- Adjustments allow you to find the perfect balance between comfort and support.
- Backstop prevents accidental tipping.
- The convenient tilt mechanism allows for easy adjustment.
- The tilt mechanism adjusts to accommodate different heights.
- Reclines to three positions.
- Ergonomic design ensures proper alignment of your spine.
- Made of steel frame and upholstered in leather.
Cons
- Price
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6. Samofu Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair
Now is a great time to consider the next best office chair for your budget and needs. The Samofu Ergonomic Office Chair is an affordable option that offers many posture enhancing features, a stable structure, and a long warranty.
The chair is nothing special when it comes to looks. It has a simple and no-nonsense structure in gray and black with a classic ergonomic swoopy design.
Samofu chairs have many ergonomic features that help users maintain a proper posture for prolonged periods. These include adjustable lumbar support, adjustable headrest, flip-up armrests, an S-shaped backrest, and a 90-135 degree recline.
However, at such a low-priced model, there are a few downsides. First of all, the chair lacks an adjustable seat depth and forward tilt feature. Second, the armrests are only flip-up and can’t be lowered down or rotated.
At an amazingly low price point, the chair provides a respectable 300-Lb maximum weight capacity. The chair is covered by a five-year manufacturer warranty while offering excellent quality and comfort.
Pros
- Sturdy construction for years of use.
- Adjustable lumbar support and headrest.
- Flip-up armrests.
- Reclines up to 135 degrees.
- Seat depth adjustment.
- Five-year warranty.
Cons
- It is not possible to tilt or rotate the armrests.
7. La-Z-Boy Delano Big & Tall Executive Office Chair
The Laz-Boy Delano is one of the most comfortable executive office chairs to hit the market in recent years. This chair tries to address two common areas where it’s hard to avoid pain- the headrest and the lumbar area. The device features not just one, but multiple layers of high-quality foam padding.
If you find yourself always slouching and experiencing neck pain due to a lack of support, the headrest on the back of your seat can help. It not only supports your neck, but it also alleviates some of the pressure, so you’ll be able to relax. The lumbar support is also outfitted with thick padding to balance out any curve in your spine.
We like the Delano office chair because of its waterfall seat edge, which enhances leg circulation and reduces fatigue. That’s because blood tends to build up pressure in your lower extremities, causing joint and muscle stiffness. We also love that this chair can support up to 350 pounds of weight and has a 10-year manufacturer warranty– meaning it is a very durable and heavy-duty chair that will last you for many years.
Pros
- Supports your neck and relieves pressure.
- Reduces fatigue by improving circulation.
- Can hold up to 350 lbs.
- Features a 10-year warranty.
Cons
- Heat may build up on bonded leather upholstery.
What to Look for in a Degenerative Disc Disease Office Chair
First, let’s look at the best qualities to look for when searching for an office chair.
Lumbar support
For those with degenerative disc disease, when it comes to your back, the more support and cushioning you can find in your chair the better. Be sure to choose a chair that provides enough cushioning for your body and back so that you’re comfortable every time you sit down.
If you want to maintain a proper posture while sitting, remember that a good office chair with the right amount of lumbar support also can help. It will not only prevent your condition from worsening, but it will also help reduce back pain.
The good news is that most office chairs designed for sitting have lumbar support. This usually comes in the form of cushions, which can be adjusted to suit your needs. Most models even have adjustable lumbar support features for maximum comfort.
Adjustability
As we mentioned before, the most important quality of an office chair is adjustability. It should be flexible enough to accommodate any needs, preferences, or changes in your physical body that might happen over time.
For people who want to sit at their desk for a long period of time without shifting or becoming uncomfortable, a chair with adjustable features should be considered. For example, you can use upholstery settings and seat angles to choose an optimal degree of comfort while sitting.
If you’re buying a new office chair, it’s imperative that you consider ergonomic features. First, consider the backrest, armrests, headrest, seat depth, and height. Some chairs even have a tilting mechanism so that you can sit in more comfort.
Mobility and stability
If you have degenerative disc disease, you’ll need to make sure that the office chair can provide a good range of mobility and stability. Having good mobility for office chairs will allow you to quickly shift position by just picking up your legs as needed, without having to make an unnecessary movement.
The sturdier the chair you choose, the less likely it is that your weight will be concentrated on one side of the seat during use.
