Top 5 Best Office Chairs for Shoulder Pain (2022 Review)

Office Chairs For Shoulder Pain:

If you have shoulder pain and you need the best office chair, then our guide should help you find what you’re looking for. In this product review guide, I will go over…

  • My top picks for office chairs for people with shoulder pain
  • How to pick the best office chair if you’re prone to shoulder pain
  • Some of the main features and options you may want to consider when buying an office chair if you experience shoulder pain

Let’s get started!

Best Office Chairs For Shoulder Pain

What are office chairs for shoulder pain?

If you have shoulder pain, you should choose your office chair carefully, and make sure you opt for an ergonomic model, to best support your body in comfort while working.

There are many different kinds of shoulder pain with multiple causes. Not every shoulder pain sufferer will sit well in the same chair and it’s worth considering a range of seat types and models.

Read More >> What is a Task Chair?

If you’re not sure, look for an online seller with a quick and easy return policy which would allow you to send back an unsuitable chair without difficulty or additional cost.

What are the different types of office chairs?

If you’re prone to shoulder pain and considering a new chair, there are a number of chair types and features you might consider:

-head and arm rests:

Shoulder pain may be reduced if your chair has support for your head, look out for it.

- 360 degree spin:

Turning your head might aggravate shoulder pain in some people and a chair with motion would reduce the need to turn your head as often.

- Wheeled chairs:

can roll between working surfaces without the sitter needing to stand up, which might help those for whom the standing movement is a strain.

Read More >> Best Computer Chairs for Long Hours

Saddle chairs: 

are sometimes helpful for preventing or relieving musculoskeletal pain, by guiding the spine into a neutral position supported by core muscles.

- Tilting seats:

are also appreciated by some people with back, neck and shoulder issues who experience discomfort while sitting in standard chairs with a fixed 90 degree sitting angle.

Best Office Chairs For Shoulder Pain

How does an office chair work when you have shoulder pain?

If you already have an injury or source of discomfort that is causing shoulder pain, you should follow guidance on ergonomic set-up even more carefully than usual to ensure your workstation is adjusted to avoid further strain.

Use a quick checklist to ensure your workstation and position are optimal. When you can, sit actively, and avoid too much time in any one posture. 

Read More >> The Best Way To Sit For Blood Circulation

Even with a supportive and ergonomic chair, prolonged periods of sitting still could strain your body and make shoulder pain worse.

Simple stretches can be done at a desk, unless your doctor has advised resting your shoulder.

What to look for in the best office chair for shoulder pain?

Remember to make sure that your office chair is well suited to your height and weight.

Its dimensions should also fit comfortably into available space at your desk with sufficient room for regular movement.

Read More >> Best Office Chairs For Plus Size People

Best Office Chairs for Shoulder Pain Reviewed

 #1  Best all-round option: DUOREST Gold Home Office Desk Chair

Duorest Gold Ergonomic Office Chair with Twin...
  • Height Adjustable Headrest: The headrest is height adjustable to comfortably fit the user. Head and neck support helps maintain proper posture and reduces fatigue after sitting for a long time.
  • Duorest System: Ergonomically designed twin backrests allow the spinal column to maintain its natural shape and keep the backbone free from pressure even when reclined. The backrests flexibly move on the X, Y and Z axes.

This mid-range ergonomic chair from Duorest offers a range of features to support your body and ensure your working comfort.

The dual-backrest system moves flexibly on X, Y and Z axes, delivering supported movement while keeping your back straight. Tilt and tension adjustment and locking. Ergonomic sitting angle.

Seat height ranges from around 16.8 - 21.3”, backrests are height, depth and width adjustable and armrests can be adjusted for height and width. Headrest is height and angle adjustable. 

DuoRest’s YouTube video for this model demonstrates how you can make adjustments to your Gold Home Office Desk Chair:

Pros:

  • Ergonomic design
  • Highly adjustable to suit body type and sitting preferences while supporting healthy posture
  • Up to three year warranty for materials and construction

Cons:

  • Some reviewers appear to struggle to master the wide range of possible adjustments
  • Not everyone likes the dynamic backrest

#2  Best budget option: Hbada Office Task Desk Chair

Hbada Office Desk Chair with Flip-Up Armrests...
  • Customer Trusted Chair: Hbada J1 Office Desk Chair is the choice of 10 million people worldwide, used by more than 3 million households.
  • W-shaped cushion: Made of memory sponge with a thickness of 4.9'', the W-shaped cushion of this chair fits the curves of the buttocks and legs, relieving the pressure of prolonged sitting.

