Scoliosis can have a major effect on how productive you are at work, especially if you are in a sitting position throughout the workday.
If you are using an office chair without good lumbar support, as well as good back and neck support, you might start to experience backaches. These muscle pains can reduce your work efficiency as you will want to get up and walk around more than sit at your desk.
What is scoliosis? Simply put, scoliosis is when one has a sideways curve (S-shaped or C-shaped) in the spine. It is considered a hereditary affliction as it tends to run in families but can be caused by muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
No one really knows what causes it but most cases are not severe. It can, however, become an issue if you don’t treat it and your body right, especially as you grow older.
This curving of the spine may cause shoulders and waist to be uneven, one hip higher than the other, or cause one shoulder blade to protrude more than the other. People with scoliosis can experience back problems and back pain because of pressure on disks, compressed nerves, or joints that are stressed and have become worn or inflamed.
Making your office space more ergonomic and choosing the right chair that will promote a healthy posture is crucial if you suffer from scoliosis. This way you can reduce the pain and feel better. while sitting at work, which in turn will bust your productivity.
What Is The Best Office Chair For Scoliosis?
The best office chair for someone who suffers from scoliosis is an ergonomic office chair. These chairs will be more comfortable as they are designed to give you not only better back support but also better support for your arms, shoulders, and neck. This will provide more comfort throughout the day which will allow you to be more focused and get more work done.
So with that in mind let’s take a look at some ergonomic office chairs for scoliosis.
1. Duorest Gold Ergonomic Office Chair with Twin Backrests
Duorest Gold chair is by far the most unique looking on this list, and according to many patients it’s one of the best chairs for scoliosis. The two back parts move independently of each other. The height and width of the pads are adjustable to fit your body’s needs. You can also adjust the whole backrest depth.
The space between the back pads is to allow your spine to move freely with no pressure on it whatsoever. It’s an ideal solution for people with scoliosis who have one shoulder blade more prominent than the other. Moreover, such a design reduces the load on lumbar spine.
There is a height-adjustable headrest and armrests that move up and down for added support and comfort.
The seatpan is curved to ensure good blood circulation, which is very important if you spend a few hours each day in seated position.
The Duorest Gold obviously has the full range of adjustability you get from the other pricer ergonomic office chairs. This innovative office chair is limited though in height range, with approx. user height of 5’ to 6’.
Even though it doesn’t look pretty, this is one of the best chairs for scoliosis. It works well for patients who suffer from hip issues and lower back pain too.
2. La-Z-Boy Bellamy Executive Office Chair
La-Z-Boy chairs have a history of combining comfort and style and the Bellamy Executive is no exception. It has a classic office look with its bonded leather and hardwood frame. This chair utilizes La-Z-Boy’s ComfortCore Plus and Memory Foam technologies in the right places. The end result – you get an extremely comfortable place to sit.
The Bellamy’s headrest and lumbar are integrated into one single support system, which helps alleviate any back pain when you have to be sitting for long periods of time. The padded seat has a waterfall edge, a design that reduces pressure points in legs and helps improve circulation in your legs.
It has three adjustments: seat height, tilt, and recline. The armrests are very stylish hardwood with high quality padded leather. Although they are not adjustable they have a comfortable ergonomic design.
This chair is not for everyone though, it can only hold up to 275 lbs (125kg) and the headrest area is not adjustable. So if you are a taller or shorter person you may not be able to get the position that is just right for you. Another downside is that the leather finish is not breathable which can cause you to sweat.
To sum up, the Bellamy Executive Office Chair gives you a very comfy place if you are suffering from scoliosis. However, due to the non-breathable bonded leather, you will start to sweat if you need to be sitting for long hours. But for the price, it provides great comfort and great style.
3. Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
The Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable office chair is not flashy at all, but it doesn’t have to be. This chair is well designed with a lot of adjustabilities to maximize comfort for long periods of sitting.
The list of things that you can adjust include:
- Headrest height & angle
- Lumbar support height & depth
- Armrest height & distance
- Seat height
- Tilt backrest & tension
While it’s great to have all this flexibility in the seat it also means that it might take a little time to find the right position that works for you.
The Duramont Ergonomic comes with mesh seating for plenty of airflow to keep you cool and sweat-free. The mesh high back has an adjustable headrest for added support.
It is rated for people weighing up to 330 lbs (149kg) but some heavier people have noted that it is not as comfortable for them only because of the mesh seating. And although the armrests are very adjustable, a few customers complained about them being a bit wobbly. Another small complaint was that when you take it out of the box there is a strong chemical smell that does dissipate after a short time.
Overall, the Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair is a very good chair without breaking the bank. It provides most of the flexibility that people who suffer from scoliosis will need to get through a long working day and stay pain-free.
Here you can check our full review of Duramont chair.
4. Steelcase Leap
The Steelcase Leap is one of the most expensive chairs on this list, but it just might be the best office chair for people witth scoliosis. With its multitude of adjustments and breathable fabric, you will remain cool and comfortable all day long.
The Leap uses a cool system called LiveBack which helps you maintain good posture as it supports you no matter how you move. Along with the LiveBack, the lumbar support adjusts for firmness, tension, and curvature. This means no matter your body shape or height you will have great support for your spine.