Using a chair with heavier-duty casters is usually better for those who are particularly active. They’ll need the extra stability that comes from a more substantial base, on top of it being easier to move around to accommodate your work needs.
Key Considerations
Want to know what to look for in the best office chair for degenerative disc disease? Here are the key considerations you need to be aware of, before buying one!
Ergonomics
Ergonomics are important to consider when choosing the right office chair for your needs. You don’t want to make a choice that doesn’t fit your body and prevents you from getting the most out of it. Plus, you’re not going to be able to comfort yourself and stay long in such a position that doesn’t do much for you.
The human body particularly struggles with hunger, which can lead to a whole slew of health problems including discomfort, pain, and fatigue.
Sagging, slouching, and sitting in a poor position is responsible for the majority of back problems. If you’re looking to improve your posture while on the job, an ergonomic office chair should definitely be considered. These chairs offer many benefits including better spinal support and reduced pressure from occupational positions.
The reduced pressure when you sit on your chair can help to relieve the pain associated with some common health problems. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution since there are many different options for choosing an ergonomic office chair.
Good Posture
When sitting up straight, your spine should have an S-shape because of natural curves. Your elbows should also point out to the sides, with your upper arms staying parallel to your spine.
Don’t clench your shoulder muscles to try and keep your screen in view, because this will end up causing pain and an uncomfortable experience. Your chair should be height adjustable so that your feet rest on the floor while you maintain a more comfortable position.
The features of this product can reduce some of the pressure on your back and help prevent pain, fatigue, and discomfort. As a result, you’ll be able to have a better lifestyle at work and stay more focused on your tasks.
How to Choose the Best Reclining vs. Fixed-Backrest Design
If you are wondering about choosing a chair, we recommend that you consider the primary considerations of position, whether it is fixed or reclining, and ergonomics. As mentioned before, sitting up straight is crucial to maintaining proper posture while alleviating pressure on your lower back.
Experts recommend that you sit at a 135-degree angle when you do your work. They say 90 degrees can be too much spinal strain and make backaches worse than necessary.
This angle is perfect for people who have back problems, like those with degenerative disc disease. It puts the least amount of stress on your spine and reduces pain and discomfort from this condition.
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What Makes an Office Chair Good for Degenerative Disc Disease?
When choosing an office chair for degenerative disk disease, you need to look for a chair that addresses these three main points:
1) A good chair should provide adequate lumbar support.
2) A good chair should offer enough height and width to accommodate your body type.
3) A good chair should allow you to sit comfortably for hours on end without feeling too much strain.
In other words, if you’re looking for a chair that will keep you from getting sore after sitting for long periods of time, then you want to make sure that the chair offers adequate lumbar support and allows you to adjust the height and width of your seat as needed.
You also want to make sure that your chair doesn’t cause undue stress on your joints. If you suffer from arthritis, then you need to choose a chair that won’t put extra pressure on your knees, hips, or shoulders.
Unusual Office Chair Solutions to Help Your Back Pain
While there are plenty of standard options available when it comes to choosing an office chair, there are also some unusual solutions that could help alleviate your back pain. Here are 5 unusual office chair solutions that we think would work well for people who have back problems.
1. Adjustable Height Office Chairs
An adjustable height office chair is a great solution for those who have trouble finding the right height for their desk. These types of chairs usually come equipped with a telescoping mechanism that lets you raise and lower the height of the seat.
2. Ergonomic Office Chairs
Ergonomics refers to designing products and environments to reduce the amount of physical stress placed on our bodies. When it comes to ergonomically designed office chairs, they typically feature a contoured design that helps distribute weight evenly across the entire surface area of your body. This prevents unnecessary pressure being placed on certain areas of your body, such as your hips and shoulders.
3. Lumbar Support Chairs
A lumbar support chair is one of the most common solutions used to treat low back pain. They often come equipped with a high backrest that provides more support than traditional office chairs. The high backrest also helps prevent your spine from bending forward, which can be a contributing factor to low back pain.
4. Pedestal Desk Chairs
A pedestal desk chair is another option for treating low back pain. It works by providing additional support for your legs and feet, which can help relieve pressure on your lower back.
5. Waterfall Seats
Waterfalls seats are similar to lumbar support chairs in that they use a high backrest to provide additional support for your back. However, they differ in that they don’t actually extend all the way up to your neck. Instead, they only go halfway up, leaving room for your head to rest against the backrest.
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Reference
https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/ergo/ergoadvantages.pdf
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/posture