While sitting at a desk is generally not considered a very comfortable place to be, scoliosis can make sitting at a desk unbearable.
People with scoliosis can attest to more stress and strain during an average workday than those with a straight spine.
Spending long hours sitting in a chair that aggravates the problem is definitely not going to help.
That’s why it’s so important to get the right chair to help relieve as much pain as possible.
Here we’ve put together a list of the 7 best ergonomic chairs recommended by chiropractors.
Best Office Chair for Scoliosis (Updated List for 2020)
Having an ergonomic chair that helps support the length of the spine can relieve a lot of the pain of sitting, especially if you suffer from a curved spine.
While the cause of scoliosis hasn’t been determined, having ergonomic support that maintains a normal posture with as little effort as possible definitely relieves the aches and pains associated with this condition.
As an ode to those that work hard despite their condition, we’ve gone through the work and put together a list of the 7 best ergonomic chairs that offer just the support needed:
1. Herman Miller Aeron Chair – Best #1 Best Computer Chair for Scoliosis
The Aeron from Herman Miller offers comprehensive support that’s designed to mold to the back of the sitter.
This makes it the top model for people with scoliosis. It offers full back support, but without pieces that poke and prod at funny angles.
The elastomer seat and backrest offer support that gives where it needs to and holds tight where it must while providing a breathable surface that keeps hot-spots cool and comfortable.
8Z Pellicle – The new elastomer mesh is designed to mold to the back, offering to give where needed and support where necessary. This encourages a proper posture while maintaining blood flow and offering a breathable surface that stretches to match your back.
Specialized Sacral and Lumbar Support – The adjustable lower back support is perfect to position in just the right place to give you the support you need exactly where it counts the most.
Natural Reclining – The Aeron moves from a forward position to a reclined position intuitively, making a good stretch easy and comfortable, just what you need when muscles start getting tired and cranky.
Forward Fit – The Aeron is now designed to sit slightly more forward, offering support even when you’re sitting up straight and paying special attention to your work.
Cross-Performance Health-Positive Design – Sitting position can become strenuous if your chair doesn’t move with you. The Aeron moves with you and actually improves spinal health as you’re busy with daily office tasks.
Fully Adjustable – With sizes for small, medium and tall, the Aeron is also fully adjustable with adjustable lower back support, seat height, tilt stop and adjust so you can get the support that’s right for you.
You can buy headrest as an additional option and this will make this – the best office chair for neck pain.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Takeaway: The Aeron is the class leader when it comes to ergonomic chairs that are fit for scoliosis. With all the healthy support and adjustments on offer, the negative of not having neck support is a small price to pay for an overall good chair. You can get The Original Headrest as an option which will make this chair complete!
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2. Sihoo Ergonomic Office Chair
The Sihoo office chair offers a blend of mesh and upholstered ergonomic support. The backrest is a breathable mesh while the seat is soft yet supportive.
This is a sturdy, ergonomic chair that offers a wide range of adjustments that will ensure your comfort while giving you lasting support.
Fully adjustable – The headrest adjusts up and down and on a 45-degree tilt. The lumbar support adjusts both up and down and in and out. The adjustable armrests adjust up and down, in and out, and back and forth. The seat-height and tilt are also adjustable.
Ergonomic – Using expert advice and everyday experience, Sihoo designed this chair to give support to the entire spine.
Wear Resistant and Sturdy – Made from high-quality mesh and stainless steel; this ergonomic office chair is both sturdy and hard working.
Fully Tested – All aspects of the Sihoo have been quality and safety tested, from the seat to the casters, Sihoo are proud of the quality of their product.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Takeaway: The Sihoo ergonomic office chair is a strong and sturdy chair that offers a wide range of adjustments for superior comfort. But, if your back has a protruding curve is a strange place the unforgiving mesh may cut off blood circulation to the area over extended periods of sitting.
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3. Serta Style Hannah Office Chair
If soft support if what you’re looking for the Serta Style Hannah office chair is a good choice for you.
With soft upholstered body cushions and an extra pillow (attached) for head and neck support, the Serta is a dream come true for those who like a softer seats.
The lower back support offers extra ergonomic comfort, keeping your spine happy throughout your day.
Head and Lumbar Support – The head cushion and extra lumbar backing offer a relaxing seat that molds to the curves of your spine.