Seat height adjustable from 17.7 - 21.2”. Compact shape with armrests that flip up for under-desk storage. 

Breathable and supportive mesh construction with 360 degree swivel.

Pros:

  • Good adjustability for price range under $200
  • Allows tilt or rocking motion for active sitting
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • Seat cushion too thin for comfort of some reviewers
  • May not be big enough for tall or large users
  • Creaking and popping noises when using the chair

#3  Best high end option: Herman Miller Embody Ergonomic Office Chair

Herman Miller Embody Ergonomic Office Chair |...
  • RHYTHM fabric is tight, smooth soft to the touch, and prevents heat buildup
  • INNOVATIVE ERGONOMIC DESIGN - More than 20 physicians and PhDs in the fields of biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics contributed their expertise to help guide the development of this chair. As a result, Embody has set a new benchmark for pressure distribution, natural alignment, and support for healthy movement in ergonomic seating.

Innovative ergonomic design informed by experts in medicine, biomechanics, physical therapy, and other related fields, in order to support a neutral and balanced posture.

Multi-layered and body-responsive structure for maximum dynamic support, active sitting and comfort.

Pros:

  • Highly adjustable to suit wide range of user heights, shapes and sitting preferences
  • Extended model can be requested for very tall (e.g. over 6’6) users
  • 12 year warranty

Cons:

  • Not all reviewers find the dynamic seating design comfortable
  • Some reports of chairs being returned after arriving with broken or non-functional parts

#4  Best multi-position option: HAG Capisco Puls

Fully adjustable saddle chair with an award-winning design. Supports active sitting and regular movement in three different postures.

Seat height and depth, back height and back tilt can all be adjusted to provide ergonomic support and comfort.

Environmentally friendly construction using 50% recycled materials.

Pros:

  • Generous seat height range from 21.5 – 30” to suit a range of heights
  • Allows multiple seating positions - forward, reverse, or side-on
  • Tilting seat for active sitting and easy movement to stand

Cons:

  • Narrow seat and weight limit of 250lb make this chair unsuitable for bigger, heavier users

#5  Best active sitting option: Varier Move Tilting Saddle Stool

Varier Move Tilting Saddle Stool (Dark Grey...
  • The original Tilting Saddle Stool designed by Per Die in 1985
  • Perfect match for a height-adjustable table

Varier’s NEAT certified tilting saddle stool promotes active sitting, raising resting heart rate by +10% while strengthening core muscles and guiding your head, neck and shoulders into correct alignment.

Slightly convex wooden base moves with your body as the tilting seat encourages frequent changes of position, and the swivel function minimizes the need to turn your head.

Pros:

  • Suitable for standing, leaning or sitting at a desk
  • Very generous height adjustability of over 10 inches (22” to 32.25”)
  • Simple tool-free assembly

Cons:

  • Fixed base without wheels makes this stool unsuitable if you need to roll frequently between working surfaces without standing

Final thoughts on office chairs for shoulder pain 

Our top 5 guide puts you in a good position to find the right office chair to suit your needs and help manage shoulder pain. 

Whether your shoulder pain is a long or short term issue, buying a highly ergonomic and adjustable chair is a great longer term investment which should continue to promote physical health and working comfort in the future, even if your shoulder pain clears up.

Last update on 2022-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Darryl Higgins

Hi, I'm Darryl. I made this site to help share information & reviews about ergonomic desks, chairs & accessories to help others who want to work more comfortably. Learn more about my journey by reading my bio here. Enjoy!
Picture of Darryl Higgins

Darryl Higgins

Hi, I'm Darryl. I made this site to help share information & reviews about ergonomic desks, chairs & accessories to help others who want to work more comfortably. Learn more about my journey by reading my bio here. Enjoy!

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