It has what you would expect: high back, reclining positions, reclining tension & height adjustment but the Steelcase Leap chair has another wonderful feature that most don’t – seat depth adjustment. This allows you to move the seat backwards or forwards depending on the length of your legs. Combine that with the flexible seat front, which adapts to your legs, and you get better circulation for less leg fatigue.
The Natural Glide system in the seat makes this a great computer chair. When you recline the seat moves forward. So you are still able to easily reach your keyboard with little stress on the rest of your body.
The high quality 4D adjustable armrests move in 4 directions: up & down, back & forth, in & out and they pivot from left to right. This reduces wrist fatigue, tension in the shoulders, and neck pain. If you’re looking for a scoliosis chair that would give you extra neck support, choose the Steelcase Leap with a headrest.
As you can see the only really negative aspect of the Leap is the price. But if you are one of those people with scoliosis in a sitting position for hours on end, it is a lifetime investment in your overall health and productivity.
5. Herman Miller Aeron PostureFit SL
The Herman Miller PostureFit chair has been around for a few years and has earned a stellar reputation in the ergonomic office chair market. It has all the adjustments you need and expectations for the price.
The mesh is 8Z Pellicle elastomeric which is used in the suspension seat and backrest. This material allows for maximum airflow to keep you nice and cool while you work. Moreover, it’s designed to give just the right amount of support exactly where you need. This mesh is elastic and strong at the same time, therefore you don’t have to worry about sinking down or tearing.
Herman Miller uses its poster correcting Kinemat tilt mechanism that moves with your body. The lumbar spine support, made of high density foam, can move up & down or forward & back to the shape of your spine.
It comes in 3 different sizes, so whether you’re short, tall, skinny or chubby, you will find a good fit. The seat has the waterfall design to increase circulation and decrease fatigue and pain in calves and feet.
The Aeron PostureFit chair has a bit lower back than for example Steelcase Leap, and does not come with a headrest, so if you suffer from neck pain as well as lower back pain, this is something to consider (some people recommend this headrest – it’s not designed by Herman Miller, but fits Aeron). Other than that, this is a great chair for helping to relieve the pain of scoliosis.
6. Bilkoh Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair
The Bilkoh Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair is a real steal in this category. It has pretty much all the functions of the other chairs with the high price. It is actually designed after the Aeron, as are a lot of the newer ergonomic chairs.
As the name infers it is made with breathable mesh seating, backrest, and headrest. The headrest is adjustable to help relieve shoulder tension and neck pain. The mesh seating is not quite as supportive as the more expensive models, but the seat does use the waterfall design to relieve leg pain.
This high back chair has adjustable seat height and lumbar support that adjusts, but only up and down.
The 3D adjustable armrests go up & down, back & forth, and pivot, but they lack any padding which can take away a little of the comfort. They are fully removable if need be.
The tilt is limited and there is no tension setting so it will not suit the needs of all scoliosis patients with more specific needs. Overall a good chair, not the best out there, but it can still give scoliosis sufferers relief.
How Should You Sit With Scoliosis?
Posture is very important for patients who suffer from scoliosis, so when sitting try to remember these basics:
- Don’t sit on the edge of the seat
- It is import to keep the pelvis neutral
- Make sure the knees are slightly lower than the hips
- Feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart
- Sit back in the chair, waist over the buttocks
Besides the above steps make sure to move around every now and then and do some chair exercises. Doing these simple but critical things will help reduce the aches and pains of having to sit for long periods of time.
Keep in mind that even the best ergonomic office chair will not cure the scoliosis. Moreover, some patients may require special traction chair for scoliosis, which is designed to improve their posture, as well as decrease muscle imbalances, and even re-align the spine.
You doctor may also recommend you to get a special pillow for scoliosis that will additionally support your body. There are pillows for scoliosis that you can place on your chair seat which reduce the pressure on the tailbone. You can also find scoliosis pillow that attaches to the seat backrest to relief lumbar spine pain. The good news is that these pillows can be used on office chairs as well as car seats!
Are Standing Desks Good For Scoliosis?
Standing desks can help reduce the pain of scoliosis and improve your posture, but just like sitting for a long period of time can also be problematic if you don’t do it properly. You still need to maintain good posture, and move around occasionally, to manage the pain of scoliosis.
Standing desk may help with bad back, it takes the pressure off your neck and lower back, and may reduce the pain that scoliosis causes. But it’s not a magical solution that will cure scoliosis!
And something else to keep in mind – standing for prolonged period may also put extra strain on the spine, especially when you stand with a poor posture.
Final Word – What Features To Look Out For In The Best Ergonomic Office Chairs For Scoliosis
You want to be as productive as possible at your job and sitting for hours in a chair that takes care of you is essential.
Here are important features to look for in a good scoliosis chair:
- Lumbar spine support – Make sure it is adjustable to your back shape, height & spine curvature.
- Comfortable leg area – The waterfall design to allow good blood circulation, and avoid numbness in the legs.
- Armrests – this will help take tension off the shoulders and neck, and avoid wrist pain.
- Headrest – again relieves the tension off the neck and shoulders.
Getting all these required elements might cost a little more but getting the best office chair that helps relieve the pain of scoliosis is important. It can be the difference between a good day’s work or work just being a pain in the back.
Don’t forget to read our other articles and check our ranking of the best ergonomic chairs in 2020!
All articles on this website are just informative and they are not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. If you suffer from back problems or have any other health issues, consult your doctor/GP first. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.