Soft Feel – The microfiber fabric is soft and silky, adding extra comfort to the entire chair.
Cushioned Armrests – When you get tired, the cushioned armrests add extra comfort.
Waterfall Seat – the edge tapers down, so the edge doesn’t cut off blood flow and circulation to and from the legs and feet.
Adjustable – The seat-height and tilt are adjustable. The backrest is suitable for a 40-44” back.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Takeaway: If your back measures 40”-44”, this is a comfy solution for you, but even then the non-adjustable lumbar and headrest could become uncomfortable over time. This is a good option if a mesh or more rigid chair won’t work for you, but it is minimally adjustable which can result in other comfort issues.
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4. CCTRO Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair – Best Desk Chair for Scoliosis
The CCTRO office chair has a mesh backrest for breathability and a cushioned seat for comfort.
This is an affordable option that is conveniently adjustable in all the right places. It may not be top-of-the-range, but it comfortable and with good price tag.
Comfortable and Breathable – The high-quality PU mesh backrest offers breathable yet sturdy support. The seat and armrests are cushioned for extra comfort.
Fully Adjustable (almost) – The 3D armrests adjust up and down, back and forth, and in and out.
There’s a tilt, and seat height adjust. The backrest and headrest are both adjustable. All that’s missing is in and out of lumbar adjustment.
Hardworking Casters and Base – The aluminum base is high quality, with explosion-proof chassis and rod all sit on top of 360-degree dual-wheel casters that are smooth and flexible on any surface.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Takeaway: This is an affordable and good buy. But, as with all mesh-backed chairs (except the Aeron) there is little give in the mesh, which can start to feel hard and painful after long hours of sitting. That being said, this is a good buy, especially if you’re working on a budget.
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5. La-Z-Boy Trafford Office Chair – Best Recliner For Scoliosis
Comfort and style rolled into one. La-Z-Boy is known for its superior seating and it’s no different for the Tafford Office Chair.
Cushioned from top to bottom, the Tafford offers comfort and support to the big and tall.
With quality, layered pillows, and flexible AIR lumbar, you get what you pay for with this chair.
Cushioned for Comfort – Deep layered ComfortCore memory foam pillows hug your back as you sit, while a headrest cradles your head and neck when you lean back. The armrests are cushioned.
AIR Technology – The lumbar support makes use of state of the art tech that allows it to move when you move, so you get all the support you need without any of the pressure.
Adjustable – The seat and backrest height, recline and tilt are adjustable,
Heavy Duty – The chair may hold up to 400lbs with a chair dimension of 27.5 W” x 32 D” x 44.5″ to 47.5″ H. Built for the big, it could still be a comfortable thrown for the small.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Takeaway: Reasonably priced the Trafford is a comfortable and supportive for the big or tall. It might be a bit too big if you’re a reasonably smaller person, but then again, the comfort the cushioned seat offers may be just what you need to keep you comfortable all day.
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6. Alera Elusion Series Mesh Mid-Back Multifunction Chair
If you like having your upper torso free to move about during the day this is a good option for you.
The Alera Elusion series is a good multifunctional chair for those that are busy bees even when you seat.
The seat glide and forward tilt give you support whether you’re leaning forward or back, while the infinite locking positions of the tilt lock allow you to choose the angle that works for you.
Adjustable – The seat tilt, seat height, armrest height and width, back angle, and seat glide are all fully adjustable.
Contoured Seat – The seat cushion is contoured for extra comfort while the waterfall edge relieves leg pain.
Mesh Back – The mesh back is breathable and contoured to fit a standard lumbar arch.
Stong and Sturdy Base – The base is rated five stars (but nobody knows by whom..), the casters make it is easy to move.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Take-Away: If you like a chair that is adjustable and only reaches halfway up your back, this is a good enough buy. But, the controls are difficult to use if you’re a beginner, the half-height backrest is also from mesh, which you should know by now, can become uncomfortable over time.
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7. Modway Articulate – Best Mesh Chair for Scoliosis
The Articulate chair by Modway is a very economic ergonomic buy for those who need special support but can’t afford the pricey tags on some of the high-end models.
The mesh backrest is high, the mesh-covered plush seat is comfortable and the overall ambiance of the chair is rather pleasing (it’s available in six trendy colors). It’s not top of the range, but it does everything you need it to do.
Mesh Backrest – The mesh backrest is ergonomically designed to give extra support where you need it.
Sturdy and supportive – The Articulate holds up to 336lbs and is designed to do everything an office char should do.
Adjustable – The levers are easy to use, and adjustments include seat height, tilt and angle adjustment, and tilt lock.
Extra Attention to Comfort – The pneumatic height adjustment and the contoured armrests add an extra bit of comfort; some other models in this category don’t offer.
Stylish – Available in six different colors, the Articulate is designed to improve the aesthetics of your office environment.
[mks_col] [mks_one_half]Key Takeaway: The Articulate is very affordable, but as with most things, expect what you pay for. In this case, that means very few adjustable parts and that the mechanisms start failing after a ( relatively short) period of time. But, if you’re generally gentle on furniture this is good value for money. The mesh is softer than the hard-wearing types, but does, unfortunately, give out over time.
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What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a spinal abnormality with unknown causes. Some people are just born with this often debilitating condition.
When someone has scoliosis, their spine curves left and right (curvature of the spine). While we all have an “S-shaped” spine, people with scoliosis have an “S-shape” on two planes.
This places extra strain on the muscles of the entire back, including the shoulder and neck.
When a person with scoliosis sits in a chair for a long time, their already strained muscles can cease up even more as they are constantly working to keep upright position.
That’s why it can be so tiring for a person with scoliosis to spend a day at a desk.
And this makes it vitally important that they have the proper support to help ease as much of the strain their body undergoes as possible.
What Main Features Make An Office Chair Best for Scoliosis?
There are a few things you want to look for in a chair when you have scoliosis:
- An adjustable backrest
- Enough give
- Proper support (for you)
While this may seem obvious things to look out for, let’s take a look at each in a bit more detail.
You want a backrest that adjusts, so you can move the lumbar support to where you need it, whether that’s higher or lower for you.
The best is a backrest that is upward and downward adjustable with lumbar support that can be adjusted up and down and in and out. But, getting all these in a single chair can be pricey.
You also want a backrest that’s supportive, but that has a bit of giving. Sitting still on a relatively hard surface for a long time can aggravate your discomfort if you suffering from severe scoliosis.
The best option is a cushioned backrest, but the mesh can work too, provided that it isn’t too rigid.
The most important factor is that you need to get to know your spine and look for the features that offer you the support that you need.
Whether this means a soft backrest or one with firm lumbar support, a headrest or the freedom to move your upper torso… This all boils down to your specific needs.
How to Sit in a Chair With Scoliosis
With scoliosis, you want to make sure you’re sitting position is correct.
This means to seat all the way back in the chair and setting the backrest so that your pelvis isn’t tilting forward or back.
Unlike other people, you need a neutral pelvic position. When it’s tilted forward, you will be putting extra strain on the rest of your back. So make sure that the lumbar support is in just the right spot to support you.
It’s very important for you to use the full support of the chair by sitting back and upright in your chair instead of leaning either forward or back.
Stretching forward and back is, however good exercise for your back, so make sure to move around every now and again to keep your muscles from seizing up.
When at your desk and working, you don’t want a recliner, but when you’re taking a break, a relined massage or home-made traction could work wonders.
You could also try the halo traction brace if you find sitting for long hours unbearable.
Final Words. Selecting the Best Ergonomic Scoliosis Chair
The very best chair is undoubtedly the Aeron, but that might not be practical if you’re working on a budget.
I would steer clear of the Alera Elusion unless the mid-back height really appeals to you.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, the Articulate or the CCTRO are decent options.
But if you want to splurge on a comfortable chair, rather go for the Lay-Z-Boy than the Hannah. While Hannah might have a softer feel, the Lay-Z-Boy is going to last a lot longer.
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In the end, it does; however, all come down to what you need in a chair. So first and foremost, take a seat and work out what you need in a chair.
Do you need a headrest? Maybe the Sihoo is for you…
Need extra padding? Don’t go for mesh…
Whatever your needs are, there’s a chair on this list that’s going to be a excellent fit, so go through it again if you must.
As you should know, having a good office chair that’s got your back throughout the day is the key to living more comfortably with scoliosis. So far we discussed non-surgical scoliosis treatment by changing your chair. If you have a severe problem, please consult your doctor for other possible scoliosis treatment options (braces, scoliosis traction chair, scoliosis surgery etc..)
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